Every year presents a unique set of security challenges and breaches, but 2024 saw some of the most significant hacks, with cybercriminals and state-sponsored groups exploiting vulnerabilities systematically. These attacks have had dire consequences for both organizations and the public, highlighting the essential need for improved cybersecurity measures.
China’s Salt Typhoon Telecom Breaches
Among the notable incidents was a prolonged espionage campaign by the Chinese group Salt Typhoon, which breached several US telecom companies, including AT&T and Verizon. This infiltration lasted for months and targeted key individuals, including state officials and campaign members. As a result, many companies are still struggling to eliminate the hackers from their systems.
Snowflake Customer Breaches
Another significant event involved breaches at various companies using the cloud storage provider Snowflake. Attackers gained access not by sophisticated hacking but through stolen passwords, exploiting accounts that lacked two-factor authentication. Major victims included Ticketmaster and Santander Bank. This led to the compromise of sensitive customer data, with nearly all records from AT&T’s calls and texts over a seven-month period in 2022 stolen. The arrest of a suspect, Connor Moucka, in Canada highlighted the ongoing issues surrounding account security.
Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack
A major ransomware incident struck Change Healthcare, significantly disrupting health facilities across the US and affecting over 100 million people. The attack, attributed to the Russian-speaking gang ALPHV/BlackCat, exposed a vast array of personal information. The company paid a $22 million ransom to mitigate the fallout, but this response only motivated hackers to target healthcare organizations even more aggressively. Legal repercussions have begun to mount, including a lawsuit from the state of Nebraska accusing Change Healthcare of security negligence.
Russia’s Midnight Blizzard Hits Microsoft
Microsoft faced a breach by the Russian hacking group known as Midnight Blizzard, linked to the SVR intelligence agency. The attackers compromised executives’ email accounts and conducted extensive surveillance on Microsoft’s communications. This incident illustrated the ongoing geopolitical tensions manifesting in cyber operations.
National Public Data Breach
A breach affecting the background check service National Public Data revealed grave security failures. Data began circulating on the dark web as early as April 2024, though the breach was only confirmed in August. The sensitive information exposed included Social Security numbers and dates of birth of around 1.3 million individuals, leading to serious concerns about identity theft and privacy.
Honorable Mention: North Korean Cryptocurrency Theft
In the realm of cryptocurrency, North Korean hackers escalated their operations to unprecedented levels. In 2024 alone, these state-sponsored cybercriminals led 47 attacks, stealing approximately $1.34 billion. Experts warn that these funds are likely used to support North Korea’s military ambitions, aggravating international security risks.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, organizations must remain vigilant and proactive to protect against these increasingly sophisticated attacks. The recurring themes of poor security practices and state-sponsored motivations underline the urgent need for enhanced protections in both public and private sectors.
