10 Most Notorious Examples of Cybersecurity Breaches in History
Introduction
Cybersecurity breaches have become one of the greatest concerns of the modern world. It can affect organizations, small or big, and individuals. Cybercrime is a constantly evolving threat and with the rise of technology, the number of attacks is also increasing. In this article, we will discuss the 10 most notorious examples of cybersecurity breaches in history.
1. Equifax
In 2017, one of the biggest credit bureaus in the US, Equifax, suffered a data breach that exposed sensitive information of over 143 million customers. The hack exploited a vulnerability in their website, a flaw that could have been easily prevented if Equifax had followed its internal security procedures.
2. Target
In 2013, Target faced a massive data breach resulting in the loss of personal and financial data for over 110 million customers. Hackers gained access to Target’s payment system through a phishing email sent to an HVAC vendor.
3. Yahoo
Yahoo faced several data breaches in the years 2013-2014 where hackers were able to gain access to three billion user accounts. The breach resulted in the theft of personal information, including names, email addresses, phone numbers, and passwords.
4. Marriott
In 2018, Marriott experienced a massive data breach where systems of its newly acquired Starwood chain were compromised. Through the attack, hackers gained access to sensitive information of 500 million customers, including passport details, email addresses, and credit card details.
5. Sony Pictures
In 2014, Sony Pictures suffered one of the most talked-about cyber-attacks in history. Cyber criminals gained unauthorized access to Sony’s network and released sensitive information, including emails, salaries, and unreleased movies.
6. Anthem
Anthem, a health insurance company in the US, was hacked in 2015 by a group of Chinese hackers. The breach resulted in the loss of personal information of over 80 million customers, including their social security numbers, addresses, and employment details.
7. Adobe
In 2013, Adobe suffered a major security breach where the usernames and encrypted passwords of nearly 38 million users were stolen. The company was criticized for not properly securing its data.
8. eBay
In 2014, eBay suffered a massive data breach where hackers gained access to a database with users’ personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth. The company advised its users to change their passwords.
9. JP Morgan Chase
In 2014, JP Morgan Chase, one of the largest banks in the US, suffered a cybersecurity breach that affected over 76 million households. The hackers gained access to sensitive data, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and internal email communications.
10. Home Depot
In 2014, Home Depot was hacked, exposing data for 56 million credit and debit cards. The breach occurred through the retailer’s payment systems, as hackers installed malware on self-checkout systems.
Conclusion
These notorious examples of cybersecurity breaches demonstrate the high vulnerability of our digital world. It is essential for individuals and businesses to remain vigilant when it comes to online safety. Security measures, such as strong passwords and two-factor authentication, should be taken seriously and regularly reviewed to stay protected from cybercrime.
