This year has been a busy one for cybercriminals, with major data breaches making headlines and costing companies millions. From health care giants to event platforms, no industry is safe from these evolving threats. But what do these breaches mean for small and midsize businesses in NYC and Long Island? The same vulnerabilities exist, and the impact of not addressing them could be catastrophic.

Today, we’ll review five of the biggest breaches of 2024 and explain how your business can stay protected.

1. National Public Data

A hacking group recently claimed to have stolen 2.7 billion records from a background-checking and public data brokerage site. Sensitive information like Social Security numbers and addresses is reportedly circulating on the dark web. Given the scope, it’s crucial for everyone, including small business owners, to monitor their financial accounts and online identities. A practical step is freezing your credit, which adds an extra layer of protection against identity theft.

2. Ticketmaster

A data breach exposed the personal and financial information of over 560 million Ticketmaster customers, revealing security flaws and leading to unauthorized transactions for many affected users. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date cybersecurity practices to prevent unauthorized access.

3. Change Healthcare

In February 2024, a massive ransomware attack on Change Healthcare exposed sensitive data, including Social Security numbers and medical records, for over 145 million individuals. For small businesses, especially those in regulated industries, this underscores the importance of a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

4. AT&T

In March, AT&T faced a data breach affecting 73 million customers, with compromised Social Security numbers and account details circulating on the dark web. For small businesses, it’s a stark reminder to invest in employee training and strong data security practices to safeguard sensitive information.

5. Dell

A brute-force attack exposed 49 million records on Dell’s client portal, underscoring the importance of secure access points. For NYC and Long Island businesses, this breach illustrates the risks that third-party vendors can pose to your data security.

What These Breaches Mean for Your Business

While large corporations were the direct targets, small to midsize businesses are just as vulnerable. Cybercriminals often target SMBs, knowing they may lack the robust defenses of larger enterprises. A single breach can cost thousands in downtime, data loss, and damage to your reputation.

Protect Your Business With a FREE Security Risk Assessment

The best defense is a proactive one. We’re offering a FREE Security Risk Assessment to identify potential risks in your network and provide tailored solutions. Our team will assess your system vulnerabilities, strengthen weak points, and ensure your business is prepared against future attacks.

Don’t wait until you’re the next headline—schedule your FREE Security Risk Assessment today! Click here or call 718-412-9196.