11 Largest Ransomware Attacks, Data Violations and Cybersecurity Incidents in USA in 2024

In 2024, cyber security risks enhanced the United States to affect businesses, government institutions, and millions of persons. These events highlight the increasing need for active cyber security solutions, from large-scale ransomware attacks to intelligence campaigns.

For businesses, especially in Long Island, working with a Cyber Security Consultant Long Island or an IT company in Long Island can provide necessary protection against such developed threats. In 2024, the most significant cyber-attacks in the United States resulted in a major disruption.

1. Change Healthcare Ransomware Attack 

One of the most destructive ransomware attacks in 2024 targeted United Health’s subsidiary, Health Services. Hackers encrypted critical systems, disrupting healthcare operations across the country. The attackers stole sensitive data, including medical records, social security numbers, and financial statements. Hospitals and pharmacies faced extreme delays in insurance claims and formula processing.

2. Snowflake Data Breach

The snowflake was a significant violation of high-profile customers, including Ticketmaster and Centender Bank. Hackers exploited weak passwords and accessed large amounts of sensitive customer data, highlighting the need for better authentication and safety policies in cloud storage services. 

3. Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon (Chinese Steering Attack): 

The Chinese state-proposed hacking group Salt Typhoon and Volt Typhoon targeted American telecom firms, including AT&T and Verizon. These attacks compromised sensitive customer communication and increased national security concerns. 

4. National Public Data Violation

National public data exposed a large-scale violation in a data accumulation company involving the individual information of 1.3 million persons. The stolen data included social security numbers, financial records, and home addresses, which caused identity theft concerns.

5. AT&T Data Breach

In December 2024, AT&T confirmed that hackers associated with the Salt Typhoon compromised parts of its network. The company quickly responded, implemented the security patch, and worked with federal officials to reduce risks.

6. Arranation Ransomware Attack

Healthcare giants faced a ransomware attack in May 2024, crippling hospital operations in many states. Critical medical systems were encrypted, and patient care and emergency services were delayed.

7. Internet Archive Breach

A cyberattack highlighting user login credentials targeted Internet Archive, a non-profit digital library. Hackers accessed the database with email addresses and passwords.

8. Del Data Breach

Tech veteran Dell Technologies reported a violation in which customer order data, including names and shipping addresses, was compromised. While the financial information was safe, the incident raised questions about Dell’s security structure.

9. MICROSOFT Breach

In a sophisticated attack, Midnight Blizzard, a Russian cyber group, broke into Microsoft’s internal network and stole sensitive emails and system credentials. The attack highlighted the vulnerability of the safest technical companies. 

10. SRP Federal Credit Union Data Breach

SRP Federal Credit Union Data Breach influenced thousands of banking customers, exposing financial records and account details. The incident expressed concern over banking security and data security. 

11. Crowdastrik IT Outage

In July 2024, the Cybersecurity Firm Crowdstrike experienced a large-scale IT outage due to a faulty software update. This breakdown affected global businesses, including hospitals, airlines, and financial institutions that rely on the cybersecurity incident’s security services.

Some Safety Precautions Against Cyber Threats

Hence, everyone should make it mandatory for themselves and their businesses to proactively adopt cyber security measures to save data in these ever-increasing cyber-attacks. The standard practices for becoming robust against raiding cyber-attacks or incidents of data-breach documents are:

• Multi-factor authentication: 

Passwords alone will not be sufficient. Integrating other security measures, like multi-factor authentication, is imperative to fortify security.

• Regular Software Updates: 

Install periodically on the “wave” to keep operating systems and all applications updated, eventually confining potential vulnerability exposure.

• Encryption of Data: 

Sensitive data will be encoded to prevent unauthorized access.

• Cyber training Employee: 

Adopt the skill of identifying phishing scams and engage in safe practices on the internet.

• Back up valuable data: 

Regularly setting up backup credentials and data helps protect data against ransomware attacks.

• Partnership with Cybersecurity Experts: 

Consult a cybersecurity expert from Long Island to enhance security-protecting features at levels.

• Invest in State-of-the-Art Threat Detection: 

Invest in tools that will detect and mitigate cyber threats from future damage.

Implementing the above measures can significantly reduce an organization’s chances of being attacked by cyber threats and strengthen its resilience for a longer duration.

To wrap up

It is an ideal reminder about the strong cyber security solutions and ransomware protection & prevention solutions on long island that are required now or in the very short term into the near future. Adaptive technologies are developing, as are their types of attacks concerning industries with data-sensitive applications, from ransomware to data breaches. 

The active steps include partnerships with a cyber security consultant and having a managed IT  services on Long island for increased security budgeting. It is no longer an alternative to detect progressive threats; investing in employee training and data encryption is necessary to survive today’s digital scenario.

That is it! If there’s a need for cyber security, get working now to get ahead of any risks and protect your data beforehand!