Top Cyber Attacks of All Time: Biggest Hacks That Shook the World
The year 2024 has been a turning point in cybersecurity, with almost every month bringing headlines of a new and more dangerous cyber attack. From ransomware hitting critical infrastructure to massive data leaks and AI-powered phishing scams, the digital world has faced continuous waves of threats. What makes this trend alarming is that cyber attacks are not slowing down; they are growing stronger, smarter, and more frequent.
Hackers are no longer relying on old methods. Instead, they are adopting advanced techniques such as deepfake scams, supply chain compromises, and AI-driven malware to bypass even the most advanced defenses. Each incident serves as a reminder that no system is 100% secure, and every individual, business, or government remains a potential target. The rise in these attacks shows that cybercrime is evolving faster than security teams can respond.
The reality is clear: cyber attacks are increasing year after year, not decreasing. With billions of dollars lost, sensitive data exposed, and critical services disrupted, the impact is being felt across the globe. In this blog, we will break down the top cyber attacks of 2024, highlight their methods, and uncover the lessons we must learn to stay safe in the digital future.
Top Big Cyber Attacks, Data Breaches and Ransomware Attacks of 2024
1. National Public Data (consumer data broker)
2. Change Healthcare (UnitedHealth Group)
3. Ticketmaster / major ticketing incidents
4. Hi-Tek Group Data Leak
5. Dell (large exfiltration / partner account misuse)
6. Hot Topic / BoxLunch (retail)
7. Ivanti / enterprise VPN/patching issues
8. Ascension & other major healthcare breaches
9. Major public sector / national datasets (France / Brazil incidents)
10. WazirX Cryptocurrency Exchange Hack
11. BSNL Data Breach
12. Angel One Personal Data Leak
13. Polycab Ransomware Attack
14. Hathway ISP Database Breach
15. SPARSH Portal Data Breach
Top Cyber Attacks of 2024: A Brief Discussion on Major Threats and Techniques
1.National Public Data (consumer data broker)
In one of the largest global data breaches, National Public Data leaked 2.9 billion records, including names, Social Security Numbers (SSNs), addresses, phone numbers, and dates of birth. Unlike passwords, this information can’t be changed, putting billions at long-term risk of identity theft and fraud.The breach was caused by misconfigured systems and weak access controls, leaving sensitive databases exposed. This shows how poorly regulated the data broker industry is compared to banks or healthcare providers.
Victims may now face fraud, scams, and targeted attacks for years. Experts urge people to use credit monitoring, fraud alerts, or freezes to protect themselves.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stricter government regulations, stronger privacy laws, and security-by-design practices to prevent similar breaches in the future.
8 April 2024
2. Change Healthcare (UnitedHealth Group
In February 2024, Change Healthcare (UnitedHealth Group) suffered one of the largest healthcare cyberattacks. The BlackCat ransomware group breached its systems, exposing data of nearly 190 million Americans, including SSNs, medical records, and billing details. Unlike passwords, this information can’t be changed, creating long-term risks of fraud and identity theft.The attack happened because a critical server lacked multi-factor authentication (MFA), allowing hackers to exploit stolen credentials. This single weakness disrupted hospitals, pharmacies, and insurance claims nationwide.
UnitedHealth reportedly paid a $22 million ransom, but experts warn the stolen data could still surface on the dark web.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger healthcare cybersecurity, strict regulations, and zero-trust security models to prevent future crises.
21 Feb 2024
3. Ticketmaster / major ticketing incidents
The breach reportedly came from a third-party cloud misconfiguration, which left sensitive databases vulnerable. This shows how even global companies can fall victim to poor vendor security practices.
Hackers later put the stolen data for sale on the dark web for $500,000, raising serious concerns about fraud and financial abuse.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger cloud security, stricter vendor monitoring, and government regulations to protect consumer data in the digital economy.
27 May 2024
In March 2024, Hi-Tek Group, a Taiwan-based semiconductor and electronics supplier, suffered a major data leak. Hackers exposed nearly 500 GB of sensitive corporate data, including client contracts, financial records, internal communications, and employee details. Such leaks are especially dangerous in the tech supply chain, where even one breach can impact global partners.
The incident was linked to a ransomware attack that exploited weak access controls and outdated systems. This shows how supply chain companies, often with limited cybersecurity budgets, are becoming easy targets for cybercriminals.
The leaked files were later offered on the dark web, creating risks of corporate espionage, fraud, and IP theft for Hi-Tek and its global clients.
This breach highlights the growing need for supply chain security, regular patching, and zero-trust frameworks, especially in critical industries like semiconductors.
In May 2024, Dell Technologies confirmed a major data breach after hackers gained access through a compromised partner account. The attackers exfiltrated data of around 49 million customers, including names, physical addresses, phone numbers, and order details. While no financial or password data was exposed, this information still poses a risk of scams and targeted phishing.
The breach was caused by partner account misuse and weak access controls, showing how third-party vendors can become a serious entry point for cybercriminals.
Soon after, hackers put the stolen Dell customer data for sale on underground forums, raising the threat of fraud, identity misuse, and corporate targeting.
This incident highlights the urgent need for strict vendor monitoring, strong authentication, and tighter access controls to protect customer data in today’s connected business ecosystem.
4. Hi-Tek Group Data Leak
The incident was linked to a ransomware attack that exploited weak access controls and outdated systems. This shows how supply chain companies, often with limited cybersecurity budgets, are becoming easy targets for cybercriminals.
The leaked files were later offered on the dark web, creating risks of corporate espionage, fraud, and IP theft for Hi-Tek and its global clients.
This breach highlights the growing need for supply chain security, regular patching, and zero-trust frameworks, especially in critical industries like semiconductors.
5. Dell (large exfiltration / partner account misuse)
The breach was caused by partner account misuse and weak access controls, showing how third-party vendors can become a serious entry point for cybercriminals.
Soon after, hackers put the stolen Dell customer data for sale on underground forums, raising the threat of fraud, identity misuse, and corporate targeting.
This incident highlights the urgent need for strict vendor monitoring, strong authentication, and tighter access controls to protect customer data in today’s connected business ecosystem.
10 May 2024
In April 2024, Ivanti, a global IT management and enterprise software provider, suffered a major cybersecurity incident. Hackers exploited unpatched vulnerabilities in Ivanti’s VPN and endpoint management systems, gaining access to sensitive client data and internal corporate systems.
The breach affected multiple organizations worldwide that relied on Ivanti for IT security and patch management. Compromised data included system configurations, administrative credentials, and sensitive operational information, which could be leveraged for further attacks.
The incident was caused by delayed patching and misconfigured access controls, demonstrating the critical risk posed by enterprise software vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
This breach highlights the urgent need for regular vulnerability management, timely patching, and zero-trust access frameworks to secure enterprise IT infrastructure and prevent cascading effects across client networks.
In 2024, Ascension Health, one of the largest U.S. healthcare providers, faced a major ransomware attack that exposed sensitive patient data. Millions of records, including medical histories, insurance details, and personal identifiers, were at risk.
The breach occurred due to vulnerable IT systems and insufficient endpoint protections, allowing hackers to encrypt and exfiltrate critical healthcare data. Other healthcare providers were similarly targeted during the year, highlighting a wider pattern of attacks on hospitals, labs, and clinics.
This exposure disrupted patient care, billing, and pharmacy operations, causing financial and operational challenges for affected organizations. Hackers often demanded ransom, threatening to release stolen data publicly.
The incident underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures, stronger HIPAA compliance, multi-factor authentication, and regular employee training to protect sensitive health information and maintain patient trust.
6. Hot Topic / BoxLunch (retail)
In June 2024, U.S.-based retail chains Hot Topic and BoxLunch reported a major data breach that exposed sensitive customer information. Hackers gained access to millions of user accounts, including names, emails, phone numbers, addresses, and partial payment details. This puts customers at long-term risk of phishing scams and identity theft.
The breach was traced to credential-stuffing attacks, where hackers used previously leaked usernames and passwords to break into accounts. This highlights how poor password hygiene and lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) make retail businesses an easy target.
Soon after the attack, stolen customer data was shared and traded on hacker forums, raising the risk of fraudulent purchases and financial scams.
This incident shows the urgent need for MFA adoption, stronger login protections, and customer awareness to secure e-commerce and retail platforms from similar attacks.
The breach was traced to credential-stuffing attacks, where hackers used previously leaked usernames and passwords to break into accounts. This highlights how poor password hygiene and lack of multi-factor authentication (MFA) make retail businesses an easy target.
Soon after the attack, stolen customer data was shared and traded on hacker forums, raising the risk of fraudulent purchases and financial scams.
This incident shows the urgent need for MFA adoption, stronger login protections, and customer awareness to secure e-commerce and retail platforms from similar attacks.
19 October 2024
7. Ivanti / enterprise VPN/patching issues
The breach affected multiple organizations worldwide that relied on Ivanti for IT security and patch management. Compromised data included system configurations, administrative credentials, and sensitive operational information, which could be leveraged for further attacks.
The incident was caused by delayed patching and misconfigured access controls, demonstrating the critical risk posed by enterprise software vulnerabilities in global supply chains.
This breach highlights the urgent need for regular vulnerability management, timely patching, and zero-trust access frameworks to secure enterprise IT infrastructure and prevent cascading effects across client networks.
8. Ascension & other major healthcare breaches
The breach occurred due to vulnerable IT systems and insufficient endpoint protections, allowing hackers to encrypt and exfiltrate critical healthcare data. Other healthcare providers were similarly targeted during the year, highlighting a wider pattern of attacks on hospitals, labs, and clinics.
This exposure disrupted patient care, billing, and pharmacy operations, causing financial and operational challenges for affected organizations. Hackers often demanded ransom, threatening to release stolen data publicly.
The incident underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures, stronger HIPAA compliance, multi-factor authentication, and regular employee training to protect sensitive health information and maintain patient trust.
8 May 2024
9. Major public sector / national datasets (France / Brazil incidents)
These breaches put citizens at long-term risk of identity theft, fraud, and targeted attacks, as exposed data included personal identifiers, addresses, and national ID numbers that cannot be changed.
The incidents were caused by poor security practices, lack of encryption, and insufficient oversight of government IT systems, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in public sector data management.
This demonstrates the urgent need for stronger government regulations, robust security audits, and strict data protection practices to prevent similar nationwide breaches in the future.
10. WazirX Cryptocurrency Exchange Hack
In July 2024, WazirX, a major Indian cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a massive cyberattack that resulted in the theft of approximately $234.9 million (₹2,000 crore) in crypto assets. Hackers, reportedly linked to North Korea’s Lazarus Group, exploited vulnerabilities in WazirX’s platform to access wallets and transfer funds to unknown addresses.
Unlike passwords, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, putting users at long-term financial risk. The breach was attributed to insufficient security controls and weak wallet access protections, showing gaps in cryptocurrency exchange security.
Following the attack, WazirX temporarily halted operations, coordinated with law enforcement, and promised users steps to recover funds where possible.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger security protocols, multi-signature wallets, and regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency industry to prevent similar large-scale financial thefts.
Unlike passwords, cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, putting users at long-term financial risk. The breach was attributed to insufficient security controls and weak wallet access protections, showing gaps in cryptocurrency exchange security.
Following the attack, WazirX temporarily halted operations, coordinated with law enforcement, and promised users steps to recover funds where possible.
This incident underscores the urgent need for stronger security protocols, multi-signature wallets, and regulatory oversight in the cryptocurrency industry to prevent similar large-scale financial thefts.
18 July 2024
11. BSNL Data Breach
In June 2024, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) experienced a major data breach exposing over 278 GB of sensitive information, including SIM card details, IMSI numbers, and server snapshots of users across India. Unlike passwords, this data cannot be changed, putting millions of customers at long-term risk of identity theft, fraud, and targeted scams.
The breach occurred due to misconfigured servers and weak access controls, highlighting vulnerabilities in telecom infrastructure and poor cybersecurity hygiene.
Exposed data could be misused for SIM cloning, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access to telecom services.
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for robust security measures, regular audits, and stronger regulations to protect critical telecommunications data in India.
The breach occurred due to misconfigured servers and weak access controls, highlighting vulnerabilities in telecom infrastructure and poor cybersecurity hygiene.
Exposed data could be misused for SIM cloning, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access to telecom services.
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for robust security measures, regular audits, and stronger regulations to protect critical telecommunications data in India.
12. Angel One Personal Data Leak
In 2024, Angel One, a major Indian financial services platform, suffered a data leak exposing sensitive personal and financial information of its users. The compromised data included names, contact details, PAN numbers, and account-related information, putting customers at long-term risk of identity theft, fraud, and phishing attacks.
The leak was caused by poor access controls and inadequate security measures, showing vulnerabilities in fintech platforms handling sensitive financial data.
Stolen data could be exploited for financial scams, unauthorized transactions, and social engineering attacks.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity protocols, multi-factor authentication, and regulatory oversight to protect financial data in India.
The breach occurred due to weak access controls and system misconfigurations, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical government IT infrastructure.
Exposed data could be misused for financial scams, phishing, and unauthorized access to government benefits.
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures, strict data access policies, and regular audits to protect sensitive public sector information in India.
The leak was caused by poor access controls and inadequate security measures, showing vulnerabilities in fintech platforms handling sensitive financial data.
Stolen data could be exploited for financial scams, unauthorized transactions, and social engineering attacks.
This incident highlights the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity protocols, multi-factor authentication, and regulatory oversight to protect financial data in India.
13. Polycab Ransomware Attack
In March 2024, Polycab, a leading Indian electrical goods manufacturer, suffered a ransomware attack that disrupted its IT systems and operations. Hackers encrypted critical corporate data and demanded a ransom, putting the company’s production and supply chain at risk.
The breach occurred due to unpatched vulnerabilities and weak network security, highlighting the risks faced by industrial and manufacturing companies in India.
Although the company managed to restore most operations, sensitive data could have been exfiltrated, increasing the risk of industrial espionage and operational sabotage.
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for robust cybersecurity practices, regular patching, and incident response planning to protect critical manufacturing infrastructure.
The breach occurred due to unpatched vulnerabilities and weak network security, highlighting the risks faced by industrial and manufacturing companies in India.
Although the company managed to restore most operations, sensitive data could have been exfiltrated, increasing the risk of industrial espionage and operational sabotage.
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for robust cybersecurity practices, regular patching, and incident response planning to protect critical manufacturing infrastructure.
17 March 2024
14. Hathway ISP Database Breach
In January 2024, Hathway, a leading Indian ISP, suffered a massive data breach exposing personal information of over 41.5 million customers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and account details. Unlike passwords, this data cannot be changed, putting users at long-term risk of identity theft, fraud, and phishing attacks.
The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in Hathway’s Laravel-based CMS, which was exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to customer databases.
Stolen data could be misused for SIM swapping, social engineering scams, and financial fraud.
This incident highlights the urgent need for regular security audits, timely patching, and stronger data protection practices in India’s telecom sector.
In 2024, SPARSH Portal, developed by Tata Consultancy Services to manage pensions for Indian defence personnel, suffered a data breach exposing sensitive personal and financial information of thousands of users. The leaked data included names, addresses, bank details, and service records, putting personnel at long-term risk of identity theft, fraud, and targeted attacks. The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in Hathway’s Laravel-based CMS, which was exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized access to customer databases.
Stolen data could be misused for SIM swapping, social engineering scams, and financial fraud.
This incident highlights the urgent need for regular security audits, timely patching, and stronger data protection practices in India’s telecom sector.
15. SPARSH Portal Data Breach
The breach occurred due to weak access controls and system misconfigurations, highlighting vulnerabilities in critical government IT infrastructure.
Exposed data could be misused for financial scams, phishing, and unauthorized access to government benefits.
This incident emphasizes the urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures, strict data access policies, and regular audits to protect sensitive public sector information in India.
10 Jan 2024
Why We Must Protect Ourselves from Cyberattacks
The data breaches and cyberattacks of 2024 have shown just how vulnerable our personal and financial information can be. From healthcare and retail to telecom and cryptocurrency platforms, no sector is completely safe. In many of these attacks, sensitive data like Social Security numbers, bank account details, emails, phone numbers, and other personally identifiable information were exposed—information that cannot be changed. Such leaks put millions at long-term risk of identity theft, phishing, fraud, and financial loss.
To protect ourselves, it is crucial to adopt strong cybersecurity habits: use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, keep systems and apps updated, avoid clicking suspicious links or emails, and monitor credit and fraud alerts regularly. Only share personal information on trusted platforms, and stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats.
Conclusion
The 2024 breaches make it clear that no individual or organization is entirely immune to cyberattacks. Security is not just about technology—it also relies on awareness and vigilance. Timely updates, strong passwords, adherence to security policies, and continuous cyber awareness are essential defenses. By taking these steps, we can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercrime and ensure the safety of our personal and organizational data.Follow us :: Cybernewsx
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