Yahoo. First American. Marriott.
Believe it or not, these household names have made headlines for all the wrong reasons — massive data breaches that left billions of user accounts exposed and vulnerable.
Curious to know more?
Let’s take a closer look at three of the biggest hacks in history:
1. Yahoo!
- Total accounts impacted: 3 billion
- Year: 2013
Undoubtedly, one of the most monumental breaches ever witnessed, Yahoo’s data breach unfolded in 2013, although it wasn’t until 2016 that Yahoo disclosed the true magnitude of the issue.
The breach exposed an extensive array of sensitive information, including names, dates of birth, email addresses, and passwords, for a staggering 3 billion users.
2. First American
- Total accounts impacted: 900 million
- Year: 2019
First American Financial Corp., a prominent American real estate and mortgage insurer, shocked the public by revealing that a staggering 900 million sensitive customer files had been left unprotected.
It remains uncertain whether any unauthorized access occurred. However, the sheer volume of highly sensitive data left susceptible to cyberattacks was alarming.
Among the information at risk were Social Security numbers and bank account details, highlighting the severity of the potential consequences.
3. Marriott
- Total accounts impacted: 500 million
- Year: 2014-2018
Back in November 2018, Marriott International acknowledged a breach in their guest reservation systems.
This breach exposed a massive number of accounts, potentially impacting 500 million guests.
The compromised accounts contained a wealth of highly sensitive data, ranging from names and passport numbers to credit card details.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the breach went undetected for nearly five years.
No Business is too Big or too Small to be Hacked
Online security isn’t just a concern for large corporations.
In fact, a new report shows small businesses are 3X more likely to be targeted by cybercriminals than larger companies.
These monumental hacks have not just scarred the landscape of digital history but also brought about vital transformations. They underline the crucial importance of cybersecurity and serve as constant reminders that in the vast expanse of the digital universe, vigilance and security are not just options, but necessities.
No matter the size of your business, it’s your responsibility to safeguard your online presence, protect your customers, and preserve the trust you’ve worked so hard to build.
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