Top 5 Cyber Attacks of 2024

The top five cyberattacks of 2024 are examined in this blog, along with the significance of each event and the important lessons that both individuals and companies may learn from it.

1. AT&T Data Breach 

This year, AT&T experienced two significant data breaches that exposed millions of customers' personal information. Attackers breached the system of a third-party vendor in March, revealing 73 million customers' private information, including encrypted passcodes. Nearly all AT&T customers' phone numbers and call logs were made public by another hack later in July.

Impact

Huge financial losses, regulatory scrutiny, and a decline in customer trust resulted from this breach's huge impact on user privacy. The consecutive hacks demonstrated how depending on outside vendors might increase dangers if security protocols aren't strictly followed.

Lessons Learned

• Vendor management and audits: Businesses need to make sure that outside vendors follow the same security guidelines.
• Frequent Security Evaluations: Frequent evaluations can identify partner system weaknesses before attackers take advantage of them.

2. Ivanti VPN Exploitation

In January, threat actors, notably a Chinese-affiliated outfit known as UNC5221, took advantage of flaws in Ivanti's Connect Secure VPNs. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Mitre were among the organisations affected by the hack of thousands of VPN devices. Many organisations depended on widely used VPN software for safe connections, and this attack made use of flaws in that software.

Impact

The security of remote access solutions, especially VPNs, which are becoming essential for distant workforces, was called into question by this hack. In addition to interfering with operations, the incident opened possible entry sites for further assaults.

Lessons Learned

• Patching and Updates: Patching vulnerabilities should be an organisation's top priority, particularly for systems that have direct external access.
• Network Segmentation: Once attackers get access to a network, they can't move laterally if access is restricted according to roles.

3. Microsoft Executive Account Breach

Microsoft was the subject of a highly skilled cyberattack that targeted prominent executives' accounts. The hack brought attention to the increased risks posed by executives and other people with access to vital data, even though specifics regarding the scope of the leaked data are still under wraps.

Impact

This attack exposed the special flaws in well-known accounts, which usually include sensitive company data. It also underlined how cyber espionage might influence companies as well as even national security.

Lessons Learned

• Account Security and Monitoring: For high-value accounts, organisations should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and keep a careful eye on all access attempts.
• Employee Awareness: Executives' vulnerability to attacks can be decreased by educating them about phishing techniques and other cybersecurity risks.

4. Transport for London (TfL) Cyber Incident

Transport for London (TfL) experienced a cyberattack on September 1st that prevented the processing of contactless and Oyster card payments. Customers were unable to register new cards, manage their accounts, or issue refunds as a result of the incident.

Impact 

The hazards to vital infrastructure and their immediate effects on the general public were highlighted by a disruption in the payment processing for a public transportation system. In addition to affecting user convenience, this hack put a pressure on TfL's finances.

Lessons Learned

• Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Strict access restrictions and ongoing security monitoring are required for public systems.
• Redundancy in Payment Systems: In the event that the main systems are interrupted, having backup or alternative systems helps guarantee service continuity.

5. Salt Typhoon Campaign

Hackers associated with the Chinese government launched an operation known as "Salt Typhoon," breaking into a number of U.S. broadband providers and gaining access to internet infrastructure in order to potentially launch cyberattacks and obtain customer data.

Impact

The weaknesses in the internet service infrastructure were brought to light by this state-sponsored initiative. Individuals, as well as larger digital communication networks, were at risk from the possible access to private user information.

Lessons Learned

• Collaboration and Threat Intelligence: Organisations can better prepare for and fend off sophisticated attacks by exchanging information about state-sponsored threats.
• Zero-Trust Architecture: Infrastructure can be made more resilient by limiting implicit trust and putting continuous verification into place.