In the first half of 2024 [2] [4], the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported a significant increase in data breach victims in the United States [2] [6], with over 1 billion individuals affected [4], marking a 409% rise from the previous year.
Description
The number of data breach victims surged by 1170% annually in the second quarter alone, with major breaches at organizations like Prudential Financial and Infosys McCamish System leading to revised estimates of millions of affected individuals [6]. The ITRC’s H1 2024 Data Breach Analysis documented a total of 1571 data compromises [6], a 14% increase from the previous year [4]. The financial services sector experienced a 67% increase in breach incidents compared to the previous year [6], making it the most compromised industry [2] [3], followed by healthcare companies [2] [3]. Driver’s license data theft also increased by 23% in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, reflecting its growing use for identity verification [3] [5]. Credential stuffing attacks on Snowflake cloud service customers accounted for a large portion of the victims [1] [3]. Notable incidents like the Change Healthcare supply chain attack contributed to the total number of victims reaching over 1 billion in H1 2024.
Conclusion
These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and prevent further breaches. Organizations must prioritize data security and implement robust protocols to safeguard against cyber threats. The increasing sophistication of cyber attacks underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and proactive defense strategies. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for businesses and individuals to stay vigilant and adapt to the changing threat landscape to mitigate risks and safeguard personal information.
References
[1] https://www.prweb.com/releases/identity-theft-resource-center-sees-third-most-data-breach-victims-in-a-quarter-in-q2-2024-302194487.html
[2] https://www.digit.fyi/us-data-breach-victims-surge-by-1170-in-q2-2024/
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/identity-theft-center-sees-third-115200608.html
[4] https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2024/07/18/data-breach-what-to-do/74441060007/
[5] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/us-data-breach-victims-surge-1170/
[6] https://cybermaterial.com/us-data-breach-victims-surge-dramatically/
