What Companies Have Had Data Breaches Recently?
In the digital age, data breaches have become a common occurrence, posing significant risks to both individuals and organizations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, numerous companies have recently fallen victim to data breaches, compromising the security and privacy of their customers. This article highlights some of the notable companies that have experienced data breaches in recent times.
1. Equifax
One of the most significant data breaches in history occurred in 2017 when Equifax, one of the largest credit reporting agencies in the United States, was hacked. The breach exposed the personal information of approximately 147 million people, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, and addresses. This incident raised concerns about the security of consumer data and led to increased scrutiny on the credit reporting industry.
2. Marriott International
In 2018, Marriott International announced that it had suffered a data breach affecting approximately 383 million guests. The breach originated from the company’s Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide database, which Marriott had acquired in 2016. The attackers gained access to guests’ personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, passport numbers, and payment card details.
3. British Airways
In September 2018, British Airways disclosed a data breach that affected approximately 380,000 customers. The breach occurred due to a cyber attack on the company’s website and mobile app, where attackers managed to access customers’ payment card information. The compromised data included names, payment card details, and cardholder’s personal identification numbers (PINs).
4. Facebook
In April 2019, Facebook revealed that it had experienced a data breach affecting nearly 50 million users. The breach was caused by a vulnerability in the “View As” feature, which allowed attackers to scrape the personal information of Facebook users. The exposed data included names, birthdates, locations, and other personal details.
5. T-Mobile
In March 2020, T-Mobile announced that it had suffered a data breach affecting approximately 2.5 million customers. The breach exposed customers’ personal information, including names, birthdates, and driver’s license numbers. The attackers gained access to the data through a vulnerability in T-Mobile’s billing system.
Conclusion
The aforementioned data breaches highlight the growing threat of cyber attacks on companies across various industries. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it is crucial for organizations to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect their customers’ personal information. Companies must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding against data breaches, as the consequences can be severe, both financially and reputationally.
