Cybercrime is a growing problem that affects millions of people worldwide. In the US alone, some of the biggest recent data breaches in history have occurred in recent years, ranging from major corporations to government institutions. From Yahoo! to the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), these 23 data breaches have exposed confidential information and left users vulnerable to identity theft and other forms of fraud. Take a look at this list to find out which organizations were hacked and how they impacted their customers.
- Equifax: In 2017, the credit reporting agency Equifax suffered one of the largest data breaches in US history when hackers gained access to the personal information of over 143 million people. This included Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and driver’s license numbers. The breach cost the company dearly in terms of financial losses and reputational damage.
- Anthem: In 2015, the health insurance provider Anthem suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of nearly 80 million customers. This included Social Security numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. The company spent millions of dollars investigating the attack and providing credit monitoring services to affected customers.
- Yahoo!: In 2013 and 2014, Yahoo! experienced two separate data breaches that exposed the email addresses, passwords, and security questions of over 3 billion users. The company was criticized for its slow response to the attacks and its failure to protect user data.
- Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD): In 2016, the LAUSD suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 500,000 students and staff members. This included Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and phone numbers. The breach was linked to an employee’s personal computer that had been infected with malware.
- Home Depot: In 2014, the home improvement retailer suffered a data breach that exposed the payment card information of 56 million customers. This included debit and credit card numbers, as well as expiration dates and CVV codes.
- Target: In 2013, the retail giant Target suffered a data breach that exposed the payment card information of over 40 million customers. This included debit and credit card numbers, as well as expiration dates and CVV codes.
- Heartland Payment Systems: In 2008, the payment processing company suffered a data breach that exposed the payment card information of over 130 million customers. This included debit and credit card numbers, as well as expiration dates and CVV codes.
- TJX Companies: In 2007, the retail company suffered a data breach that exposed the payment card information of over 45 million customers. This included debit and credit card numbers, as well as expiration dates and CVV codes.
- Sony PlayStation Network: In 2011, the video game network suffered a data breach that exposed the usernames, passwords, and credit card information of over 77 million customers. This included debit and credit card numbers, as well as expiration dates and CVV codes.
- Adobe Systems: In 2013, the software company suffered a data breach that exposed the usernames, passwords, and payment information of over 152 million customers. This included debit and credit card numbers, as well as expiration dates and CVV codes.
These are just some of the largest data breaches in US history. As technology advances, so do the methods used by hackers to gain access to confidential information. It’s important for organizations to take steps to protect their customers’ data and be prepared for potential cyber-attacks.
Top 23 Biggest Data Breaches in US History
The US has been plagued by numerous data breaches over the years, with some of the biggest ones impacting millions of users. In 2013, Yahoo! was hacked and 3 billion user accounts were compromised. In 2018, Marriott’s Starwood guest reservation system was breached and 500 million records were exposed. In 2019, Capital One suffered a massive data breach that compromised 100 million customers’ credit card applications and other personal data. Other major breaches have occurred at Target (2013), Equifax (2017), LAUSD (2016), and Home Depot (2014). All of these incidents demonstrate the need for organizations to take extra measures to protect their customers’ data from malicious actors. By investing in better security solutions and educating staff on cybersecurity best practices, companies can reduce the risk of a data breach occurring in their systems.
Data breaches are becoming increasingly common, and it is important for organizations to take measures to protect their customers’ data. Companies must invest in better security solutions and educate their staff on cybersecurity best practices in order to reduce the risk of a data breach. The Yahoo! breach in 2013 was one of the most devastating examples of data theft, so let’s take a closer look at how that unfolded and what lessons were learned from it.
In 2013, Yahoo! was hacked and 3 billion user accounts were compromised. This was one of the largest data breaches in US history, and it served as a wake-up call for many organizations. Following the breach, Yahoo! took steps to improve its security measures, such as implementing two-factor authentication and encrypting passwords with bcrypt. They also increased their bug bounty program to reward security researchers who find vulnerabilities in their systems. These steps were taken to ensure that such a breach would never happen again, and they have been successful in doing so.
The Yahoo! breach serves as a reminder of how important it is for organizations to take the necessary steps to protect their data. By investing in better security solutions and educating staff on cybersecurity best practices, companies can reduce the risk of a data breach occurring in their systems.
1. Yahoo!
The 2013 Yahoo! data breach was one of the most devastating cyberattacks in US history. It affected 3 billion user accounts and exposed a wide range of personally identifiable information (PII). The attack was carried out by a team of Russian hackers who used backdoors, stolen backups, and access cookies to steal records from all user accounts. This included names, email addresses, phone numbers, passwords, and dates of birth. The breach has been widely criticized for its lack of security measures that could have prevented the attack. Following the incident, Yahoo! implemented more stringent security measures such as two-step authentication and encryption protocols to protect users’ data. As a result of this breach, Yahoo! had to pay hundreds of millions in fines and settlements to those affected. This serves as an important reminder that organizations must invest in better security solutions in order to protect their customers’ data from malicious actors.
2. Microsoft
In January 2021, Microsoft reported a data breach resulting in unauthorized email exposure for over 30,000 US companies and 30,000 international organizations. The hackers exploited four zero-day vulnerabilities to gain entry. This breach of security has resulted in the exposure of individuals’ personal information, including names, email addresses, passwords, and dates of birth.
Microsoft has since responded swiftly and taken steps to ensure that all users are now protected from further attacks. They implemented two-factor authentication for all accounts and patched the vulnerabilities which allowed the hackers to gain access in the first place. The company also released automated remediation tools for organizations that were impacted by the attack. Microsoft has also offered free identity protection services for those whose data was compromised in this incident. This serves as an important reminder that even large corporations can be vulnerable to cyberattacks if proper security measures are not in place.
3. First American Financial Corp.
The First American Financial Corp. data breach is one of the worst data breaches in US history, with over 885 million records leaked in May 2019 as a result of poor security measures and faulty website design. The breach involved sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license images, bank account numbers, and tax documents that were exposed due to an insecure direct object reference (IDOR) error on their website.
This incident serves as an important reminder that proper security measures need to be implemented and regularly updated to protect consumer data from falling into the wrong hands. Following the breach, First American took immediate action by offering free identity protection services to those affected and issuing credit monitoring through a third-party provider. They also implemented additional security features such as two-factor authentication for all accounts and automated remediation tools for organizations impacted by the attack.
Overall, this incident highlights how vulnerable we are to cyberattacks if proper security protocols are not in place. It is essential for companies to ensure they take proactive steps to protect their customers’ data before it’s too late.
4. Facebook
In April 2021, Facebook experienced a data breach in which the names, phone numbers, account names, and passwords of over 530 million users were publicly accessible for a brief period. Facebook indicated that no data had been misused or improperly accessed, though these claims could not be verified.
This incident serves as an important reminder about how vulnerable our personal data can be if proper security measures are not taken. Following the breach, Facebook took immediate action by offering free identity protection services and issuing credit monitoring through a third-party provider. They also implemented additional security features such as two-factor authentication for all accounts and automated remediation tools for organizations impacted by the attack.
Overall, this incident highlights how important it is for companies to ensure they take proactive steps to protect their customers’ data before it’s too late. Data breaches can have serious consequences for individuals as well as businesses so it’s essential that we stay vigilant in order to help prevent them from happening in the future.
5. LinkedIn
In May 2021, LinkedIn suffered a data breach that exposed the personal information of over 500 million users. The attackers gained access to emails, phone numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information without authentication. The breach was especially damaging due to the high-profile nature of many of the victims being prominent business professionals, who could have been targeted for financial or identity theft.
Immediately after discovering the attack, LinkedIn took steps to protect its users by resetting compromised passwords and notifying affected individuals about the incident. They also implemented additional security measures such as two-factor authentication and increased monitoring of suspicious activities.
Despite these efforts, it is important for all LinkedIn users to remain vigilant in order to protect their personal data from future attacks. Make sure you use strong passwords with a combination of numbers and letters and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. It’s also important to regularly check your accounts for suspicious activities and report any unauthorized changes or access attempts as soon as possible.
6. JPMorgan Chase
JPMorgan Chase experienced one of the biggest data breaches in US history in September 2014. The attack compromised the accounts of over 76 million households and 7 million small businesses, lasting from June to July. The hackers managed to gain access to names, emails, and phone numbers without authentication.
Since then, JPMorgan Chase has taken steps to increase its security measures, such as implementing two-factor authentication and monitoring suspicious activities more closely. In addition, customers have been advised to use strong passwords with a combination of letters and numbers for added protection. It’s also important for users to regularly check their accounts for any unauthorized changes or access attempts.
Although financial fraud was limited due to the nature of the information stolen during the breach, it’s still important for users to remain vigilant when it comes to their personal data. By taking simple precautions like setting up two-factor authentication on your accounts and using unique passwords for each account, you can help ensure that your data is secure against future attacks.
7. Home Depot
Home Depot experienced one of the biggest data breaches in US history in April 2014. The attack compromised over 56 million payment card records and 53 million email addresses, lasting for five months before it was finally detected and removed from the networks of the popular home improvement store.
Following an investigation, cyber security experts suggested that the breach of Home Depot’s servers was caused by a third-party supplier. In response, Home Depot provided free identity protection services and advice to customers on how to protect their data.
The attack on Home Depot serves as a reminder of how important it is to take extra precautions when it comes to our online security. It’s essential to use strong passwords with a combination of letters and numbers, set up two-factor authentication on your accounts, and regularly monitor for any suspicious activity or unauthorized changes or access attempts. By taking these steps, we can help ensure that our personal data is secure against future attacks.
8. MySpace
MySpace, once one of the most popular social networking sites, suffered one of the biggest data breaches in US history in June 2013. Over 360 million user accounts were affected by the breach which included usernames, passwords, and dates of birth. The attack was made possible due to MySpace’s use of an unsalted hash algorithm to encrypt passwords. This algorithm had a fixed length that made it extremely easy for hackers to crack.
As a result of this data breach, MySpace began taking extra security measures to protect user data such as introducing two-factor authentication and hashing passwords with bcrypt. Users were also advised to change their passwords regularly and keep a close eye out for any suspicious activity on their accounts.
Although this attack was devastating for users at the time, it serves as an important reminder of the importance of online security and taking extra precautions when using websites or services that store our personal information.
9. FriendFinder Networks
FriendFinder Networks, a popular adult entertainment company, was the victim of one of the largest data breaches in US history in 2016. Over 412 million user accounts were compromised when six of its main databases were hacked. This included usernames, passwords, and additional sensitive information such as dates of birth.
The attack posed a great risk to users who had stored their personal information on FriendFinder’s website. As a result, the company began taking extra security measures to protect user data such as introducing two-factor authentication and hashing passwords with bcrypt. Users were also advised to change their passwords regularly and keep a close eye out for any suspicious activity on their accounts.
This data breach serves as an important reminder of how vulnerable our personal information can be online and why it is so important for us to take extra precautions when using websites or services that store our personal information.
10. Marriott International
Marriott International’s data breach in 2018 was one of the largest and most devastating data breaches in US history. The breach affected 500 million guests, whose personal information had been illegally accessed by an unknown third party.
The unauthorized access to the Starwood reservation database included guest names, addresses, phone numbers, passport numbers and credit card details. Marriott began taking extra security measures to protect user data by introducing two-factor authentication and hashing passwords with bcrypt. Additionally, they advised users to change their passwords regularly and keep a close eye out for any suspicious activity on their accounts.
This high-profile example serves as an important reminder of how vulnerable our personal information can be online and why it is so important for us to take extra precautions when using websites or services that store our data.
11. Adobe
In 2013, Adobe suffered a large data breach in which 38 million accounts had their payment card details exposed on the dark web, including user IDs and passwords, customer names, addresses and credit card numbers.
The breach had a major impact on both users and Adobe itself, as they faced backlash from angry customers and had to pay hefty fines for violating compliance regulations. In order to protect its customers, Adobe implemented additional security measures such as two-factor authentication and password hashing using bcrypt.
The attack was a stark reminder that our personal data is vulnerable to unauthorized access online and that we must take extra precautions when entrusting third-party websites or services with our private information.
12. eBay
In March 2014, eBay experienced a data breach that allowed hackers access to the main network, compromising the passwords of 145 million users. Fortunately, financial information was securely held on a separate server, limiting the attack to full names and passwords.
The impact of this breach was felt across the world as customers were left feeling vulnerable and angry at eBay for not providing adequate security measures to protect their personal data. In response, eBay implemented new security measures such as two-factor authentication and password hashing using bcrypt. This incident serves as an important reminder that our private information is always vulnerable to unauthorized access online, no matter who is managing it. We must all take extra precautions when entrusting third-party websites or services with our personal details.
13. Equifax
One of the most devastating data breaches to ever hit the United States is the 2017 Equifax breach. The well-known credit reporting agency was found to have exposed the personal data of 148 million Americans, and 163 million people worldwide. How did this happen?
A vulnerability in Apache Struts, a third-party web portal, allowed attackers access to Equifax’s internal servers. Despite being aware of the issue, Equifax failed to take action and update its security systems, leading to intruders staying active for 76 days. This resulted in an enormous amount of personal information such as Social Security numbers and home addresses being leaked online.
The fallout from this breach was huge – not only did Equifax face a barrage of lawsuits from victims who were left feeling vulnerable and violated, but it also highlighted just how important it is to ensure that companies are taking steps to protect customer data. It serves as a reminder that we cannot be complacent when it comes to our own personal security online – we must always be vigilant and take extra precautions when entrusting our data to anyone else.
14. River City Media
River City Media is the infamous email spam operation that suffered one of the worst data breaches in US history from 2016 to 2017. The leak exposed the personal details of almost 1.4 billion people and a host of internal company documents, such as IP addresses, full names, and physical addresses.
The breach was caused by River City Media’s failure to set up password protection when configuring backup servers to its MySQL database. This allowed hackers access to the entire company’s data without being noticed until it was too late.
The fallout from this breach has been significant – not only did it compromise the personal information of millions of unsuspecting individuals but it also exposed just how vulnerable companies and organizations can be if they fail to take adequate security measures. As a result, organizations must make sure that they are taking steps to adequately protect customer data and ensure that their systems are secure and up-to-date.
15. Target
The Target data breach of 2013-2014 is one of the most notorious and damaging cyber-attacks to ever hit the United States. The breach compromised the personal information of over 70 million customers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, and even credit card numbers.
The attack occurred after hackers gained access to Target’s network by exploiting a zero-day vulnerability in their payment system. This allowed the hackers to gain access to customer data, which they then exfiltrated and sold on the dark web.
The fallout of this attack was immense – not only did it cause huge amounts of financial damage to Target, but it also left customers feeling vulnerable and violated. In response, Target implemented a number of new security measures such as multi-factor authentication and encryption of customer data.
This incident serves as a reminder of how important cyber security is and how easily our private information can be compromised if the necessary precautions are not taken. Companies must ensure that their systems are up to date with the latest security measures and that they are actively monitoring for any suspicious activity. Additionally, customers should always take extra precautions when entrusting third-party websites or services with their personal details.
16. Heartland Payment Systems
The Heartland Payment Systems was the target of one of the most destructive data breaches in US history, occurring in 2008. This attack exposed approximately 134 million credit and debit card numbers and led to financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
The breach happened after hackers gained access to the company’s systems by exploiting a vulnerability in their payment processing software. Once in, they were able to access customer data such as card numbers, names, and addresses.
The fallout from this breach was huge – not only did it cause significant financial losses for Heartland and its customers, but it also highlighted the importance of having adequate security measures in place. The attack served as a wake-up call for organizations to take cyber security more seriously and to invest in robust security measures.
As a result, many organizations began to ramp up their cyber security practices and take more proactive steps to secure customer data. Additionally, many customers also became more aware of the importance of taking extra precautions when it comes to entrusting third-party websites or services with personal information.
17. Exactis
Exactis is another example of a massive data breach that occurred in 2018. The incident exposed the personal information of 340 million people and businesses. The breach was caused by a misconfigured database that was left publicly accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This allowed hackers to gain access to sensitive customer data such as names, addresses, emails, phone numbers, and even religion and interests.
The fallout from this breach was immense, with the company facing a class-action lawsuit and numerous fines. It also highlighted how important it is for companies to secure their systems and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to customer data. Additionally, customers should also be aware of the potential risks associated with entrusting third-party websites or services with their personal information.
In conclusion, data breaches continue to be a major issue for companies and customers alike. Companies must ensure that their systems are properly secured and actively monitored for any suspicious activity. Additionally, customers should take extra precautions when it comes to entrusting third-party websites or services with their personal information.
18. Capital One
The Capital One data breach of 2019 is one of the biggest and most damaging cyber-attacks in US history. The breach compromised the personal information of over 106 million customers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and even some financial details.
The attack occurred when a hacker gained access to Capital One’s network by exploiting a vulnerability in their system. The fallout from this breach was immense – not only did it cause huge amounts of financial and emotional damage to customers, but it also highlighted the importance of cyber-security. In response, Capital One implemented a number of new security measures such as multi-factor authentication and encryption of customer data.
This incident serves as a reminder that companies must ensure that their systems are up to date with the latest security measures and that they are actively monitoring for any suspicious activity. Additionally, customers should always take extra precautions when entrusting third-party websites or services with their personal details.
19. Dubsmash
The Dubsmash data breach in December 2020 was one of the largest and most serious data breaches in US history. Hackers were able to access the personal information of 162 million users, including usernames, email addresses, and even passwords stored as plain text.
The breach was caused by an unsecured database that wasn’t properly protected from outside access. Dubsmash quickly responded by resetting all user passwords and introducing two-factor authentication for added security.
This incident highlights the importance of cyber-security for companies, as well as the need for customers to take extra precautions when entrusting third-party websites or services with their personal information. Companies must ensure that their systems are up to date with the latest security measures and actively monitor for any suspicious activity. Additionally, customers should always use strong passwords and consider using two-factor authentication for added protection.
20. Deep Root Analytics
The Deep Root Analytics data breach of 2017 is one of the largest and most damaging cyber-attacks in US history. The breach compromised the personal information of over 198 million customers, including names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and even some financial details.
The attack occurred when hackers gained access to Deep Root Analytics’ network by exploiting a vulnerability in their system. The fallout from this breach was immense – not only did it cause huge amounts of financial and emotional damage to customers, but it also highlighted the importance of cyber-security. In response, Deep Root Analytics implemented a number of new security measures such as multi-factor authentication and encryption of customer data.
This incident serves as a reminder that companies must ensure that their systems are up to date with the latest security measures and that they are actively monitoring for any suspicious activity.
The bottom line
The biggest data breaches in US history serve as a reminder that companies must ensure that their systems are up to date with the latest security measures and actively monitor for suspicious activity. Additionally, customers should take extra precautions when entrusting third-party websites or services with their personal details. These lessons can help businesses protect their data from future attacks and prevent costly damages.
As data breaches become more common, companies must also invest in cyber-security training for their staff. It is vital that employees are aware of the threats that exist and how to protect against them. Regular training sessions should be held so that staff can stay up to date on the latest security measures and best practices. Furthermore, company policies should be updated to ensure that all sensitive information is kept secure.
Data breaches can have a huge impact on companies, both financially and reputationally. Companies should take steps to minimize the risk of these attacks by implementing robust security measures such as multi-factor authentication and encryption of data. Additionally, companies should also invest in cyber-security training for their staff and ensure that up-to-date policies are in place to protect sensitive information. By taking the necessary steps to protect their data, companies can help ensure that they are not vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
As more of our lives move online, it is essential that companies take the necessary steps to protect their customers’ data. In order to effectively do this, companies must invest in robust security measures such as multi-factor authentication and encryption of data. Additionally, regular cyber-security training for staff should be conducted to ensure that they understand the latest threats and best practices. Furthermore, companies should also make sure that their policies are up to date so that any sensitive information is kept secure. By taking these precautions, companies can help protect themselves and their customers from data breaches and the costly damages they can cause with online testing tools.
Companies must also understand that data breaches are not the only threat they face. Phishing attacks, social engineering, and malware can all be used to gain access to sensitive information. To combat these threats, companies should invest in employee education and awareness training sessions so that staff can identify potential security risks and take steps to protect themselves. Additionally, companies should also ensure that their systems are updated with the latest security patches and updates to reduce the risk of attack. By taking a proactive approach to security, companies can help protect their data and minimize the risk of costly data breaches.