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2024’s Biggest Cyberattacks: A Cybersecurity Year in Review

by | Jan 10, 2025

 Credit: Freepik

In 2024, cybersecurity became more critical than ever as cybercriminals targeted organizations and individuals with increasingly sophisticated attacks. The rise of digital transformation, remote work, and connected devices has expanded the attack surface, making data security a top priority. Cybercrime surged this year, with breaches, ransomware, and state-sponsored espionage disrupting businesses, governments, and critical infrastructure. In this blog, we’ll explore the most notorious cyberattacks of 2024, examining the methods used, the impact on victims, and key lessons learned to strengthen defenses in the face of growing cyber threat.

1. Ticketmaster Data Breach

Overview of the Ticketmaster Breach

In early 2024, Ticketmaster fell victim to a significant data breach, which compromised the personal and financial information of millions of customers. The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in one of Ticketmaster’s third-party payment providers, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive customer data, including credit card numbers, names, addresses, and other personal details. The attack primarily affected transactions made between November 2023 and January 2024, with estimates suggesting that up to 10 million accounts were impacted by the breach.

Impact on Customers and the Company

The breach had a major impact on both customers and Ticketmaster itself. For customers, the exposure of financial information led to unauthorized transactions, increased risk of identity theft, and widespread concern about the security of their data. Ticketmaster also faced considerable reputational damage, as trust in the company’s ability to safeguard sensitive information was significantly eroded. On top of this, the company faced legal repercussions, including class-action lawsuits from affected individuals, further complicating its recovery efforts.

Resolution and Post-Breach Actions

In the wake of the breach, Ticketmaster took immediate steps to address the situation and strengthen its security measures. The company conducted an extensive investigation to assess the extent of the breach and worked with cybersecurity experts to patch vulnerabilities in its systems. Ticketmaster notified affected customers, offering identity protection services to mitigate potential damage. The company also committed to bolstering its security protocols by enhancing encryption, improving its third-party vendor vetting processes, and implementing stricter access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA). These steps were designed to rebuild customer trust and prevent similar breaches in the future.

 

2. London Drugs Data Breach

Overview of the London Drugs Cyberattack

In 2024, London Drugs experienced a data breach after cybercriminals exploited a vulnerability in its customer service platform. Hackers accessed personal information, including names, addresses, phone numbers, emails, and payment card details, affecting thousands of customers. The breach was discovered after unusual activity was detected, with the incident spanning several weeks.

Response from London Drugs

The breach impacted a large portion of London Drugs’ customer base, particularly those who used its online services. London Drugs quickly launched an investigation and notified affected customers, offering credit monitoring services and advice on protecting against fraud. The company also informed privacy authorities in Canada and took immediate steps to secure its systems.

Implications for Customers and Follow-Up Measures

The breach raised concerns about data security, leaving customers vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. In response, London Drugs enhanced its security measures, including stronger encryption, access controls, and regular security audits. The company is committed to improving its cybersecurity practices to protect customer data in the future.

 

3. University of Winnipeg Data Breach

Overview of the UofW Breach

In March 2024, the University of Winnipeg discovered a data breach after cybercriminals gained unauthorized access to their systems. The breach was believed to have occurred several months earlier, and was identified after unusual network activity triggered an investigation.

Type of Data Affected and Impact

The breach exposed personal information, academic records, banking information, and contact details of students, faculty, and staff. This caused concern among the university community, as individuals worried about identity theft, credit card fraud, and misuse of academic data, while operations were temporarily disrupted.

Examination of the Attack Method and Response

The breach was attributed to a ransomware attack, where hackers encrypted data and demanded a ransom. The university took its systems offline to prevent further damage and worked with cybersecurity experts to recover data without paying the ransom.

Steps Taken for Future Prevention

The breach underscored the need for stronger cybersecurity practices, including regular updates and staff training. In response, the University of Winnipeg improved security with multi-factor authentication, better encryption, and ongoing system reviews to prevent future attacks.

 

4. Change Healthcare Ransomware Incident

Overview of the Change Health Ransomware Attack

In 2024, Change Healthcare, a major provider of technology solutions to the healthcare industry, fell victim to a ransomware attack. The hackers gained access to the company’s systems, encrypting critical data and demanding a ransom for its release. The attack was detected after unusual system activity raised alarms, leading to an immediate response from the company’s security team.

Impact on the Healthcare Sector

The ransomware attack caused significant operational disruption, particularly affecting the company’s billing, claims processing, and patient record management services. Healthcare providers using Change Healthcare’s platform experienced delays and difficulties accessing patient information, leading to potential risks to patient care. The attack also underscored the vulnerability of the healthcare sector, which has become a prime target for cybercriminals due to the sensitive nature of the data involved.

Measures Taken by Change Healthcare

Following the attack, Change Healthcare worked with cybersecurity experts to recover encrypted data and restore its systems. The company focused on reinforcing its defenses by implementing enhanced encryption protocols, improving threat detection systems, and conducting comprehensive security audits. Additionally, Change Healthcare provided affected healthcare providers with support to minimize the impact on their operations. The company has since prioritized strengthening its cybersecurity infrastructure to prevent future incidents and ensure the safety of patient data.

5. Columbus Ohio Ransomware Attack

Overview of the Columbus City Government Cyberattack

In 2024, the city government of Columbus, Ohio, was hit by a significant ransomware attack that disrupted multiple public services. Hackers encrypted critical city data and demanded a ransom for its release. The attack targeted the city’s IT infrastructure, affecting systems used by various departments, including public safety, utilities, and human resources.

Scale of the Breach and Impact

The breach severely impacted city operations, causing delays in services such as utility management, payroll, and emergency response systems. Local residents experienced disruptions in their ability to access public services, and the city’s IT staff worked tirelessly to restore functionality. The attack not only hindered day-to-day operations but also put the city’s data at risk of exposure or loss.

What Columbus Did to Secure Systems

In response to the attack, Columbus took swift action to restore its systems and limit further damage. The city’s IT team worked with external cybersecurity experts to decrypt files and secure vulnerable systems. Columbus also implemented stronger security measures, such as improved data backups, enhanced employee training on phishing, and multi-factor authentication to protect against future attacks. The city has committed to investing in ongoing cybersecurity improvements to safeguard critical infrastructure and prevent future ransomware incidents.

 

6. Seattle Airport Cyber-Attack

Overview of the Cyber-Attack on Seattle Airport’s Systems

In 2024, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport fell victim to a cyber-attack that compromised several of its critical systems. Hackers targeted the airport’s digital infrastructure, including flight information displays, baggage handling systems, and ticketing platforms. The attack led to significant disruptions in airport operations, causing delays and confusion for both staff and travellers.

Impact on Airport Operations

The breach severely affected the airport’s ability to operate smoothly. Flight information was temporarily inaccessible, causing confusion among travelers regarding gate changes and delays. Baggage handling systems were disrupted, leading to longer wait times for checked luggage. Additionally, the attack raised concerns about airport security, as the cybercriminals potentially gained access to sensitive personal and travel data. This incident highlighted the vulnerability of transportation hubs to cyber threats, with travellers experiencing firsthand the cascading effects of a cyber-attack.

Seattle Airport’s Response

Following the attack, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport immediately worked to restore its systems and prevent further breaches. The airport collaborated with cybersecurity professionals to assess the damage and enhance its security protocols. To prevent future incidents, SEA implemented stronger encryption, multi-factor authentication for system access, and improved employee training on recognizing cyber threats. The airport also conducted a full security audit of its digital infrastructure and invested in more advanced threat detection systems to safeguard its operations and passengers from evolving cyber threats.

 

Conclusion

2024 has been a year marked by some of the most notorious and disruptive cyberattacks, highlighting the growing sophistication of cybercriminals and the increasing threat to both private organizations and government institutions. From data breaches to ransomware and cyber espionage, the implications of these attacks underscore the urgent need for proactive cybersecurity measures. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that the evolving threat landscape will continue to challenge businesses and governments alike. Strengthening defenses, investing in advanced threat detection, and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness will be critical in staying ahead of cyber adversaries. The need for continual vigilance and adaptation to emerging threats has never been more important.