Alarming increase in data breach victims in Q2 2024
The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has reported a staggering increase in data breach victims, surpassing 1,000 percent in Q2 of 2024. The non-profit organisation tracked over one billion victims (1,041,312,601) in this quarter alone, marking a 1,170 percent rise from Q2 of 2023, which saw nearly 82 million victims.
Data breach victims surged by over 1,000% in Q2 2024! Share on X
The drivers behind the surge in data breaches
Consequently, this dramatic rise can be attributed to two significant data breaches in Q2. Two million individuals were affected by the Prudential data breach, while the Infosys McCamish Systems breach impacted six million. These incidents highlight the vulnerability of even the most robust systems and the scale at which personal information can be compromised.
Sectors under siege
The Financial Services sector was the hardest hit, with 407 breaches, a 67 percent increase from the previous year. Healthcare followed with 236 breaches, and Professional Services with 178. Notably, 90 percent of all compromises in the first half of 2024 were due to data breaches, with major incidents affecting companies like Ticketmaster, Advance Auto Parts, and Dell.
Data breach trends and vectors
Cyberattacks were the leading cause of breaches, accounting for 1,266 incidents and affecting over one billion individuals.
Systems and human-activated errors were responsible for 155 breaches, which affected more than 14 million victims. Supply chain attacks affected 446 entities and compromised over 10 million people.
A notable trend is the rise in stolen Driver’s License information, which was involved in 25 per cent of breaches in the first half of 2024. This uptick shows the post-pandemic reliance on Driver’s Licenses for identity verification in various transactions.
Northdoor comment
AJ Thompson, CCO Northdoor plc, commented on the findings:
“An increase of more than 1,000 per cent with one billion people impacted by data breaches is a truly shocking statistic which proves that the situation is only getting worse, not better. With Gartner predicting that 45% of global organisations will suffer an attack by 2025, safeguarding your organisation is crucial.”
“The challenge organisations face in defending against the myriad of attack tactics, whether ransomware, DDoS, or politically motivated disruptions, is immense. The situation will likely deteriorate further as cyber-criminals ramp up their efforts.”
The role of Northdoor IT Consultants
Given the increasing complexity and frequency of cyber threats, it is crucial to have a comprehensive view of potential vulnerabilities within an organisation and its supply chain. Internal teams are often overwhelmed, leading many to seek assistance from qualified IT consultants like Northdoor.
Northdoor’s managed service for cyber security is comprehensive and modular. We can provide a full service that designs and builds everything you need from the ground up or provide targeted solutions to supplement your existing security measures and practices.
Moving forward with Northdoor
The surge in data breaches is a stark reminder of the critical importance of cyber security. As we navigate through 2024 and beyond, organisations must remain vigilant, continuously updating their defences and seeking expert guidance to safeguard their data and maintain trust in the digital age.
For more information, contact us today.