As we approach the end of 2024, it’s impossible to ignore the trail of cybersecurity disasters that have marked this year. From high-profile ransomware attacks to devastating data breaches, these incidents have left a lasting impact on businesses and individuals alike. The lessons from these attacks are clear: no one is immune, and waiting to act only increases your risk. Let’s dive into the most significant cybersecurity disasters of 2024 to understand the challenges we face.

1. Ascension Health Data Breach
In May, Ascension Health, one of the largest U.S. hospital operators, suffered a ransomware attack that compromised the medical data of approximately 5.6 million individuals. The breach disrupted clinical operations and exposed sensitive patient information. (Source)

2. SRP Federal Credit Union Breach
Between September and November, SRP Federal Credit Union experienced a data breach affecting over 240,000 members. Hackers accessed sensitive personal data, including Social Security numbers and financial information. (Source)

3. Salt Typhoon Telecom Hacks
Throughout the year, a Chinese state-sponsored hacking group known as Salt Typhoon infiltrated major U.S. telecommunications providers, including Verizon, AT&T, and Lumen Technologies. These breaches raised concerns about potential exploitation of U.S. surveillance systems. (Source)

4. CrowdStrike Update Incident
In July, a flawed update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused global outages, affecting approximately 8.5 million Windows devices. The incident disrupted operations across various sectors, including airlines and banking. (Source)

5. Snowflake Data Breach
Hackers accessed and stole information from Snowflake customer cloud instances, impacting companies such as AT&T, Ticketmaster, and Santander Bank. The breach involved the theft of sensitive customer data, leading to significant security concerns. (Source)

In 2024, we saw an alarming variety of cyberattacks, from ransomware to nation-state infiltrations. In 2025, the focus of attackers may shift, but the threat will remain constant. Hackers are expected to target new sectors, with a particular focus on:

• Cloud Deployments: As seen in the Snowflake breach, cloud infrastructures are becoming primary targets. This underscores the importance of having a robust backup and recovery system to mitigate risks in cloud deployments.
• Third-Party Dependencies: Relying on third-party tools and integrations, such as Salesforce for customer management or Snowflake for cloud data warehousing, can create weak points in your system. If a vendor or partner is targeted by hackers, it could compromise your data as well. Strengthening vendor security, regularly assessing risks, and ensuring third-party providers follow best practices are essential steps to protect your network.

Whatever cybersecurity trends 2025 brings, now is the time to improve your cybersecurity posture. The earlier you act, the better prepared you’ll be to avoid becoming part of next year’s statistics.

Many businesses struggle with where to begin their cybersecurity journey. Let’s start with the basics: cybercriminals often exploit common entry points, such as phishing emails, weak passwords, or unpatched software vulnerabilities. Securing your email is a critical first step, as it’s one of the most frequently targeted gateways.

Proactive Email Protection with 2b1 Advanced Email Security

• • Email security is crucial because most breaches start with phishing attacks or compromised accounts. Our solutions block threats before they reach your inbox, keeping your data safe. Email security is your first line of defense against cyber threats.

Expert Guidance

• • Cybersecurity can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, from risk assessment to implementation.

Customized Solutions

• Every individual and organization is unique, which is why we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Whether you’re a small business owner or a large enterprise, we’ll create a cybersecurity plan that works for you.

If there’s one lesson to take away from 2024’s cybersecurity disasters, it’s this: waiting until it’s too late is not an option. Cybercriminals are constantly evolving, and the time to secure your digital data is now.

Let 2b1 Care be your partner in cybersecurity. Together, we’ll ensure that you’re protected against whatever threats the future may hold. Contact us today to get started—because when it comes to cybersecurity, there’s no time to lose.