The Most Notorious Hacks of 2023
As we navigate the intricate landscape of the digital age, the stark reality of cybersecurity vulnerabilities has been vividly illustrated through a series of high-profile breaches in 2023. From major corporations to beloved brands, the menace of cyber threats spared no entity. Here's an overview of the most impactful incidents that unfolded over the course of this year.
MGM Resorts International: September 2023
In a targeted assault attributed to the Scattered Spider group, MGM Resorts International fell victim to a cyberattack in early September, revealing the vulnerability even colossal corporations face in the digital realm. The assault, employing ransomware by ALPHV (BlackCat), resulted in a staggering estimated revenue loss of $80 million over five days. The incident underscored the critical importance of layered cybersecurity defenses, regular security audits, incident response plans, employee training, and third-party risk management.
MOVEit: June 2023
The widespread hack of the file transfer tool MOVEit reverberated across more than 200 organizations and impacted up to 17.5 million individuals. Federal agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Health and Human Services, were among the targets. Attributed to the Clop ransomware group, this incident underscored the necessity for robust security measures, especially in the wake of a security vulnerability in MOVEit's software.
T-Mobile: May 2023 (and January 2023)
T-Mobile faced its second data breach of 2023 in May, exposing the personal information of over 800 customers. This marked the company's ninth breach since 2018, eroding both finances and customer trust. The breach, coupled with a previous incident in January, reinforces the imperative for companies to invest in comprehensive cybersecurity measures.
Yum! Brands (KFC, Taco Bell, & Pizza Hut): April 2023
In April, Yum! Brands, the parent company of popular fast-food chains, confirmed a cyber attack that occurred in January. While initially believed to impact only corporate data, it was later revealed that employee personal information was exposed. The incident prompted the closure of nearly 300 UK locations in January and continues to impact the company's finances and brand perception.
ChatGPT: March 2023
ChatGPT, renowned for its revolutionary AI capabilities, faced a setback in late March with a data breach. While the breach exposed certain user information, including names and email addresses, prompt action was taken to mitigate the impact. The incident highlights the need for heightened security measures in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology.
Chick-fil-A: March 2023
Chick-fil-A confirmed a data breach of its mobile app in March, exposing customer personal information. While the breach affected less than 2% of customer data, the company is reinforcing online security measures and reimbursing affected accounts to prevent future cyber attacks.
Activision: February 2023
The video game giant Activision confirmed a data breach in February, revealing that employee data, including emails and salaries, was compromised. The incident, stemming from an SMS phishing attack, emphasizes the need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially in the gaming industry.
Google Fi: February 2023
Google Fi experienced a high-profile data breach as a consequence of the T-Mobile data breach earlier in the year. The compromise of customer phone numbers highlights the potential for cybercriminals to exploit such information for malicious purposes.
MailChimp: January 2023
MailChimp, the email marketing platform, fell victim to a data breach in January resulting from a social engineering attack. The incident emphasizes the ongoing challenge of securing customer information and underscores the importance of continuous efforts to enhance platform security.
Norton Life Lock: January 2023
Norton Life Lock notified customers of over 6,000 breached accounts in January due to a "stuffing" attack. This incident reinforces the critical role of multi-factor authentication in safeguarding against cyber threats.
As we reflect on these events, it is clear that the digital landscape demands constant vigilance and evolving cybersecurity strategies. The lessons learned from these incidents underscore the need for organizations, regardless of size, to prioritize robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information. If you are not confident in your current security measures, ThreatAdvice has a variety of solutions that can help. Reach out today so that we can discuss your unique needs.