Data breaches have become an alarming reality in our lives, compromising the personal information of millions and exposing individuals and organizations to significant risks. Over the past two years, several high-profile incidents have underscored the scale and severity of this issue. 

In this post, we’ll explore some of the most notable breaches, their implications, and practical steps you can take to safeguard your data and respond effectively if you’re affected. Let’s dive into the details.

The past two years have seen some of the largest data breaches in history. In January 2024, the “Mother of All Breaches” (MOAB) exposed over 26 billion records from platforms like Twitter, Adobe, Canva, LinkedIn, and Dropbox. This 12-terabyte leak, one of the largest ever recorded, heightened risks of phishing and credential-stuffing attacks.

In 2024, AT&T faced a significant breach that compromised personal data, including Social Security numbers and account details, of nearly all its wireless customers. This followed a 2023 breach affecting nine million users, with data from as early as 2019 surfacing on the dark web.

Change Healthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, suffered a ransomware attack in 2024 that exposed Social Security numbers, medical records, and addresses of millions of patients, highlighting the vulnerability of healthcare data Termly, Top 10 Biggest Data Breaches of All Time. Similarly, Forever 21 reported a 2023 breach impacting 500,000 customers, with names, bank account details, and Social Security numbers accessed.

More recently, in June 2025, a leak of 16 billion login credentials from platforms like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Telegram was reported, prompting urgent calls on X for users to update passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

These incidents aren’t the first we’ve had and certainly won’t be the last, and they illustrate the persistent and evolving threat of cybercrime.

So, why does this matter to you?

Data breaches expose sensitive information—passwords, Social Security numbers, email addresses—that cybercriminals can exploit for phishing, identity theft, or ransomware. The 2024 Verizon Data Breach Investigation Report noted that one-third of breaches involved ransomware or extortion, with global cybercrime costs projected to reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. These incidents impact not just corporations but individuals, threatening financial security and personal privacy.

How can you stay safe?

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and there are proactive steps you can take to protect your data:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid reusing passwords across accounts, and consider a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to generate and store them securely.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): 2FA adds an extra layer of security, such as a text code or authenticator app, to verify your identity. Activate 2FA on all accounts that support it, including email, banking, and social media.
3. Monitor for Breaches: Check if your email has been compromised using Have I Been Pwned. If your information is exposed, update passwords immediately and watch for suspicious activity.
4. Beware of Phishing: Cybercriminals often use fake emails or texts to trick users into sharing sensitive information. Verify the source before clicking links or downloading attachments.
5. Freeze Your Credit: If financial or personal data is exposed, contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to freeze your credit. This free step prevents fraudsters from opening accounts in your name.
6. Keep Software Updated: Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit, like the Apache Struts flaw in the 2017 Equifax breach CSO Online. 
7. Use a VPN on Public Wi-Fi: A VPN encrypts your connection, protecting your data on unsecured networks like those at cafes or airports.

What to Do If You’re Affected by a Breach

If your data is compromised, swift action can mitigate the damage:

1. Update Passwords: Change passwords for affected accounts and any others using similar credentials. Ensure they’re strong and unique.
2. Monitor Accounts: Regularly check bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for unauthorized activity. Set up fraud alerts with credit bureaus.
3. Notify Financial Institutions: Inform your bank or credit card provider if financial data was exposed. They can monitor for fraud or issue new cards.
4. Consider Identity Theft Protection: Services like LifeLock or IdentityForce can monitor your information for signs of fraud. Some companies, like AT&T, offer free credit monitoring post-breach.
5. Report Identity Theft: If you suspect fraud, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission at IdentityTheft.gov and contact local law enforcement.
6. Stay Alert: Monitor for phishing attempts or unusual activity for months after a breach, as hackers may delay their attacks.

Data breaches, from the AT&T incident to the massive 2025 credential leak, highlight the growing sophistication of cyber threats. While organizations should strengthen their defenses, people play a critical role in protecting their own data. By adopting strong passwords, enabling 2FA, and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk. 

Stay ahead of the game by staying informed, friends!