1. National Public Data (2024) - "Game Over"
Damage Scale: 2.9 billion records
People Affected: Approximately 170 million people (USA, UK, Canada)
What happened?
The background check company National Public Data became the center of one of 2024's biggest data security scandals. The attack began in December 2023, but the stolen data only appeared for sale on the dark web in April 2024 – for $3.5 million.
The most outrageous part? The company only admitted there was a problem in August.
What data was stolen?
- Full names and addresses (current and previous)
- Social Security numbers
- Phone numbers
- Nicknames and other personal data
How did it end?
The company couldn't survive the consequences of the scandal – it filed for bankruptcy in October and completely ceased operations in December. This clearly shows that a serious data breach can pose not only a financial but also an existential threat to a company.
2. Yahoo (2013-2014) - "Hold My Beer" Moment 🍺
Damage Scale: 3 billion accounts (every Yahoo user)
Discovery: 2016 (3 years after the attack!)
What happened?
Russian state hackers targeted Yahoo and managed to gain access to every single user account. However, company leadership only noticed the problem in 2016 – three full years after the attack.
Initially, they claimed that "only" 1 billion accounts were affected. In 2017, they then confessed the truth: all 3 billion accounts were compromised.
What data was stolen?
- Email addresses and full names
- Phone numbers and birth dates
- Encrypted passwords
- Security questions and answers
What were the consequences?
- $117.5 million compensation to users
- $35 million fine for delayed reporting
- Verizon paid $350 million less for the company
- CEO Marissa Mayer lost her $12 million bonus
3. Equifax (2017) - The Price of a Missed Update
Damage Scale: Data of 147 million US citizens
Cause of Error: Uninstalled security patch
What happened?
At the credit agency Equifax, they knew about a software security vulnerability and also knew there was a fix for it. Yet they failed to install the update. Hackers were thus able to collect the most sensitive financial data undisturbed for 76 days.
What data fell into the wrong hands?
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates and addresses
- Driver's license numbers
- Credit card data
- Complete credit histories
What were the consequences?
- $1.4 billion cost for damage remediation
- $575 million settlement with authorities
- Resignation of CEO, IT director, and security chief
- Congressional hearings and stricter regulations
4. Marriott/Starwood (2018) - The 4-Year "Visit"
Damage Scale: Data of 500 million guests
Special Feature: 4 years of undetected attack
What happened?
In 2014, hackers broke into the Starwood hotel chain's system. When Marriott purchased Starwood in 2016, no one thoroughly checked the security of the systems. The attackers were thus able to continue "working" undisturbed for another two years – a total of four years.
What data was stolen?
- Guest names and contact information
- Passport numbers
- Credit card information
- Travel habits and locations
What's the lesson?
In corporate acquisitions, thorough security review of acquired systems is essential. The "technical transition" must include a complete security audit.
5. eBay (2014) - When One Email Decided Everything
Damage Scale: 145 million users
Cause of Error: Stolen employee login credentials
What happened?
eBay employees received targeted phishing emails, and someone among them fell for it. Hackers thus gained access to employee login credentials, which they then used to move freely through the system. Fortunately, financial data was stored on a separate server, which limited the extent of the damage.
What data was stolen?
- Usernames and encrypted passwords
- Email addresses and phone numbers
- Home addresses
What's the lesson?
The human factor is often the weakest point. The most advanced technology won't protect us if employees aren't properly prepared for attacks.
What can we learn from these stories?
1. Quick response matters
Yahoo waited three years to announce the problem, which only made the situation worse. Quick and honest communication can reduce damages.
2. Regular maintenance is vital
In Equifax's case, a single missed update caused the catastrophe. System updates are not optional.
3. The human factor is critical
The eBay case shows: the best technology is worthless if people aren't prepared.
4. The past catches up
In Marriott's case, a four-year attack remained hidden. Legacy systems and corporate acquisitions require special attention.
5. Multiple defense lines are needed
A single security measure is never enough. Only a comprehensive approach provides real protection.
How can you protect your company?
Immediate steps
- Two-factor authentication implementation for all important systems
- Regular security backups automation
- Employee training organization on the most common attack methods
- Access permissions regular review
Long-term strategy
- External security audit at least annually
- Emergency protocol development and practice
- Compliance programs (GDPR, ISO 27001) implementation
- Continuous monitoring systems establishment
Gloster Cloud's Security Solutions
As a Microsoft partner, we offer proven solutions that already include the necessary security functions by default:
Microsoft 365 Defender → Comprehensive protection for emails, documents, and applications
Azure Security Center → Cloud-based security monitoring with AI support
Microsoft Sentinel → Intelligent security information system with real-time threat detection
Intune → Mobile device management for secure remote work
Final Thoughts
These stories show that even the largest companies are vulnerable if there isn't proper attention and precaution. The good news, however, is that most disasters could have been avoided with thorough preparation and the right tools.
Don't wait until your company also appears on the next "biggest data breaches" list. A proactive approach is always more cost-effective than post-incident damage remediation.
The difference between a successful and a failed company often lies in a single decision: being prepared in time, or having to explain afterwards.
Want to learn how to protect your company against modern cyber threats? Contact us for a free security consultation.
