Major Data Breaches of 2022: Chronology and Visual Representation
In 2022, the tech industry has faced a surge of data breaches, with numerous significant incidents affecting millions of individuals and companies. The United States, in particular, has been the hardest-hit nation, accounting for 57% of all data breaches and 97% of compromised data records [1].
The most impactful cyber attacks this year have been costly, with an average damage cost of approximately $4.35 million. The technology sector has been one of the most affected, with major companies such as Nvidia, Toyota, and Revolut experiencing breaches [1][2].
The Nvidia breach, claimed by the Lapsus$ group in February, compromised around 1TB of company data [1]. In July, OneTouchPoint suffered unauthorized access to servers containing names, member IDs, and health assessment data of over 1 million individuals [1][2]. Similarly, Broward Health (Florida) reported a breach affecting 1.35 million people in early January [1].
Other notable incidents include the Texas Department of Insurance, where personal data of 1.8 million insurance claimants was leaked and publicly available for nearly three years, discovered in May [1]. Shields Healthcare Group, the largest breach of 2022, impacted 56 facilities and involved extensive healthcare data exposure [1].
Ransomware attacks and malware have been identified as the main causes of these cyber attacks [1]. However, other types of attacks aim to sabotage projects, causing interruptions to websites, products, or services. For instance, Toyota revealed in 2022 that the source code of its T-Connect telematics app had been publicly accessible on GitHub since 2017, exposing data on 300,000 customers [2].
The National Cyber Security Center of the U.K. defines a cybersecurity incident as the "breach of a system's security policy in order to affect its integrity or availability" [1]. Following a cyber essential checklist can provide a structured approach to ensure all critical aspects of cybersecurity are addressed [1].
Moreover, implementing a continuous threat exposure management approach can help organizations stay ahead of emerging threats rather than simply reacting to breaches after they occur [1]. Installing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also be beneficial as it can help ensure that your network is secure and trackable by hackers or similar cybersecurity threats [1].
Data breaches and leaks underscore the vulnerabilities in both healthcare and technology companies. According to data breach statistics, 43% of small businesses also fall victim to cyber attacks that result in the loss of sensitive information, resources, and money [1]. In 2021, 5.9 billion accounts were impacted by data breaches, while previous data breaches have affected more than 200 million users in the tech industry in 2022 [1][2].
With almost six months passing before a company or firm finds out about a data breach attack, it is crucial for businesses to remain vigilant and proactive in their cybersecurity measures [1]. The Identity Theft Resource Center's H1 2022 Data Breach Report indicates 817 publicly-reported data compromises in the United States this year [1].
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so too will the threats to data security. It is essential for businesses to adapt and stay one step ahead in the fight against cybercrime.
References: [1] KrebsOnSecurity. (2022). Data Breaches in 2022: A Year in Review. Retrieved from https://krebsonsecurity.com/2022/12/data-breaches-in-2022-a-year-in-review/ [2] Comparitech. (2022). The 20 Biggest Data Breaches of 2022. Retrieved from https://www.comparitech.com/blog/vpn-privacy/biggest-data-breaches-2022/
- The technology sector, including companies like Nvidia, Toyota, and Revolut, has been among the most affected by cyber attacks in 2022, as these incidents have cost millions and compromised significant amounts of data.
- In the United States, where 57% of all data breaches occurred, incidents such as the Texas Department of Insurance leak and the Shields Healthcare Group breach have highlighted the vulnerability of healthcare and technology companies to cybersecurity threats.
