Cyber-attacks have become an all-too-common occurrence in recent years, with high-profile hacks making headlines on a regular basis. Here are just a few examples of some of the most notable cyber-attacks that have taken place in recent times:
Marriott data breach: In 2018, the Marriott hotel chain announced that hackers had gained access to the reservation system of its subsidiary, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. The attack resulted in the theft of personal information belonging to up to 500 million guests.
Capital One data breach: In 2019, a hacker was able to access the personal information of over 100 million Capital One customers, including names, addresses, and credit scores.
SolarWinds supply chain attack: In 2020, it was discovered that hackers had gained access to the networks of multiple government agencies and Fortune 500 companies using compromised software updates from SolarWinds, a Texas-based IT company.
Twitter hack: In July 2020, a group of hackers was able to access the Twitter accounts of high-profile individuals and organizations, including former President Barack Obama and tech mogul Elon Musk. The hackers used the compromised accounts to promote a Bitcoin scam.
Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack: In May 2021, a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline, a major fuel supplier in the United States, resulted in the company being forced to shut down its operations. The attack had significant consequences, leading to fuel shortages and panic buying in some parts of the country.
These are just a few examples of the many cyber-attacks that have taken place in recent years. They serve as a reminder of the importance of taking steps to protect ourselves and our information online. This includes using strong passwords, being cautious about the links and attachments we click on, and keeping our software and operating systems up to date.