Top 10 Biggest Cyber Attacks of 2024

The year 2024 saw some of the biggest cyber attacks in history, affecting businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide. With hackers using advanced techniques, companies lost billions of dollars due to major data breaches of 2024 and ransomware attacks of 2024.

According to reports, global cybercrime damages are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. In 2024, multiple industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology, suffered from cyber threats. Some of the biggest data breaches of 2024 exposed millions of user records, putting personal and financial information at risk.

Now, let’s explore what cyber attacks, data breaches, and ransomware attacks are before diving into the top 10 biggest cyber attacks of 2024.

What Are Cyber Attacks?

Cyber attacks are attempts by hackers to steal, damage, or disrupt digital systems. They can target individuals, businesses, or governments, leading to data breaches and financial losses. Cybercriminals use tactics like malware, phishing, and ransomware to attack systems. As online threats keep changing, strong security measures are needed to protect important data and stop unauthorized access.

Types of Cyber Attacks

Cyber attacks come in many forms, each designed to exploit vulnerabilities in digital systems. Here are some common cyber threats:

• Malware Attacks – Harmful software like viruses, worms, and Trojans infect devices and steal or damage data.
• Phishing – Fraudulent emails or messages trick people into sharing personal or financial information.
• Ransomware – Hackers lock important files and demand payment to unlock them.
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) Attacks – Overloading a website or network to make it slow or unavailable.
• Man-in-the-Middle Attacks – Hackers secretly intercept and alter communication between two people.
• SQL Injection – Injecting harmful code into a database to steal or modify data.
• Zero-Day Exploits – Attacking software weaknesses before developers can fix them.

Understanding these cyber threats is essential for strengthening security and protecting sensitive data from hackers.

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• What is Cyber security? A Beginner’s Guide to Protecting Your Data

Top 10 Biggest Cyber Attacks of 2024

Cyber attacks have increased in scale and impact in 2024, targeting businesses, governments, and individuals worldwide. From major data breaches of 2024 that leaked millions of personal records to ransomware attacks crippling healthcare and financial institutions, the consequences have been severe. 

Here are the top 10 biggest cyber attacks of 2024:

1. UnitedHealth Group Data Breach

One of the biggest data breaches of 2024 happened when UnitedHealth Group, a leading insurance company, was hit by a ransomware attack. The hacker group BlackCat (ALPHV) stole personal data of over 100 million people, including medical records, billing details, and Social Security numbers. Attackers exploited weak security in a Citrix portal that lacked multi-factor authentication (MFA). This breach not only disrupted healthcare services but also highlighted how crucial data protection is in the medical sector.

2. Chinese Espionage on U.S. Telecommunications

A cyber-espionage group called Salt Typhoon, believed to be linked to the Chinese government, targeted major U.S. telecom companies, such as Verizon and AT&T. The attack involved unauthorized surveillance of nearly 150 individuals, including government officials and presidential campaign members. This incident was among the top cyber attacks of 2024, raising national security concerns and demonstrating the risks of cyber warfare in critical infrastructure sectors.

3. Snowflake Customer Account Breaches

Hackers gained access to Snowflake's cloud database platform by using stolen credentials that did not have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled. 165 customer accounts were compromised, including companies like Ticketmaster, Santander Bank, and Neiman Marcus. Sensitive customer data was stolen, leading to major financial losses. This breach emphasized the importance of strong authentication and Zero Trust Architecture to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting login credentials.

4. Halliburton Cyber Attack

Oilfield services giant Halliburton was the victim of a cyber attack that forced the company to shut down key systems. While details of the breach remain unclear, experts believe hackers may have accessed confidential corporate data. This incident is a reminder that the energy sector is increasingly at risk from Cybersecurity Threats, making security risks a top priority for industries handling sensitive data.

5. Russian Hackers Breach Microsoft and HPE

A cybercriminal group known as Midnight Blizzard, believed to be connected to Russia's SVR intelligence agency, managed to hack Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE). The attackers accessed the email accounts of top executives, including employees handling cyber security skills, legal matters, and company operations. The biggest cyber attacks of 2024 often involve government-backed hackers, proving that even top tech companies are vulnerable.

6. National Public Data Breach

A company specializing in background checks, National Public Data, suffered a major data breach of 2024 that exposed personal records of 1.3 million individuals. The leaked data included names, Social Security numbers, phone numbers, and addresses. Such incidents reinforce the urgent need for stronger data protection regulations and better security risks management in data-driven industries.

7. North Korean Cryptocurrency Thefts

Hackers from North Korea stole approximately $1.34 billion worth of cryptocurrency in 47 different attacks throughout 2024. These attacks accounted for 61% of all crypto thefts worldwide. The stolen funds were reportedly used to finance the country's weapons programs. With the increasing reliance on digital currencies, crypto-related cyber crimes have become some of the biggest cyber attacks of 2024, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and improved security measures in the crypto industry.

8. AI-Enhanced Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals have started using artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly sophisticated phishing attacks. These AI-powered scams trick individuals and businesses into sharing sensitive information, leading to record-breaking financial losses. In 2024 alone, AI-enhanced phishing scams doubled the financial damage compared to the previous year. This trend proves that attackers are getting smarter, making Phishing Attacks a growing concern in the cyber security world.

9. Russian Cybercrime Network Sanctions

The U.S., U.K., and Australia took a stand against Russian cybercriminal groups by imposing sanctions on Zservers, a web-hosting provider known for supporting hackers. The notorious ransomware gang LockBit, responsible for extorting over $120 million from global victims, was one of their key clients. Some of LockBit’s high-profile targets included Boeing, the Industrial Commercial Bank of China, and the U.K.'s Royal Mail. This sanction was a significant step in fighting ransomware attacks in 2024, but cybercrime networks continue to evolve.

10. AT&T Data Breach

In one of the biggest data breaches of 2024, AT&T suffered a major security failure when customer call and text records from seven months in 2022 were leaked. The breach affected millions of customers, exposing sensitive communication records. This incident, linked to compromised Snowflake accounts, raised serious concerns about how telecom companies store and protect customer data.

These incidents underscore the critical need for enhanced cyber security measures across all sectors to protect against the evolving threat landscape.

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• How to Become a Cyber Security Expert in India

Key Takeaways from the Biggest Cyber Attacks of 2024

The top cyber attacks of 2024 have exposed critical vulnerabilities in global cyber security. Organizations must take proactive steps to prevent major data breaches and ransomware threats. Strengthening defenses with advanced threat detection and regular security updates is essential. Here are the key takeaways:

• Weak authentication methods – Relying on passwords without multi-factor authentication makes systems vulnerable to cyber attacks. Hackers exploit weak passwords to gain unauthorized access. Enforcing MFA strengthens security and prevents breaches.
• Government-backed cyber attacks – State-sponsored attacks are increasing, targeting telecommunications and critical infrastructure. These attacks aim to steal data or disrupt operations. Strong security protocols and continuous monitoring are crucial to defend against them.
• Cloud security risks – Data breaches in major cloud providers highlight vulnerabilities. Misconfigurations and weak access controls put sensitive data at risk. Implementing Zero Trust Architecture and strong encryption can enhance cloud security.
• AI-driven cyber threats – Cybercriminals use AI to create sophisticated phishing attacks, making them harder to detect. Deepfake technology and AI-generated malware are also being used to bypass security measures. Organizations must invest in AI-powered threat detection and employee training to counter evolving threats.
• Cryptocurrency remains a prime target – Hackers stole billions in crypto thefts, targeting exchanges and digital wallets. Decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms are also being exploited through smart contract vulnerabilities. Strengthening blockchain security and enforcing strong authentication methods can help protect digital assets.

To combat these growing threats, businesses must adopt Zero Trust Security, invest in cyber security training, and enhance incident response strategies. Strengthening cyber security skills across organizations is critical to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats.

Refer these articles:

• How to Become a Cyber Security Expert in Hyderabad
• How to Become a Cyber Security Expert in Pune
• Cyber Security Course Fees in Pune

Cyber Security Careers in 2025: Opportunities and Growth

The cyber security demand in 2025 is skyrocketing, with businesses and governments investing heavily in digital protection. The global cyber security market is projected to exceed $250 billion by 2025, reflecting the increasing need for skilled professionals. Industries like finance, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing are hiring cyber security experts to defend against cyber threats. Top multinational companies, including Microsoft, Google, IBM, Amazon, Cisco, Deloitte, Accenture, and PwC, are among the leading recruiters.

Career growth in cyber security is strong across multiple roles, including Cyber Security Analyst, Ethical Hacker, Security Engineer, Incident Responder, and Cloud Security Specialist. The increasing reliance on cloud computing and AI-driven security has intensified the cyber security demand in 2025, pushing organizations to seek highly skilled specialists. Professionals in this field can expect steady career progression, with opportunities to advance into leadership roles like Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) or Cyber Security Director.

Looking ahead, the future of cyber security careers worldwide is promising, with organizations adopting AI-based security measures and Zero Trust Architecture. The field is expected to grow rapidly through 2030, offering stable and rewarding career prospects.

In India, cyber security salaries vary by experience:

• Entry-level: ₹4-8 LPA
• Mid-level: ₹12-20 LPA
• Senior-level: ₹25-50 LPA+

With evolving threats, cyber security careers in 2025 remain one of the most lucrative and future-proof career choices globally.

In conclusion, the biggest cyber attacks of 2024 have demonstrated that no organization is completely safe. From major data breaches of 2024 that leaked sensitive customer information to ransomware attacks shutting down critical services, cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics. Governments and businesses must invest in stronger security measures to prevent future attacks.

To combat the increasing cyber security threats, individuals and businesses must develop advanced cyber security skills. SKILLOGIC offers industry-leading cyber security training programs, equipping professionals with the expertise needed to tackle modern threats. 

If you are in India, SKILLOGIC provides cyber security courses in Pune with offline classes, along with Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Coimbatore, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai. They also offer flexible online training for learners worldwide. With over ten years of experience and one lakh trained professionals, SKILLOGIC offers a strong foundation for cyber security careers.

At SKILLOGIC Institute, you’ll get hands-on learning, expert-led sessions, and certifications from NASSCOM FutureSkills and IIFIS, credentials that hold global value. Plus, with 24/7 cloud lab access, you can practice anytime, sharpening your skills at your convenience. SKILLOGIC also offers internship opportunities and placement support, giving you real-world exposure and helping you land top jobs in the industry.

The SKILLOGIC institute ensures comprehensive learning through expert-led training, hands-on practice, and industry-recognized certifications, preparing students to excel in the dynamic cyber security landscape. SKILLOGIC offers offline cyber security courses in Hyderabad along with classroom training in Pune, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, and Mumbai, while also providing online programs for learners worldwide.