Ransomware 2024: Record Data Breaches and Global Cybersecurity Threats
The most notable ransomware attacks in 2024, from major data breaches to critical infrastructure disruptions, and learn the lessons for 2025.
Ransomware Strikes 2024: A Year of Unprecedented Data Breaches and Disruptions
Ransomware attacks in 2024 shattered previous records, unleashing chaos on organizations worldwide. From crippling public services to stealing sensitive data, cybercriminals operated with unprecedented sophistication, leaving lasting consequences for millions. Despite some government victories against prominent hacker groups, the frequency and impact of these attacks escalated, marking a troubling trend in global cybersecurity.
A Year in Review: Major Ransomware Incidents
January: LoanDepot and Fulton County Under Siege
Mortgage giant LoanDepot faced a crippling ransomware attack that encrypted customer data, leaving users unable to access accounts or make payments. The breach exposed the personal information of over 16 million individuals, underscoring the vulnerability of financial institutions.
Meanwhile, Fulton County, Georgia, fell victim to the notorious LockBit ransomware gang. This attack caused widespread disruptions, from court systems to tax services, and resulted in the theft of confidential county documents. Although LockBit later removed the stolen data from its leak site—possibly indicating a ransom payment—law enforcement’s subsequent seizure of LockBit servers significantly affected the group’s operations.
February: Health Sector Hit Hard with Change Healthcare Breach
Change Healthcare, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth experienced one of the largest data breaches in U.S. healthcare history. The ALPHV ransomware gang claimed responsibility for stealing sensitive information from millions of Americans. Reports later confirmed that the breach affected at least 100 million individuals, exposing medical records and other critical data. Although the company paid $22 million in ransom, the incident highlighted the severe risks to health data security.
March: Omni Hotels Falls Victim to Daixin Gang
Luxury hotel chain Omni Hotels & Resorts suffered a ransomware attack by the Daixin gang, which disrupted operations and compromised 3.5 million customer records. The breach affected reservations and communications, underscoring the hospitality industry’s vulnerability to cyber threats.
Mid-Year Chaos: Banking, Healthcare, and Municipal Systems Targeted
June: Evolve Bank and Synnovis Ransomware Attacks
U.S.-based Evolve Bank became a high-profile victim of the LockBit gang, which accessed the personal data of 7.6 million individuals. The breach affected Social Security numbers, bank accounts, and contact details, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of such attacks on financial ecosystems.
In the U.K., Synnovis, a major pathology service provider for the NHS, faced a catastrophic ransomware incident. Emergency services and surgeries were disrupted, and the Qilin ransomware gang leaked 400GB of sensitive data, including years of patient interactions. The attack highlighted the devastating impact of ransomware on critical healthcare services.
July: Columbus, Ohio, Faces Data Theft
Rhysida, a cybercrime group infamous for its large-scale data breaches, targeted the City of Columbus, Ohio. The group claimed responsibility for stealing 6.5 terabytes of data, including Social Security numbers, government IDs, and bank details of 500,000 residents, raising serious concerns about municipal cybersecurity.
Late-Year Surge: Transport, Electronics, and Healthcare
September: Transport for London in Disarray
Transport for London (TfL) endured weeks of disruption after a ransomware attack by the Clop gang. Although public transit continued operating, the breach compromised the banking data of 5,000 customers and required manual password resets for 30,000 employees. The incident underscored the importance of robust cybersecurity in public infrastructure.
October: Casio’s Systems Rendered Unusable
Electronics giant Casio was hit by the Underground ransomware gang, which encrypted key systems and leaked sensitive employee and customer data. The attack caused significant delays in product shipments and disrupted operations globally.
November: Blue Yonder and the Ripple Effect
A ransomware attack on Blue Yonder, a supply chain software leader, affected major retailers like Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Starbucks. While the extent of the stolen data remains unclear, reports suggest the breach involved 680GB of sensitive information, underscoring the interconnected vulnerabilities within supply chains.
December: NHS Hospitals and Artivion Compromised
The NHS faced renewed ransomware threats when Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Wirral University Teaching Hospital declared critical incidents following cyberattacks. Patient records, donor reports, and other sensitive data were compromised.
Simultaneously, Artivion, a medical device company, reported a ransomware incident that encrypted its systems. The breach highlighted the healthcare sector’s ongoing struggle against cyber threats.
Takeaways: Strengthening Cybersecurity in 2025
The ransomware epidemic of 2024 underscores an urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures across sectors. Governments, businesses, and individuals must collaborate to bolster defenses, invest in advanced threat detection systems, and promote awareness to mitigate future risks. As ransomware attacks evolve, proactive strategies will be essential to safeguard sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
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