In this newsletter, we delve into the realm of digital mischief and mayhem. In this issue, we shed light on some of the most notable cyber crimes that have left an indelible mark on the digital landscape.
The Great Bitcoin Heist (Mt. Gox): Remember the cryptocurrency Wild West? In 2014, the Tokyo-based exchange Mt. Gox fell victim to a staggering heist, losing approximately 850,000 bitcoins, worth over $450 million at the time. The breach underscored the vulnerabilities of early cryptocurrency exchanges, prompting a global reckoning on digital asset security.
Target’s Holiday Debacle: The retail giant Target endured a catastrophic data breach during the 2013 holiday season. Hackers infiltrated the company’s network, stealing credit and debit card information from 40 million customers and personal data from 70 million others. This incident emphasized the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for businesses, especially during peak shopping seasons.
Facebook (Meta) Data Leak (2021): In April 2021, a massive data leak exposed the personal information of over 500 million Facebook (now Meta) users. The incident highlighted concerns about the privacy of user data and prompted renewed discussions about the responsibility of social media platforms in safeguarding user information.
WannaCry Ransomware Rampage: In 2017, the WannaCry ransomware attack wreaked havoc across the globe, infecting over 200,000 computers in 150 countries. The malware exploited a Microsoft Windows vulnerability, encrypting users’ data and demanding a Bitcoin ransom. This event raised awareness about the importance of promptly applying software patches and maintaining up-to-date security protocols.
Your DefendMe Team