Top Cyber Security Disasters and Breaches

Several disastrous cyber-attacks have taken place over the years and they are not letting up either.  Whether small or big business, hackers probe any system with useful data that can be compromised. Since the success of many businesses depend on how well they can secure customer’s data, cyber attacks often erode customer’s confidence and trust in companies and may even result in permanent business closure in severe cases.

In this article, we go through a list of major hack attacks and leaks that happened in recent time.

BevMo

BevMo website was hacked and the credit card data of about 15,000 customers were compromised.

While BevMo’s website was managed by a third party, the malicious code which harvests customers’ data was injected into the website and it took 7 weeks before the malware was detected. By the time the malicious code was detected and removed, thousands of sensitive data have already been stolen.

BevMo was forced to work with a third-party forensic firm and notify law enforcement about the breach.

Wannacry

In May 2017, Wannacry ransomware spread widely around the world infecting both public and private organizations. The most impactful effect of the malware is the crippling of the UK’s National Health Service hospitals, causing distress to both patients and management.

It was eventually restrained using some of its flaws. Although Wannacry didn’t generate much revenue during the attack, it rattled the infected health institutions.

MyfitnessPal App

One way to do stay fit is by tracking fitness activities with app and MyfitnessPal is a popular choice.

In March 2018, it was discovered that hackers had infiltrated MyfitnessPal owned by Under Armour and stole the personal data of over 150 million users of the app.

Even though data was stolen in the cyber security breach, little damage was done as most of the data was useless to the attackers because the login credentials were hashed using a strong encryption algorithm, bcrypt.

In addition, security configurations prevented the intruders from accessing other valuable data such as location, credit card numbers, and birth dates.

While the strong security system prevented major loss, the passwords that were encrypted with weak SHA1 scheme were likely accessed by the hackers.

Marriott International

This is arguably one of the biggest cybersecurity breaches since it affected 500 million customers. The breach originated from the Starwood hotel, a recently acquired branch of Marriott.

The breach has been in place since the acquisition in 2016 but was discovered two years later. Information such as contact details, passport numbers, and travel details was accessed. In addition, credit card numbers and the expiry dates of over 100 million users were stolen.

According to the New York Times , the attack on Marriott was attributed to Chinese hackers on intelligence gathering operations.

Wikileaks

Wikileaks announced that they obtained some files from the CIA in March 2018. The files were alleged to contain information pertaining to CIA operations involving hacking and spying.

It is also alleged that the CIA was exploiting weaknesses in iOS, android, windows and Mac operating systems.

Wikileaks continued to release the file’s dubbed “vault 7″ in small amounts maintaining that the files expose the secret tools such as viruses, malware, Trojans, and zero-day exploits that are used in target surveillance. The leak

 

Whether it is protecting your system from active attackers with robust security software or configuring your system to prevent unintentional data leakage, a managed service provider such as SDTEK can improve your business security. Contact us today if you feel the safety of your company data could be at risk.

Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.