The 10 Largest Modern Data Leaks Since 2013

Over the past decade, data breaches have become an unsettling norm, revealing just how vulnerable our personal information is in the digital age. From social media platforms to financial institutions, no sector has been spared from cyberattacks. These incidents not only expose sensitive data but also erode the trust we place in organizations to protect our information. The impact is far-reaching, with individuals facing identity theft and financial loss while companies deal with reputational damage and costly legal battles.

Consider the sheer magnitude of these breaches: personal details, financial information, and even biometric data have been exposed on a massive scale. Despite significant investments in cybersecurity, hackers continue to find ways to infiltrate systems, highlighting the ongoing struggle between cybersecurity experts and malicious actors. The frequent occurrence of these breaches underscores the critical need for stronger data protection measures.

This list delves into the ten largest data breaches from 2013 to the present, each illustrating the profound impact on both individuals and organizations. From the Capital One breach affecting 106 million individuals to the colossal Yahoo breach compromising three billion accounts, these incidents serve as stark reminders of the importance of robust cybersecurity practices. As we explore these breaches, we gain insight into the complexities of digital security and the urgent need to safeguard our personal information.

Related: 10 Ways That Technology Has Destroyed Privacy

10 Capital One Data Breach Exposes 106 Million Individuals

In July 2019, Capital One announced a data breach that compromised the personal information of about 106 million people in the U.S. and Canada. The breach was executed by a former Amazon Web Services employee who exploited a misconfigured web application firewall to gain access. The stolen data included names, addresses, dates of birth, credit scores, Social Security numbers, and bank account information.

Despite the breach’s magnitude, there was no evidence that the stolen data was used for fraud. Capital One promptly notified federal authorities, leading to the hacker’s arrest. This incident highlighted critical gaps in data protection and spurred Capital One to enhance its cybersecurity measures.

In response to the breach, Capital One offered free credit monitoring and identity protection services to those affected. The incident underscores the urgent need for improved cybersecurity protocols and constant vigilance to safeguard sensitive information in an increasingly digital world. This breach serves as a reminder of the persistent threats to data security and the importance of robust protective measures.^[1]

9 Canva Data Breach Exposes 137 Million Accounts

In May 2019, Canva experienced a significant data breach affecting approximately 137 million user accounts. Hackers gained unauthorized access to a database containing usernames, email addresses, names, and hashed passwords. The breach exposed the platform’s vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Canva responded swiftly by securing its systems, resetting user passwords, and collaborating with law enforcement, including the FBI. They also offered affected users a year of free access to 1Password to encourage stronger password practices. This proactive approach aimed to mitigate the breach’s impact and rebuild user trust.

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in protecting sensitive information in a digital world. Canva’s transparent communication and prompt actions were critical in addressing the breach and emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity. Users were advised to change their passwords and enable two-factor authentication to enhance account security.^[2]

8 Equifax Data Breach Affects 147 Million People

In September 2017, Equifax disclosed a data breach that compromised the personal information of 147 million people. Hackers exploited a vulnerability in a web application, gaining access to sensitive data, including Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, and, in some cases, driver’s license numbers and credit card information. This breach exposed significant flaws in Equifax’s cybersecurity measures.

Following the breach, Equifax reached a settlement of up to $425 million with the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and 50 U.S. states and territories. The settlement provided financial compensation and free credit monitoring to those affected. Equifax also implemented extensive security upgrades to prevent future breaches.

The Equifax data breach highlighted the urgent need for robust cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information. Affected individuals were urged to utilize the free credit monitoring and identity restoration services offered as part of the settlement. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in an increasingly digital world.^[3]

7 MySpace Data Breach Exposes 360 Million Accounts

In 2016, MySpace revealed a colossal data breach that had occurred in 2013, compromising approximately 360 million user accounts. The stolen data, which included usernames, email addresses, and hashed passwords, was later found for sale on the dark web. This breach highlighted severe security flaws within the platform’s outdated systems.

In response to the breach, MySpace invalidated passwords for affected accounts and urged users to update their credentials, especially if they reused them on other sites. The company also implemented enhanced security measures to prevent future breaches. This incident underscored the importance of maintaining strong, unique passwords and regularly updating them to protect personal information.

Despite MySpace’s decline in popularity, this breach serves as a critical reminder of the ongoing risks posed by inadequate cybersecurity. It emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and updates to security protocols to safeguard user data in an ever-evolving digital landscape.^[4]

6 Adult Friend Finder Data Breach Exposes 412 Million Accounts

In October 2016, Adult Friend Finder, a prominent adult dating network, suffered a massive data breach that exposed 412 million user accounts. The breach compromised sensitive information, including usernames, email addresses, and passwords, many of which were stored in plain text. Shockingly, this included 15 million accounts that users had previously deleted, revealing a significant lapse in data protection.

The breach underscored critical security flaws within Adult Friend Finder’s systems. Despite prior warnings, the company’s response was slow and inadequate, merely advising users to change their passwords. This incident highlighted the urgent need for robust cybersecurity practices, particularly for platforms handling highly sensitive user data.

The Adult Friend Finder breach serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by inadequate data security measures. It emphasizes the necessity for continuous updates to security protocols and vigilant data protection to safeguard user privacy in an ever-evolving digital landscape.^[5]

5 Marriott Data Breach Affects 500 Million Guests

In 2018, Marriott International uncovered a massive data breach impacting up to 500 million guests. The breach, which began in 2014 within the Starwood reservation system, exposed personal data, including names, addresses, phone numbers, passport numbers, and, in some cases, payment card details. This incident went undetected for four years, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in Marriott’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Following the discovery, Marriott faced substantial penalties, including a $23.8 million fine from the UK Information Commissioner’s Office. In response, the company enhanced its cybersecurity measures and offered credit monitoring services to affected guests.

The Marriott data breach underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity protocols, particularly for businesses handling extensive personal information. It serves as a stark reminder of the potential long-term impact on brand reputation and the necessity for ongoing vigilance in data protection.^[6]

4 Facebook Data Breach Exposes 530 Million Users

In April 2021, Facebook confirmed a data breach affecting over 530 million users worldwide. The breach stemmed from data scraping, where automated software collected publicly available information from user profiles. Compromised data included names, phone numbers, email addresses, and other profile details, all gathered through Facebook’s contact importer feature, which had been misused by malicious actors.

In response, Facebook updated the contact importer to prevent further misuse and reassured users that no sensitive financial data or passwords were compromised. Despite these assurances, the volume of exposed data posed significant risks for phishing and identity theft. Facebook advised users to review their privacy settings and enable two-factor authentication for better account security.

This incident underscores the challenges of data scraping and the necessity for robust privacy controls. It serves as a crucial reminder for users to regularly update their privacy settings and for platforms to continuously enhance their security measures to protect user data.^[7]

3 LinkedIn Data Breach Exposes 700 Million Users

In June 2021, LinkedIn faced a significant data breach when a hacker named “TomLiner” put data from 700 million users up for sale on a darknet forum. This breach affected nearly 90% of LinkedIn’s user base, making it the largest data leak in the platform’s history. The compromised information included email addresses, full names, phone numbers, and other profile details, although no sensitive financial data or passwords were exposed.

LinkedIn responded by clarifying that the incident was due to data scraping, not a traditional breach, and involved only publicly accessible information. However, the sheer volume of exposed data raised serious concerns about potential phishing and identity theft. Users were advised to be vigilant, update their passwords, and monitor their accounts for suspicious activities.

This breach underscores the persistent challenges in protecting user data and the importance of robust cybersecurity practices. It serves as a critical reminder for individuals and organizations to remain proactive against data scraping and other cyber threats in an increasingly connected world.^[8]

2 Aadhaar Data Leak Exposes 1.1 Billion Indian Residents

In January 2018, a significant data leak exposed the personal information of 1.1 billion Indian residents from the Aadhaar national ID database. The breach revealed that access to sensitive data could be bought online for as little as £6. Compromised information included names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses. Although biometric details like thumbprints and retina scans were not accessed, the incident raised serious concerns about data security.

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) faced heavy criticism for failing to protect such a vast amount of personal data. Despite UIDAI’s claims that only limited demographic information was accessed, the breach highlighted major vulnerabilities in the system. The organization initiated an investigation and promised to enhance security measures.

This incident underscores the urgent need for robust data protection practices, especially for large-scale databases containing sensitive information. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing risks in the digital age and the importance of continuously strengthening cybersecurity protocols.^[9]

1 Yahoo Data Breach Affects 3 Billion Accounts

In 2013, Yahoo suffered a colossal data breach, compromising all 3 billion user accounts. Initially, Yahoo reported that 1 billion accounts were affected, but in October 2017, the company revealed the true extent of the breach. The compromised data included names, email addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and security questions and answers, though not passwords in clear text or financial information.

This breach had severe repercussions, leading to a $350 million reduction in Yahoo’s sale price to Verizon. Yahoo responded by notifying affected users and enhancing its security measures to prevent future breaches.

The incident underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity practices and highlights the potential long-term financial and reputational damage from large-scale data breaches. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of continuous vigilance in protecting user data. [10] ^[]