Itus Protect Free Trial
Itus Protect Free Trial

2024 in Review: Major Cyber Security Incidents and Lessons for Building Resilience

The cyber security landscape of 2024 presented us with relentless challenges, from high-profile breaches to sophisticated ransomware attacks. These events weren’t just technical disruptions; they were stark reminders of the risks we face in this online world. At ITUS Protect, we know that understanding these incidents isn’t merely about looking back—it’s about learning lessons to build a safer, more resilient future. In this blog, we’ll explore the year’s key cyber events, their impacts, and how organisations can prepare for what’s ahead.

The Year’s Top 5 Cyber Incidents 

Microsoft Executive Account Breach (January 2024)

Imagine starting the year with a breach at one of the world’s largest tech companies. This security incident originated from a master decryption key accidentally left unprotected by engineers, an oversight that allowed attackers to obtain unauthorised access to confidential information. The consequences were immediate and far-reaching, affecting executive accounts and raising questions about cloud security protocols within one of the world’s leaders in the technology sector.

What made this breach especially alarming was its method. By exploiting a single point of failure, the attackers were able to bypass layers of existing defences, underscoring critical gaps in internal security practices and the multi-layered cloud infrastructure. For Microsoft, the breach shook user confidence and induces awareness on the best security practices, demonstrating that even tech giants are not immune to devastating cyber attacks 

  • Lesson: Secure cloud services with strict access controls, regular audits, and advanced encryption. Neglecting these measures can result in catastrophic breaches.

 

Change Healthcare Attack (February 2024)

Chaos descended on the healthcare sector when Change Healthcare fell victim to a major cyber-attack. As one of the most critical players in the healthcare ecosystem, the company’s systems serve as a backbone for hospitals, clinics, and insurers, facilitating billing, data sharing, and patient management. The disruption sent shockwaves throughout the sector, revealing just how dependent healthcare providers are on this single linchpin partner. 

The attackers deployed ransomware, encrypting critical data and locking Change Healthcare’s systems for an extended period. This paralysis left healthcare providers unable to access vital patient and billing information, causing significant delays in treatment and administrative processes. The prolonged encryption period intensified the chaos, forcing providers to divert resources toward crisis management rather than patient care. 

  • Lesson: Businesses must adopt comprehensive security strategies to safeguard interconnected systems, as vulnerabilities can escalate quickly.

 

Snowflake Data Breach (May 2024)

Snowflake is a well-known cloud data platform that helps businesses manage and analyse large amounts of information. In May 2024, it became the target of a cyber-attack that exposed sensitive customer data. The attackers were able to get in by using real login credentials that had been leaked or stolen. These legitimate credentials gave them access to the platform without raising any alarms, as the system couldn’t tell they were being used by the wrong people.

The depth of the attack was troubling. By getting their hands on these credentials, the attackers bypassed many security measures and went straight into the system, where they could view and potentially steal important information. This kind of attack showed how dangerous it can be when proper protections, like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), aren’t in place. Without MFA, anyone who gets hold of a password can easily break into an account, no matter how secure the rest of the system is.

  • Lesson: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is essential in every account. It’s also vital to educate employees about secure password practices.

 

London Hospitals Cyber Attack (June 2024) 

In June 2024, hospitals in London faced a serious cyber-attack that disrupted their operations and put patient information at risk. Hackers targeted the NHS systems, stealing sensitive data like medical records and staff details. What made this attack even worse was that the stolen data was later published online, exposing private information to the public.
The attackers didn’t just steal the data; they tried to use it as a weapon for extortion. By threatening to release the information unless they were paid, they hoped to make a profit. Unfortunately, this type of attack shows how valuable personal and medical data can be to cybercriminals. The damage wasn’t just about money—it also affected the trust between patients and healthcare providers, and delayed critical hospital operations.

  • Lesson: The value of data lies in how it can be misused, and healthcare organisations must prioritise strong protections to safeguard patient information and ensure uninterrupted operations.

 

Transport for London Cyber Incident (September 2024)

September 2024, Transport for London (TfL) was hit by a cyber-attack that caused a lot of problems. TfL runs buses, trains, and other transport services in London, so when its systems were attacked, many things stopped working smoothly. Some parts of their operations were delayed, and it became harder to manage services for passengers.
The attack didn’t show its full damage right away. Experts said it could take a long time to see how badly TfL was affected. Hackers may have stolen important data, but nobody knows yet what might happen with that information. This shows that cyber-attacks don’t always cause harm immediately—sometimes, the problems appear later and can cost even more to fix.

  • Lesson: Cyber-attacks don’t always show their full impact right away, so organisations must prioritise protecting data to prevent long-term damage and ensure smooth operations.


The cyber incidents of 2024 have shown us how complex and evolving the cyber world has become. Each attack, from ransomware freezing healthcare systems to breaches exploiting stolen credentials highlighted vulnerabilities in critical industries. These incidents were not just isolated events; they painted a broader picture of the tactics that attackers are employing, many of which are growing in sophistication. 

One recurring thread through these events is the role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). While AI opens new doors for innovation and efficiency, it is also being weaponised by those criminals to scale their efforts and outpace traditional defences. As we examine the lessons learned, we shift our focus naturally from the past to how organisations can adapt to this new reality...

 

How AI is Shaping the Future of Cyber Security

In 2024, attackers have used AI to automate and amplify their efforts, from crafting highly realistic phishing campaigns to deploying advanced tools that scout for system vulnerabilities in real time. 

This sophistication is making it harder for organisations to detect and counteract threats before they cause harm. Phishing and social engineering attacks exploit human error, which continues to be a significant weakness in organisational security. What’s particularly alarming is how AI is enabling the creation of deceptive messages tailored to individuals, exploiting personal details to build credibility. Such attacks blur the line between legitimate communication and malicious intent, putting employees under constant threat. These gaps provide fertile ground for cyber criminals to exploit, compromising sensitive data and critical infrastructure.

 

The Human Element in Cyber Security

At the heart of every breach is a simple truth: humans remain a critical vulnerability. In 2024, an estimated 22% of businesses and 14% of charities have experienced cyber-crime in the last 12 months1, with phishing emails leading the charge. Attackers have now leveraged AI to make scams even more convincing.

Think about it: a phishing email, enhanced by AI, mimics your manager’s tone and urgency perfectly. It’s terrifying, isn’t it? 
This is a wakeup call for organisations to invest in cyber protection programs and to put strategies in place in order to prevent these actions. 

Here are a few steps to take today: 

  • Train Employees Regularly: Equip teams to identify phishing attempts and AI-enhanced scams through workshops and simulated attacks.
  • Use AI Defensively: Implement tools that detect anomalies in communications or flag suspicious behaviour.
  • Foster a Security-First Culture: When employees feel confident reporting anomalies, you create a stronger defence.
  • Encourage Cyber Hygiene: Simple measures like strong passwords and enabling MFA can make a world of difference.

The cyber landscape is evolving, and so are we. At ITUS Protect, our mission is clear: to help organisations navigate threats with confidence. We provide tailored solutions, from proactive threat detection to comprehensive incident response planning. With ITUS Protect, you’re not just reacting to risks—you’re staying ahead of them. Let’s make 2025 a year of proactive security, together.


Sources

UK Government. “Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2024,” UK Government, 2024. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2024

UKC3. “UKC3 AI Report 2024,” UKC3, 2024. https://ukc3.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/UKC3-AI-Report-2024.pdf?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=Zoho+Social&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=Zoho%20Social

Cloaked. “Microsoft Data Breach,” Cloaked, 2024. https://www.cloaked.com/post/microsoft-data-breach

JAMA Network. “Health Forum: Cybersecurity and Healthcare Data Risks,” JAMA Network, 2024. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2823757

Dark Reading. “Snowflake Account Attacks Driven by Exposed Legitimate Credentials,” Dark Reading, 2024. https://www.darkreading.com/threat-intelligence/snowflake-account-attacks-driven-by-exposed-legitimate-credentials

BBC News. “BBC News: Cybersecurity Threats and Online Safety,” BBC, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clwwyp4330yo

The Guardian. “Hacked: London NHS Hospitals Data Allegedly Published Online,” The Guardian, 21st June 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/jun/21/hacked-london-nhs-hospitals-data-allegedly-published-online

The Guardian. “Fallout from TfL Cyber Attack Is Slow-Burning and Potentially Costly,” The Guardian, 23rd September 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2024/sep/23/fallout-from-tfl-cyber-attack-is-slow-burning-and-potentially-costly

CM Alliance. “Top 5 Things to Know About the Sophisticated Cyber Attack on TfL,” CM Alliance, 2024. https://www.cm-alliance.com/cybersecurity-blog/top-5-things-to-know-about-the-sophisticated-cyber-attack-on-tfl

BBC News. “BBC News: London Cyber Attacks,” BBC, 2024. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14l0y012vlo