In the third quarter of 2024, the number of leaked accounts increased by 96 percent compared to the previous quarter, according to an analysis by cybersecurity provider Surfshark. In Germany, a total of 14.6 million user accounts were hacked in the last quarter. In comparison, Italy had only half as many (7.8 million), while France had slightly more (17.2 million).
Across Europe, there were a total of 88 million security breaches in the third quarter, marking a 70 percent increase from the 51 million recorded in the previous quarter. European accounts accounted for 21 percent of all breached accounts globally.
North America saw the highest number of data breaches in the past quarter, with 101 million hacked accounts. While this is a slight decrease from the 129 million accounts breached in the second quarter of 2024, it still represents a quarter of all globally affected accounts.
The surge in hacked accounts raises concerns about data security and the vulnerability of online platforms to cyber attacks. As more personal information and sensitive data are stored online, the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches continues to grow.
Cybersecurity experts emphasize the importance of strong password protection, two-factor authentication, and regular software updates to mitigate the risk of hacking and data breaches. Additionally, organizations are urged to invest in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard user data and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
With the increasing frequency and severity of cyber attacks, governments, businesses, and individuals must prioritize cybersecurity and take proactive steps to protect their digital assets. The consequences of a data breach can be severe, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal liabilities.
As technology advances and more aspects of daily life move online, the need for effective cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly critical. By staying vigilant and adopting best practices for data security, individuals and organizations can reduce the risk of falling victim to hacking and protect their valuable digital information.