We’re only halfway through 2019, and already the cybersecurity landscape has been shaken by a surge in criminal activity across industries. From healthcare to government agencies, no sector has been immune. These serious cybersecurity stories highlight why data protection and proactive security measures are more critical than ever.
Why 2019 Stands Out in Cybersecurity History
Cybercrime is evolving at an alarming pace. Attackers are no longer just targeting large corporations—they’re exploiting supply chains, municipal systems, and even government contractors. The result? Millions of individuals and organizations are exposed to unprecedented risks.
Below are the most significant cybersecurity crises of the year so far.
#1 – Supply Chain Attacks: The Silent Threat
One of the most concerning trends in 2019 is the rise of supply chain attacks, also known as third-party attacks. These attacks don’t hit your company directly—they infiltrate vendors or partners you rely on, creating a ripple effect that compromises your systems.
Example: If your business uses a vendor for point-of-sale (POS) systems, a hacker targeting that vendor could indirectly breach your network.
This tactic gained notoriety in 2017 with the NotPetya malware, which spread through compromised auto-updates in a Ukrainian accounting application. Since then, similar attacks have struck major names like Asus, CCleaner, and even Microsoft’s Visual Studio. The lesson? Your security is only as strong as your weakest link.
#2 – American Medical Collection Agency Breach
From August 2018 to March 2019, the American Medical Collection Agency suffered a prolonged breach, exposing data from 20 million patients. Stolen information included:
- Full names and birth dates
- Addresses and phone numbers
- Medical balances and provider details
While Social Security numbers and insurance IDs weren’t confirmed compromised, the sheer volume of personal data lost makes this one of the year’s most serious cybersecurity stories.
#3 – Iranian Hackers Escalate Cyber Conflict
Geopolitical tensions spilled into cyberspace when Iranian hackers retaliated after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear agreement. Following an aborted military strike, the U.S. launched a cyberattack on Iran’s missile control systems. Iran responded in kind, targeting American infrastructure and private entities. This cyber tit-for-tat underscores how digital warfare is becoming a frontline in global conflicts.
#4 – U.S. Customs and Border Protection Contractor Breach
In May, hackers infiltrated Perceptics, a surveillance contractor for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The breach exposed license plate data and traveler photos for roughly 100,000 individuals—later surfacing on the dark web. This incident raises urgent questions about privacy and the security of government contractors.
#5 – First American’s Massive Data Exposure
First American Financial Corporation, a leading title insurance and real estate firm, accidentally exposed 885 million records online. Unlike a hack, this was an internal error that left sensitive data—including Social Security numbers, mortgage documents, and bank account details—accessible to anyone with basic web navigation skills. While it’s unclear if criminals exploited the flaw, the potential damage is staggering.
#6 – Ransomware Attacks on Local Governments
Ransomware has evolved from targeting individuals to crippling entire cities. In 2019, municipalities like Baltimore, Atlanta, and Riviera Beach faced devastating attacks that locked critical systems. With no viable recovery options, some cities paid hefty ransoms—Riviera Beach shelled out $500,000 in Bitcoin to regain access. These attacks highlight the vulnerability of public infrastructure and the growing financial burden of cybercrime.
What These Stories Teach Us
These serious cybersecurity stories reveal a sobering truth: cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated, more targeted, and more destructive. Organizations must:
- Strengthen vendor risk management to prevent supply chain compromises.
- Invest in advanced threat detection and incident response plans.
- Educate employees on phishing and ransomware prevention.
- Adopt zero-trust security models to minimize exposure.
Cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s a business imperative.
Charles Lobert, has been in the Detroit Metro Area’s IT industry for over two decades & with VCS since ’04. Throughout the years, Lobert has held nearly every position at VCS & is responsible for several major organizational shifts within VCS.