Equifax Breach

The Equifax breach was a major data security incident in 2017 where hackers exploited a vulnerability in their system to access sensitive personal information of around 147 million people. This included names, Social Security numbers, birthdates, addresses, and sometimes driver’s license details. The breach occurred because Equifax did not promptly patch a known security flaw, allowing unauthorized access. As a result, many individuals became vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. The incident highlighted the importance of strong cybersecurity practices and timely updates to protect personal data.