Record number of data breaches in 2021

Last year saw the highest number of recorded data breaches, CNET reports. Citing the Identity Theft Resource Center's 2021 Data Breach Report, there were 1,862 breaches last year, up 68% from the year prior, and exceeded 2017’s previous record of 1,506. The targeted entities included oil pipeline operators and companies that protected sensitive personal information. The overall number of affected people decreased 5% last year, which ITRC attributed to cybercriminals shifting their focus to smaller, concentrated attacks, as opposed to largescale data theft.