Top 10 Cyberattacks That Brought Global Corporations to a Halt

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global losses from cybercrime could reach $10.5 trillion by 2025. In 2024, the average cost of a single data breach was $4.9 million - the highest figure on record.

These numbers highlight that even the largest corporations are not immune to cyber threats. Let’s take a look at ten of the most significant cyberattacks that brought international organizations and brands to a standstill.

1. NotPetya: Ransomware that crippled logistics giants

In June 2017, the world faced one of the most devastating cyberattacks in history - NotPetya. The malicious software, disguised as ransomware, quickly spread through the update system of the Ukrainian accounting software M.E.Doc. The attack paralyzed the operations of major corporations such as Maersk, Merck, Rosneft, TNT, and others, causing disruptions in logistics, manufacturing, and financial operations. Maersk, for example, lost access to 49,000 computers across 600 locations worldwide. Total damages from NotPetya are estimated at over $10 billion.

2. WannaCry: Data access lost in the UK and worldwide

In May 2017, the world witnessed the rapid spread of the WannaCry ransomware. Exploiting a vulnerability in the Windows SMB protocol, attackers infected over 200,000 computers in 150 countries. Among the affected was the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), which led to the cancellation of thousands of operations and appointments. The attack also impacted companies such as Nissan, Renault, and others. Total damages from WannaCry are estimated in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

3. DarkSide: Record-breaking cyberattack on U.S. critical infrastructure

In May 2021, the hacker group DarkSide launched an attack on Colonial Pipeline, the largest fuel pipeline in the U.S. The attack led to the shutdown of fuel supply across the country’s East Coast, causing shortages and consumer panic. The company paid a ransom of $4.4 million in Bitcoin to the hackers.

4. REvil: Supply chain cyber threat

In July 2021, hackers from the REvil group exploited a vulnerability in Kaseya VSA software to attack over 1,000 companies worldwide. The malware was distributed via a software update, allowing the attackers to encrypt the data of Kaseya’s clients. The hackers demanded a $70 million ransom for data decryption.

5. Change healthcare breach: Medical records targeted

In 2024, Change Healthcare - one of the largest healthcare technology providers in the U.S. - fell victim to a massive cyberattack. The breach disrupted medical billing systems, affecting hospitals and clinics across the country. It resulted in the largest medical data leak in U.S. history. Patients faced service delays, while medical institutions experienced financial difficulties.

6. Cloud Leak: Snowflake becomes source of massive data exposure

In 2024, cloud data platform Snowflake experienced a data breach. Hackers accessed the confidential information of at least 165 clients, leading to a loss of trust and financial damage. The incident prompted companies to reassess their cloud security strategies.

7. DragonForce: Complex attacks on UK retailers and sectors

In 2025, British retailer Marks & Spencer was attacked by the hacker group DragonForce. The attack caused the suspension of online sales and losses amounting to £300 million. The company was forced to temporarily shut down its online services and invest heavily in cybersecurity improvements.

8. UK ministry of defence data leak

In May 2024, the UK Ministry of Defence suffered a cyberattack that compromised the personal data of approximately 270,000 individuals. This included names, bank details, and, in some cases, home addresses of active service members, reservists, and veterans. The breach occurred due to a vulnerability in the payroll system operated by contractor Shared Services Connected Ltd (SSCL). While no official culprit was named, multiple sources pointed to suspected Chinese hackers.

9. Ransomware hits hospitals: Major consequences for ascension health

In May 2024, healthcare network Ascension Health - which operates 140 hospitals across 19 U.S. states - was hit by a large-scale ransomware attack. The breach disabled electronic medical records, communication systems, and pharmacy services. As a result, Ascension reported $1.8 billion in operational losses for the 2024 fiscal year, and patient volumes dropped by 8–12% in May and June compared to the previous year. The attack also compromised the personal medical and financial data of millions of patients.

10. Salt Typhoon: National security threat through telecom attacks

In 2024, the Chinese hacker group Salt Typhoon carried out a large-scale cyber-espionage campaign, breaching the networks of at least nine major U.S. telecommunications companies, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. The hackers gained access to call metadata, text messages, and even call recordings, allowing them to track the locations of millions of Americans. High-profile targets included Donald Trump and J.D. Vance. This breach is considered one of the most serious in U.S. history, as the hackers obtained surveillance capabilities similar to those of the FBI - but without any legal oversight.

These cases demonstrate that modern cyberattacks can take many forms and impact all sectors of the economy - from healthcare to critical infrastructure. Combating such threats requires investment in cybersecurity and the implementation of advanced protection technologies. Timely response and regular security audits are key to reducing such risks.