January is usually a soft launch into a new year, planning, optimism, and forward-looking roadmaps.
Instead, January 2026 arrived with a wave of cyber attacks and data breaches, exposing platforms used by founders, governments, manufacturers, and everyday consumers. From ransomware groups leaking millions of records to insider-driven data exposure and cloud misconfigurations, the first month of 2026 has already outlined the cybersecurity risks likely to define the year ahead.
As of January 26, 2026, the incidents below represent the major confirmed cyber attacks and data breaches of January 2026, and they tell a consistent story:
most failures weren’t caused by groundbreaking exploits, but by assumptions, access, and operational blind spots.
Top Major Cyber Attacks and Data Breaches in January 2026
Crunchbase Data Breach
The business intelligence platform Crunchbase confirmed a data breach after the cybercriminal group ShinyHunters claimed responsibility.
- Over 2 million user records were reportedly stolen
- A 400MB dataset was publicly leaked after ransom demands were not met
- The exposed data included personal and business-related information
This breach underscores a growing reality in 2026:
data labeled as “non-sensitive” often becomes sensitive the moment it is exfiltrated.
ICE and CBP Employee Data Leak
In January 2026, sensitive personal data linked to approximately 4,500 employees of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was exposed.
- Early reports suggest the incident was an insider-related data leak, not an external cyber attack
- The case highlights the increasing risk of internal data misuse and access abuse
As organizations grow more complex, access itself has become one of the most dangerous attack vectors.
Luxshare Ransomware Attack
The ransomware group RansomHub claimed responsibility for an attack on Luxshare, a major manufacturing partner for Apple, Nvidia, and Tesla.
- Attackers reportedly accessed engineering schematics and technical documents
- The incident reflects a continued rise in supply chain cyber attacks
Rather than targeting global brands directly, attackers increasingly focus on vendors and partners embedded in critical ecosystems.
Microsoft Misconfigured Server Data Exposure
Security researchers disclosed a 2.4 terabyte data exposure tied to a misconfigured Microsoft server.
- No advanced exploit was required
- The exposure resulted from cloud configuration errors
- Discovery and remediation were reported in January 2026
This incident reinforces how minor operational mistakes can escalate into massive data privacy events at scale.
Instagram Data Scraping Incident (January 2026)
In January 2026, a dataset containing 17 million rows of Instagram user data appeared on a major hacking forum.
- The data included usernames, user IDs, and bio information
- Classified as scraped public data, not a direct breach of internal systems
Despite technical distinctions, large-scale scraping continues to pose significant privacy and security risks for users.
Notable Ransomware and Hacking Campaigns in Early 2026
ShinyHunters Continued Activity
Beyond the Crunchbase breach, ShinyHunters has remained active in January 2026, reportedly targeting platforms such as:
- SoundCloud
- Betterment (fintech)
Their sustained operations highlight a broader trend: major ransomware groups rarely disappear — they adapt.
Under Armour Data Leak
- Data affecting 72 million customers was leaked publicly in January 2026
- The data was reportedly exfiltrated during a ransomware attack in late 2025
- The delayed release amplified the breach’s impact in 2026
Modern breaches often unfold in phases, with consequences emerging months after initial compromise.
Also Read: Cyber Attacks in 2026: Trends, and Major Incidents
Raaga Music Streaming Service Breach
- Approximately 10.2 million user records leaked
- Exposed data included names, email addresses, and hashed passwords
- The dataset surfaced on criminal forums in January 2026
Consumer-facing platforms continue to be prime targets due to high-volume personal data storage.
Active Ransomware Groups in January 2026
Several smaller organizations appeared on ransomware leak sites in late January, including:
- 4D IT Solutions
- AMS Group
Meanwhile, Cl0p and Qilin ransomware gangs remain highly active as 2026 begins.
Key Cybersecurity Trends Emerging in 2026
AI-Enhanced Ransomware Attacks
Security firms are reporting early versions of AI-driven ransomware, including tools like LunaLock and PromptLock.
These systems automate reconnaissance and adapt faster to defensive measures, potentially accelerating attack cycles throughout 2026.
Rising Insider Threat Recruitment
The ICE and CBP incident highlights a growing pattern:
ransomware groups increasingly rely on insiders and internal access to bypass traditional security controls.
Firewalls are ineffective against trusted credentials.
Supply Chain Cyber Attacks Continue to Rise
The Luxshare attack reinforces an ongoing shift toward supply chain compromise.
As organizations rely on interconnected vendors, attackers exploit indirect paths to reach high-value targets.
What January 2026 Cyber Attacks Reveal About the Year Ahead
The first month of 2026 suggests that:
- Many cyber attacks stem from misconfigurations, access misuse, and process gaps
- Ransomware operations are becoming more persistent and strategic
- Data breach impacts increasingly surface long after the initial intrusion
For founders, business leaders, and investors, the question is no longer whether breaches will happen, but how prepared organizations are when they do.
January didn’t just open the year.
It set the tone.
And that tone should not be ignored.
