How many Americans were affected by data breaches in 2014?

In 2014, significant data breaches affected a vast number of Americans, with estimates suggesting that approximately 100 million individuals had their personal data exposed. This massive figure reflects several high-profile breaches that year, including major incidents involving retailers and other large organizations. These breaches compromised sensitive information such as names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and financial data, leading to heightened concerns about cybersecurity and the protection of personal information. The scale of the breaches in 2014 underscored the vulnerability of consumers and businesses alike in the digital landscape, prompting discussions about improving data security measures moving forward.