Cybersecurity has become a central concern in 2026, with a range of incidents and breaches affecting various sectors. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, faced scrutiny over potential data lapses at the Social Security Administration. Claims suggested a live copy of the Social Security database was uploaded to an unsecured third-party server. Federal courts are still examining the extent of the breach, with concerns about the misuse of sensitive data such as personal identification and financial information. Cyberattacks have targeted U.S. water systems and European energy grids, with some attributed to Russia and others linked to Iran. The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) reported that Iranian hackers targeted over 100 water providers in the U.S., including privately owned utilities that often lack basic cybersecurity protections. These attacks highlight vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and raise concerns about the potential for large-scale disruptions. Klue, a market research provider, experienced a significant data breach affecting nearly 200 companies, including cybersecurity giants like Jamf, HackerOne, and LastPass. The breach involved an extortion gang called Icarus, which used credentials issued in 2022 to access Klue's systems. Klue reportedly reached an agreement with the hackers to prevent the release of stolen data, though it is unclear if a ransom was paid. This incident underscores the growing threat of cyber extortion and the challenges of securing sensitive data. Thousands of Instagram accounts were hijacked through a vulnerability in Meta’s AI chatbot. Attackers impersonated users to request password resets, gaining access to accounts. The breach was discovered after the exploit became public, highlighting a major lapse in Meta’s security. Meanwhile, the FBI and ATF both declared "major cyber incidents" after breaches of their systems. The FBI's breach potentially exposed phone numbers of surveillance targets, while the ATF's breach involved a ransomware attack on a system containing targets of investigations. Both incidents required disclosures to Congress, emphasizing the increasing risks to national security and law enforcement operations.