The dark web is a murky place where stolen personal data can be sold for profit. But how much is your intimate data worth on the illicit stage? It’s not as simple as you may think – and understanding its value could help you protect yourself from becoming a victim of cybercrime and can avert a perfect storm. This article examines the dark web, what data is traded there, and how much your details could be worth if they were to fall into the wrong hands.
The Dark Web is an area of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed with specialized software. It is a go-to destination for criminals seeking anonymity while engaging in activities such as buying and selling stolen data or other illicit goods. The notorious web operates on an encrypted network, meaning that all communication between two points is entirely private and secure from prying eyes.
The term “Dark Web” indicates the websites or services that are accessible through special networks, for instance: Tor (The Onion Router) or I2P (Invisible Internet Project).
These networks platter users with a platform that is capable of browsing web content without being monitored or tracked down by the governmental, corporate, and ISP entities. While some organs of the respective platform are employed for admissible motives such as file sharing and research projects.
Albeit, much of it has become a haven for criminal activity such as drug trafficking, cybercrime, money laundering, fraud schemes, etc.
Using onion routing technology, the dark web adds an extra layer of security by encrypting each message sent out, so even if someone could intercept one packet, they would still not be able to decode what was inside due to its additional layer of encryption. This makes it next-to-impossible for anyone without access to mirror the encryption keys used to decrypt the data once received at its destination point to track back any information sent over this type of network.
As a result, the dark web platters users’ anonymity while browsing online content without being run down by governments, corporations, or ISPs.
Most dark web users seek concealment when performing activities on the internet, ranging from procuring substances through Silk Road to participating in political dissent without risk of consequence. There are also many legitimate uses, including researchers who need access to restricted materials to make progress on their work or journalists who want to keep sources confidential while reporting stories on sensitive topics such as war crimes, etc.
It is a potent resource for those who wish to partake in unlawful activities, and it’s essential to comprehend the kinds of data that can be bought on this network. Realizing the kind of data criminals are seeking can help us guard our own confidential details against being divulged or pilfered.
Credit card information is one of the most sought-after items on the dark web. Criminals often take advantage of this data to purchase expensive items or open accounts with another person’s credentials. Dark web markets offer personal data, including credit card numbers, expiry dates, and security codes. Criminals often use this data to buy high-priced goods and services with stolen credit cards before quickly moving on to another target.
Social Security Numbers (SSN) and other Personal Identifying Information (PII) are also auctioned on the outlawed platform. Criminals may utilize this data to perpetrate fraud or establish financial accounts with someone else’s credentials. SSNs, driver’s license numbers, birth dates, home addresses, and phone numbers are all valuable pieces of PII that could potentially be bought from a hacker on the shady web.
Hackers often peddle lists of thousands of usernames and passwords, procured through phishing attacks or malicious software such as keyloggers or malware. These stolen credentials can be employed to breach the security of unwitting victims’ systems without their knowledge or consent.
Cybercriminals have begun to capitalize on the lucrative nature of medical records and health insurance information, using stolen identities from the internet for medical fraud schemes, such as billing insurance companies for services that were never rendered. This data can be acquired through shady websites hosted within Tor networks, also colloquially called “the Dark Web.” Keywords: Medical Records, Health Insurance Information, Cybercrime, Ill-Gotten Means
Being mindful of the data obtainable on the dark web is essential for safeguarding one’s private details. Moving forward, let’s examine how much your personal data may be worth in such an environment.
On the dark web, personal data is a highly sought-after commodity, with its value determined by several factors. The worth of your private data is contingent upon a number of elements, including the type being sold and how straightforward it is to obtain.
On average, credit card numbers can fetch anywhere from $5-$50 per record while Social Security numbers can go for as much as $200 or more depending on what other information is included with them. Passwords and login credentials are also highly sought after and can range from $20-$100 each, depending on their complexity.
Medical information is now a highly desired target for cybercriminals due to its ability to be used in identity theft and fraud; such records usually cost around $1000 or more per record.
Realizing the significance of your private information on the dark web is an imperative way to shield yourself from potential cyber dangers. Criminals are willing to pay a premium for access and use of personal data residing on the respective platform, so it is important that you take proactive steps now to protect yourself.
It’s important that you take steps now by implementing security measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular backups so you can safeguard against malicious actors who seek out vulnerable targets.
Take proactive measures to protect your intimate information from being auctioned on the dark web. Invest in ACID Technologies’ advanced cyber intelligence platform and threat detection system for real-time protection against emerging threats.
