Hackers are constantly looking for ways to steal your data, and it’s almost always about one thing – money.
Indeed, the price paid for this stolen information is staggering. We usually talk about how these data breaches happen and the impact they have after the fact.
I want to focus on how valuable your information is to these creeps and what these criminals do after they steal your data.
The man is of course hacking the victims’ data. Data hackers use your information in many ways. (CyberGuy.com)
What is the value of data on the dark web?
Accordingly Dark Web Price Index, As compiled by Privacy Affairs, an individual’s personal information is worth about $1,010. They came up with this figure after calculating the prices of dark web products. Some of the calculated products include the following:
- Stolen Online Banking Logins: Under $50
- Credit card details and related information: Between $17-$120
- Online Banking Login Information: $65
- Hacked Facebook account: $45
- Cloned Visa with PIN: $20
- Stolen PayPal account details, minimum $1000 balance: $20
- Hacked web and entertainment services, such as Uber and Netflix: up to $40
AccordinglyVerizon’s annual data breach report, 86% of data breaches are about money, and 55% are committed by organized criminal groups.
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How do hackers buy this data?
Hackers will buy whatever data they’re interested in getting their hands on, whether it’s social security numbers or personal banking information.
The price of data depends on the type of data it is, and the level of supply and demand for it. The most common way to purchase this data is through either Bitcoin or Western Union.
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The code is probably used to hack accounts. Hackers are stealing data to sell the information online. (CyberGuy.com)
Once data is purchased, where does it go?
Where the data goes depends on what the hacker who stole it wants to do with it. Some will obtain names, addresses and Social Security numbers to commit identity theft and open credit cards and loans.
Others want personal information to get free healthcare or even get one’s medical license to show they have a medical background. And others will just get the data they want and sell it to others to make more money for themselves.
The number of reasons is endless. However, it is important to know how to protect yourself from these data breaches.
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A man is using card data to sell on the dark web. (CyberGuy.com)
How do I stop this from happening to me?
Antivirus protection
The best way to protect yourself from having your data breached is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. My top pick is TotalAV, and you’re a Limited-time deal for CyberGuy readers: $19 your first year (80% off) for the TotalAV Antivirus Pro package.
Check out my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices by searching.Best Antivirus’ at CyberGuy.com by clicking on the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website.
Related: Free Antivirus: Should You Use It?
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Visit CyberGuy.com for more information and reviews of the best antivirus software. (CyberGuy.com)
Identity theft protection
Companies like my #1 pick, identity guard, May monitor your Social Security Number (SSN) and alert you if it is being sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. The sooner you know, the sooner you can stop the damage.
Check out my tips and top picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft by doing researchidentity theft‘ by clicking on the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website at CyberGuy.com.
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CyberGuy.com has the information you need to protect yourself from identity theft. (CyberGuy.com)
Password protection
Be sure to use a strong password. Using the same password, no matter how complicated you make it, leaves you vulnerable.
If one account is compromised, every other account using the same password is potentially in the hands of criminals who will take full advantage of you.
See my tips and picks on the best password managers by searching“Best Password Manager” at CyberGuy.com by clicking on the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website.
Update your software and devices
Finally, be sure to regularly update your software on all your devices to get the latest security patches.
Have hackers stolen your data? We’d love to hear your story. Contact us at CyberGuy.com/contact.
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