Hackers are constantly coming up with ways to steal your data, and it’s almost always about one thing: the money.
In fact, the price paid for this stolen information is astonishing. We usually talk about how these data breaches happen and what their impact is afterwards.
I want to focus on how much your information is worth to these creeps and what these criminals do with the data once they steal it from you.
Man hacks data of unsuspecting victims. Data hackers use your data in different ways. (CyberGuy.com)
What is the price of data on the dark web?
According to the Dark Web Price Index, compiled by Privacy Affairs, an individual’s personal information is worth approximately $1,010. They came up with this figure after calculating what the prices of Dark Web products are worth. Some of the products calculated include:
- Stolen Online Banking Credentials: Only $50
- Credit card details and related information: between $17-$120
- Online banking credentials: $65
- Hacked Facebook Account: $45
- Cloned VISA with PIN: $20
- Stolen PayPal account information, $1000 minimum balance: $20
- Hacked web and entertainment services, such as Uber and Netflix: up to $40
According toVerizon’s annual data breach report, 86% of data breaches involve money and 55% are committed by organized crime groups.
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How do hackers buy this data?
Hackers buy whatever data they want to own, whether it’s social security numbers or private banking information.
The price of the data depends on what kind of data it is and the level of supply and demand. The most common way they can buy this data is via Bitcoin or Western Union.
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Code believed to be used to hack accounts. Hackers steal data to sell the information online. (CyberGuy.com)
Once the data is bought, 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 perform identity theft and open credit cards and loans.
Others want personal information to get free health care or even get someone’s medical license to make it look like they have a medical background. And others 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 against these data breaches.
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A man using map data to sell on the dark web. (CyberGuy.com)
How do I prevent this from happening to me?
Antivirus protection
The best way to protect yourself against data breaches is to install antivirus protection on all your devices. My top pick is TotalAV, and you can get one 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 “BestAntivirus’ on CyberGuy.com by clicking 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 a roundup of the best antivirus software. (CyberGuy.com)
Identity theft protection
Companies like my #1 choice, identity guard, can check your social security number (SSN) and alert you if it is 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 close the damage.
Check out my tips and top picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft by searching’identity theft‘ on CyberGuy.com by clicking the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website.
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CyberGuy.com has the information you need to protect yourself from identity theft. (CyberGuy.com)
Password security
Make sure you use strong passwords. Using the same password, no matter how complicated you make it, leaves you vulnerable.
If one account is compromised, any other account using the same password may be in the hands of criminals who will take full advantage of you.
Check out my tips and picks for the best password managers by searching ‘best password managers’ on CyberGuy.com by clicking the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website.
Update your software and devices
Finally, make sure you 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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