How Cybercriminals Profit From Your Personal Information

Personal information has become more and more valuable in recent years. As most of your transactions and website sign-ups are done with the help of online data, it has become a valuable commodity. Cybercriminals know this and try to steal people’s data to make money. Multiple websites on the dark web are used for buying user information from these cyber criminals.

According to a recent study by ExpressVPN, personal information can be sold on the dark web at various prices depending on the type and the amount of data sold. For this reason, it is important for users to learn how to protect their personal information from malicious people who might use it for their own benefit. Here’s what you need to know about the dark web and ways to protect your data online.

What Is The Dark Web?

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is not accessible to normal Internet users. To access the dark web, users need to have specific software and configurations to access the websites available on the dark web. However, dark web websites are primarily illegal websites where illegal items are exchanged. This also includes the selling and buying of private user information that hackers steal.

If you don't know about the dark web price index and how to protect your data online, you must educate yourself. Here are some ways hackers steal information and how to avoid stealing your data.

How Cybercriminals Make Profit From User Information?

The dark web has certain price indexes that determine the value of certain user information based on the country they are from and what data is being sold. For example, individuals' credit card information is sold at the highest prices on the dark web. This not only includes credit card info but also includes online banking and crypto account information of users.

Even though credit card info is useful, users should also keep in mind that certain influencer accounts from various platforms or e-commerce accounts with saved payment information are also sold on the dark web. Cybercriminals can use this information for extortion, or they can use it to simply earn some money by selling it.

The most dangerous aspect of the information being sold on the dark web is the transaction of identification documents. Even though each piece of information is sold at different price points, it is quite easy for hackers to earn somewhere between 50-100 USD for the information of a single individual. Since creating fake documents is quite difficult, real identification documents from users are being sold that can later be used to create forged documents. This can also lead to identity theft in certain cases.

How To Protect Data From Being Stolen Online?

If you are worried about your data being stolen and being used for malicious activities, you should learn how to protect your data on the internet. Here are some tips that can help you protect your data. It is better to take these precautionary measures than to keep changing your information online to protect yourself.

  • Keep in mind not to reuse your passwords, and always enable two-factor authentication for your social media websites and online transactions.
  • Always make sure to check the permission of the app that you use. You can also check for compromised accounts with the help of Google.
  • Make sure to share limited information on the internet to protect your data better.

Conclusion

The dark web is scary, and normal internet users can not access it. These websites have different URLs, which are untraceable, and dangerous data and information is quite easily available on the dark web.

Since users' data is quite important, it is good to be aware of the repercussions of your data being stolen by cybercriminals. Users should also take some precautionary measures while browsing the Internet to protect their personal information easily.

Brought to you by ExpressVPN

You Might Also Read: 

Cyber Crime Against Individuals:

___________________________________________________________________________________________

If you like this website and use the comprehensive 6,500-plus service supplier Directory, you can get unrestricted access, including the exclusive in-depth Directors Report series, by signing up for a Premium Subscription.

  • Individual £5 per month or £50 per year. Sign Up
  • Multi-User, Corporate & Library Accounts Available on Request

Cyber Security Intelligence: Captured Organised & Accessible


 

 

« Businesses Must Prepare For 90-Day Certificates
Effective Enterprise Vulnerability Management & Compliance »

CyberSecurity Jobsite
Perimeter 81

Directory of Suppliers

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: What Is A Next-Generation Firewall (and why does it matter)?

Watch this webinar to hear security experts from Amazon Web Services (AWS) and SANS break down the myths and realities of what an NGFW is, how to use one, and what it can do for your security posture.

ZenGRC

ZenGRC

ZenGRC - the first, easy-to-use, enterprise-grade information security solution for compliance and risk management - offers businesses efficient control tracking, testing, and enforcement.

Authentic8

Authentic8

Authentic8 transforms how organizations secure and control the use of the web with Silo, its patented cloud browser.

Alvacomm

Alvacomm

Alvacomm offers holistic VIP cybersecurity services, providing comprehensive protection against cyber threats. Our solutions include risk assessment, threat detection, incident response.

Jooble

Jooble

Jooble is a job search aggregator operating in 71 countries worldwide. We simplify the job search process by displaying active job ads from major job boards and career sites across the internet.

Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy

Allen & Overy is an international law firm. Practice areas include Cybersecurity and Data Protection.

MetaFlows

MetaFlows

MetaFlows’ SaaS malware detection & prevention software passively analyzes the behavior and the content of Internet traffic.

Sepior

Sepior

Our vision is to make Sepior the leading provider of cloud-encryption software in the world.

BioCatch

BioCatch

BioCatch uses behavioral biometrics for fraud prevention and detection. Continuous authentication for web and mobile applications to prevent new account fraud.

NetDiligence

NetDiligence

NetDiligence is a privately-held cyber risk assessment and data breach services company.

Certis

Certis

Certis is a leading advanced integrated security organisation that develops and delivers multi-disciplinary security and integrated services.

Safe Security

Safe Security

Safe Security (formerly Lucideus) provides Cyber risk assessment services and platforms to multiple Fortune 500 companies and governments across the globe.

Stage2Data

Stage2Data

Stage2Data is one of Canada’s most trusted cloud solution providers offering hosted Backup and Disaster Recovery Services.

Forever Group

Forever Group

Forever Group is a Managed Services Provider specialising in Telecommunications, IT Support, and Cyber Security.

INE

INE

INE is a premier provider of Technical Training for the IT industry.

iON United

iON United

iON United is a full-service IT security solutions provider and one of the most trusted names in cybersecurity in Canada.

BIG Cyber

BIG Cyber

BIG Cyber is a specialized Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) dedicated to bringing military grade cyber security technology to the gaming industry.

In-Q-Tel (IQT)

In-Q-Tel (IQT)

IQT is the non-profit strategic investor that accelerates the development and delivery of cutting-edge technologies to U.S. government agencies that keep our nation safe.

Global Resilience Federation (GRF)

Global Resilience Federation (GRF)

GRF builds, develops and connects security information sharing communities for mutual defense.

Wired Assurance

Wired Assurance

Wired Assurance is a testing and assurance company, specialized in software applications and blockchain smart contracts.

Canary Technology Solutions (Canary IT)

Canary Technology Solutions (Canary IT)

A Cloud, Cyber Security, Retail Solutions and Managed IT Services provider for over 25 years, we safeguard and revolutionise business through technology and foresight.