Hackers are always looking for ways to steal your data, and it’s almost always about one thing — money.
In fact, the price paid to steal this information is staggering. We usually discuss how these data breaches happen and what impact they have after the fact.
I want to focus on how valuable your information is to these thieves and what these criminals do with your data after they have stolen it from you.
Man steals data from unsuspecting victims. Data hackers use your information in various ways. (CyberGuy.com)
What is the price of data on the dark web?
according to dark web price index, According to the Department of Privacy Affairs, the value of a person’s personal information is approximately $1,010. They came up with this number after calculating the prices of Dark Web products. Some of the products calculated include:
- Stolen online banking logins: As low as $50
- Credit card details and related information: between $17-$120
- Online banking login information: $65
- Hacked Facebook account: $45
- Clone VISA with PIN: $20
- Stolen PayPal account details, minimum $1000 balance: $20
- Hacked internet and entertainment services like Uber and Netflix: Up to $40
according toVerizon’s annual data breach report, 86% of data breaches are money related and 55% are committed by organized crime groups.
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How do hackers buy this data?
Hackers will buy any data they’re interested in owning, whether it’s Social Security numbers or private banking information.
The price of data depends on what type of data it is, and the level of supply and demand for it. The most common way they buy this data is via Bitcoin or Western Union.
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Codes that may be used to hack accounts. Hackers are stealing data to sell 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 people harvest names, addresses, and Social Security numbers to commit identity theft and to open credit cards and loans.
Others will 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 will just get the data they want and sell it to other people to make more money for themselves.
The number of reasons is endless. However, it’s important to know how to protect yourself from these data breaches.
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A man used card data to make a sale on the dark web. (CyberGuy.com)
How can I prevent this from happening to me?
antivirus protection
The best way to protect yourself from data breaches is to install antivirus protection on all your devices.My top choice is TotalAV, you can get Limited Time Offer for CyberGuy Readers: TotalAV Antivirus Pro Package for $19 (80% Off) First Year.
Check out my expert reviews of the best antivirus protection for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices by searching forBest Antivirus’ On CyberGuy.com click on the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website.
related: Free Antivirus: Should You Use It?
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Head over to CyberGuy.com for more information and reviews of the best antivirus software. (CyberGuy.com)
Identity Theft Protection
A company like my first choice, identity guard, Can monitor your Social Security Number (SSN) and alert you if it’s being sold on the dark web or used to open an account. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. The quicker you know, the quicker you can undo the damage.
Check out my tips and top picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft by searching for “identity theft‘ Click on the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website on 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 complex you make it, leaves you vulnerable.
If one account is compromised, all other accounts with the same password can fall into the hands of criminals who will take full advantage of you.
Check out my tips and picks for the best password managers by searchingbest password manager On CyberGuy.com click on the magnifying glass icon at the top of my website.
Update your software and equipment
Finally, be sure to regularly update the 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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