The dark web is a place where stolen personal data can be sold for profit. But how valuable is your intimate data on an illegal platform? It’s not as simple as you might think – and understanding its value can help you avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime and avert a bigger storm. This article examines the dark web, what data is traded there, and how much your details could be worth if they fall into the wrong hands.

What is dark web?

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 destination for criminals seeking anonymity while engaging in activities such as buying and selling stolen data or other illegal goods. The infamous web operates over an encrypted network, which means that all communication between two points is completely private and safe from prying eyes.

Definition of Dark Web:

Word “dark web” indicates websites or services that can be accessed through a particular network, for example: Tor (The Onion Router) Or I2P (Invisible Internet Project),

These networks connect users to a platform capable of browsing web content without being monitored or tracked by government, corporate, and ISP entities. While certain parts of the respective Platforms are employed for acceptable purposes such as file sharing and research projects.

However, most of it has become a haven for criminal activities like drug trafficking, cyber crime, money laundering, fraud schemes etc.

Using onion routing technology, the dark web adds an extra layer of security by encrypting every message sent, so even if someone could intercept a single packet, they could still see what was inside because of the extra layer of encryption. Can’t decode. This type makes it impossible for anyone without access to the mirror to decrypt the encryption keys used to decrypt the received data once it is at its destination point, to track back any information sent over the network.

As a result, the dark web offers users anonymity when browsing content online without being run by governments, corporations, or ISPs.

Most dark web users want to hide while doing activities on the Internet, from purchasing substances through the Silk Road to participating in political dissent without risk of consequences. 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 when reporting stories on sensitive topics such as war crimes, etc.

It is a powerful resource for those who want to participate in illegal activities, and it is essential to understand the types of data that can be procured on this network. Realizing the kind of data criminals are looking for can help us protect our own confidential details from being exposed or stolen.

What Kind of Data is Sold on the Dark Web?

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 someone else’s credentials. Dark web markets provide personal data, including credit card numbers, expiration dates, and security codes. Criminals often use this data to purchase high-priced goods and services with stolen credit cards before quickly moving on to another target.

Social Security Numbers (SSNs) and other Personal Identification Information (PII) are also auctioned on illegal platforms. Criminals can use this data to commit fraud or set up financial accounts with someone else’s credentials. SSNs, driver’s license numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, and phone numbers are all valuable pieces of PII that can potentially be purchased from hackers on the shady web.

Hackers sell lists of thousands of usernames and passwords, often obtained 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 by using identities stolen from the Internet to perpetrate medical fraud schemes, such as billing insurance companies for services that were never provided. This data can be accessed through shady websites hosted within the Tor network, also colloquially referred to as “the Dark Web”. Keywords: Medical Records, Health Insurance Information, Cybercrime, Wrongful Access

To protect one’s personal details it is necessary to be careful with the data one receives on the dark web. Moving on, let’s look at how valuable your personal data can be in such an environment.

How valuable is your personal data on the dark web?

On the dark web, personal data is a highly sought-after commodity, the value of which is determined by a number of factors. The value of your personal data depends on a number of factors, including the type being sold and how easy it is to obtain.

On average, credit card numbers can fetch anywhere from $5-$50 per record, while Social Security numbers can go for $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 because of its potential to be used in identity theft and fraud; Such records usually cost around $1000 or more per record.

conclusion

Understanding the importance of your personal information on the dark web is an essential way to protect yourself from potential cyber threats. Criminals are willing to pay a premium to access and use personal data residing on relevant platforms, so it is important that you take proactive steps to protect yourself now.

It is important that you take action now by implementing security measures such as strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and regular backups so that you can stay protected from malicious actors seeking 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.