Data Breaches on the Dark Web: Unveiling Fate of Stolen Information Post-Intrusion
In the digital age, the protection of personal and sensitive information has become a paramount concern. This article delves into the alarming process by which stolen data travels from data breaches to dark web marketplaces, where it is sold and used for various forms of identity theft and financial fraud.
The journey begins with a data breach, an incident where sensitive information is stolen from an organization. This could be the result of hacking, phishing, or malware infections. Once the data is in the hands of cybercriminals, it is collected and processed, often cleaned up and organized to make it more usable for malicious activities.
The processed data is then listed for sale on dark web marketplaces. These platforms, accessible only through special tools like Tor, are used for illegal activities, including the sale and purchase of stolen data. Commonly traded data includes email addresses, passwords, credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, and full identity profiles.
Once on the dark web, the data can be sold to other cybercriminals, who may use it for identity theft, phishing, or other financial frauds. The data can also be distributed through forums and auto shops within the dark web ecosystem.
To combat these threats, companies and individuals use dark web monitoring tools to track and detect when their data appears on these platforms. This can help in taking early action to mitigate potential risks.
It's important to note that the price of these data packages is usually based on their quality. For instance, medical records, due to their long-term fraud potential, can fetch prices of $250 or more per record. On the other hand, email and password combinations are sold for as little as $2 to $10 per thousand. Credit card numbers are sold for prices ranging from $5 to $100 per card, depending on the limit and validity.
The theft of data often goes undetected for weeks or even months. Companies need to be vigilant about the potential sale of their data to competitors or other hackers, as it could lead to bankruptcy or business closures.
In addition, stolen data can be used for phishing and targeted attacks, such as impersonating the victim and scamming their contacts. It can also be used for corporate espionage or ransomware attacks, where the credentials of a company's employee are stolen and sold.
In conclusion, understanding the journey of stolen data is crucial in the fight against cybercrime. By being aware of the risks and using appropriate measures to protect sensitive information, individuals and businesses can minimise the potential damage caused by data breaches.
In the digital world, cybersecurity measures, particularly those focusing on data-and-cloud-computing, become instrumental in safeguarding sensitive information from being stolen during data breaches, where the data is then processed and sold on the dark web, posing a threat for identity theft, phishing, and financial fraud.
To combat this issue, companies and individuals can employ technology-based solutions, such as dark web monitoring tools, which help track and detect the appearance of their data on these illegal platforms, allowing them to take early action and minimize potential risks.
