Hackers are trading your data on the Dark Web! Do you know how to protect yourself?

Your credit card details, online banking information, and social media credentials are increasingly available on the dark web at worryingly low prices. Researchers from privacy affairs frequently scan Dark Web marketplaces, forums, and websites to create a price index for products and services relating to your personal data, counterfeit documents, and social media. 

Online Banking logins cost an average of $35 and full credit card details cost between $12 and $20. A full range of documents and account details allowing identity theft can be obtained for $1,285 on average. Other prices include $70 to $550 for driver’s licenses, $70 for auto insurance cards, $70 for AAA emergency cards, $25 for bank statements, and $70 for student ID cards. 

It’s important for you to be aware of how prevalent the threat of identity theft is, and also how you can mitigate that threat by applying due diligence in all aspects of your daily life. Here are some things you can do to mitigate identity theft.

• Shred documents you no longer need that contain your sensitive information.
• Use complex passphrases and enable multi-factor authentication everywhere that you can. 
• Consider freezing your credit, and make sure that you’re reviewing your credit and your bank statement for unusual activity on a regular basis. 
• Make sure you have alerts set up with your financial institution for large transactions. 
• Maintain skepticism when you’re asked for sensitive information over the phone or via email.
• Make sure you’re training your staff to recognize social engineering attempts and monitor for account compromises proactively.