How much is your identity worth?
Introduction
In today’s digital world, personal data is increasingly being used as a currency on the dark web. According to recent research conducted by Privacy Affairs, your credit card details, online banking information, and social media credentials are all available for worryingly low prices. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the findings of the study and provide some practical tips on how to protect your identity.
The Price of Personal Data on the Dark Web
Privacy Affairs researchers scanned dark web marketplaces, forums, and websites over the past few weeks to create a price index for products and services related to personal data, counterfeit documents, and social media. They found that online banking logins cost an average of $35, while full credit card details cost between $12 and $20. A full range of documents and account details that allow identity theft can be obtained for an average of $1,285. 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.
Protecting Your Identity
It’s essential to be aware of how prevalent the threat of identity theft is and how to mitigate that threat by applying due diligence in all aspects of your daily life. Here are some practical tips:
- Shred documents that contain your sensitive information that you no longer need.
- Use complex passphrases and enable multi-factor authentication wherever you can.
- Consider freezing your credit.
- Review your credit and bank statements regularly for unusual activity.
- Set up alerts with your financial institution for large transactions.
- Maintain skepticism when asked for sensitive information over the phone or via email.
- Train your staff to recognize social engineering attempts and monitor for account compromises regularly if you run a business.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the value of your personal data on the dark web is shockingly low. It is therefore essential to take steps to protect your identity by being vigilant about your personal data and implementing security measures in your daily life. By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can reduce the risk of identity theft and ensure that your personal information remains safe and secure.
