We have no idea what to do with stolen data – Market & Profit

Although many have heard about computer crime that involves data theft and / or identity theft or could have been a victim of it, it still seems to us that relatively few people are aware of the value of stolen information from us.

According to a new study by Kaspersky Lab, where more than 7,000 consumers have been questioned across Europe, there are fears about stolen personal data and their use for illegal purposes, but also points out that many are insecure in regarding the value of their data how criminals can use for their purposes.

Picture: Kaspersky

Although 59% of the Kaspersky Lab survey is aware that companies are trying to sell their personal information to other parties, 50% of them do not know how much they deserve this data either for companies or for criminals. Therefore, their attitude to data security is also quite possible, making it easier for offenders to commit theft and commit crimes.

It is an incontestable fact that data stolen and thrown on the dark canvas, even those considered by many to be innocuous, are unacceptable. The stolen medical records (which were released between $ 70 and $ 100 each in 2016) have now lost their goods because they have so many circles on the net.

The global team of research and analysis of the Kaspersky Lab team also conducted additional studies to assess the magnitude of the problem. They came to the conclusion that

offenders can sell a person's entire digital life for 50 or less dollars, including stolen data from social media accounts, remote server and remote access, and even data on popular services that can store credit card information.

Researchers have also found that the prices of an affiliate account are lower than most. $ 1, and offenders will give you a discount when you buy a big batch.

According to David Jacoby, senior security researcher at Kaspersky Lab, it is quite surprising, but we can sell a person's entire digital life for less than $ 50. Most people aged 15-35 have registered more than 20 different online services and only about 10 of them use it regularly so that hackers can easily remain unnoticed and can get money from it – says the expert.

These data are largely stolen by offenders mainly through phishing or by exploiting the Web security vulnerability of an application software. Following a successful attack, offenders will receive so-called "password parks," which include a combination of email addresses and passwords associated with the heaviest services. And as there are countless people who use the same password for more services, attackers can access accounts from other platforms because they have information.

An interesting phenomenon is that some data criminals also offer customers a lifetime guarantee, which means that if an account is canceled, the buyer will get a new account free of charge.

Stolen data: valuable and versatile

Although the resale value of stolen data may be limited, they are, of course, valuable in that they can be used in many ways. This can cause enormous problems for a victim because he can lose money and / or reputation, may demand a debt that someone else has accumulated on his behalf, or suspect a crime that someone else has committed as a victim's identity using. Criminals, for example, may use a stolen identity to create a false passport for a smuggler and even commit other crimes.

This is to prevent data theft

To avoid phishing, always check the authenticity of the sender's link title and e-mail address before clicking on it. An effective security solution will also warn you when you try to visit a phishing site.

If you want to avoid losing data for all your digital identity, never use the same password for a variety of websites or services. To create strong, secure passwords and do not have to try to comment, use a password-specific application.