2020 saw a significant rise in cyber-attacks, with some of the biggest corporations in the world falling victim to severe breaches. Companies like NASA, T-Mobile, and even cybersecurity firms like SolarWinds were targeted, resulting in massive amounts of leaked data ending up on the dark web for sale.
Privacy Affairs recently conducted an investigation into the dark web market and how it has evolved since 2020. The findings shed light on the staggering prices at which stolen data is being sold. For instance, banking login information for accounts with a minimum balance of $2000 was fetching an average price of $120, while hacked US credit card details with CVV were being sold for $17. Cloned Mastercards with PINs were going for around $25, and credit card details with a $5000 account balance were priced at $240.
In addition to financial data, forged physical documents such as passports were also up for sale on the dark web. Dutch, Polish, and French passports were being sold for an average of $4000, while Maltese passports commanded a whopping $6000.
The volume of data being sold on the dark web has significantly increased since last year, with vendors reporting sales in the thousands. Buyers are gravitating towards larger, more reputable websites, with the White House Market emerging as a key player in the dark web marketplace. Security measures have also been beefed up, with vendors now demanding payment in Monero and communicating exclusively through PGP encryption to evade detection by law enforcement.
The prevalence of data for sale on the dark web serves as a stark reminder of the value of personal information and the ease with which hackers can exploit individuals. With hackers playing the numbers game and targeting indiscriminately, it is crucial for individuals to take proactive measures to protect their data and privacy.
The dark web market continues to evolve and adapt, posing new challenges for cybersecurity experts and law enforcement agencies. As cyber threats continue to evolve, staying informed and vigilant is key to safeguarding sensitive information in an increasingly digital world.