- Credit cards and IDs are readily available and cheap on the dark web, NordVPN warns
- UK citizens are a major target, with their data worth more
- The best solution is to secure your online accounts
We already know the risks of using the internet and how basic cybersecurity hygiene can do the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping you safe, but NordVPN has revealed exactly what happens to your data after it’s stolen.
The company’s research found that stolen UK payment card details are now commonly sold on dark web marketplaces for around £9 (around $12), and more comprehensive “digital identity packs” are sold for around £30 ($40).
Some of the most commonly sold include payment cards, digital copies of passports (£26), digital copies of driving licenses (£26) and full bundles of the above and much more.
Criminals buy bits of information here and there
Perhaps the most worrying finding is not the existence of these markets and the fact that personal and sensitive information is so easily accessible, but rather how criminals can cheaply acquire enough information to commit fraud.
“When people hear that stolen data sells for the price of a coffee, it can seem almost trivial,” wrote CTO Marijus Briedis – because for such a small amount of money, criminals can commit identity theft, account takeovers, credit application and loan fraud, phishing campaigns and much more.
The company also noted that UK consumers are among the most valuable, with payment card data priced “slightly above” the EU median and identity documents arriving at “relatively high prices”.
However, the company is concerned that it will become increasingly difficult to become aware of an attack as identity theft becomes more discreet and progressive. Small pieces of leaked information end up being combined to form a bigger picture, leading to broader identity profiles.
“Most people still think of identity theft as something dramatic and obvious, when in reality it can start quietly, with a few personal information or copied documents exchanged online,” Briedis added.
How to stay safe online
To help consumers understand the threat, NordVPN launched an interactive dark web calculator to quantify the value of an individual’s data based on the online accounts and digital identities they hold, as well as their country of origin.
On the site, the company explains that regular personal emails can cost as little as $1, while more valuable corporate accounts tend to cost more on dark web marketplaces because of the way they can give attackers access to sensitive company systems.
When it comes to social media, Meta-owned platforms are some of the most attractive simply because of the company’s dominance in the market. A single login could allow an attacker to access multiple accounts across Facebook, Instagram, Threads and more.
Presenting a series of solutions for consumers, NordVPN suggests using unique passwords for each account with the addition of multi-factor authentication. Replacing traditional passwords with passwords is a big win for consumers because they can’t be stolen and copied from password managers and the technology behind it relies on matching an account to your device.
Frequently reviewing bank statements for unexpected charges can also help identify attacks – NordVPN has integrated its own Dark Web Monitor as a similar type of tool that alerts users when sensitive personal data arrives on a questionable marketplace.
“The sooner people understand the value of their data and how exposed it can be, the better chance they have of protecting themselves,” concludes Briedis.
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