What is Your Personal Information Worth on the Dark Web

There have been so many data breaches over the past few years. 2020 was, in fact, one of the worst years for cybercrime. These attacks illustrate that no one is safe, and even large companies like SolarWinds and Microsoft can be hacked. All that breached data ends up on the dark web for sale. So how much is your data worth?

How Much is my Data Worth

Most of us have been the victims of some of the major data breaches (Target, Facebook, Marriott Hotels, Microsoft, etc.), and therefore some digital footprint will be out there on the dark web about us.

But what is the value of stolen data sold on the dark web?

Credit Card Numbers

Credit card numbers are obviously a valuable commodity online, but they go for only about $12 - $45/each on the dark web. The same is said for hacked PayPal accounts and social security numbers. However, this is just an average. In some caches of stolen information, credit card numbers can be sold for as much as $1,000 each. Of course, cards that come with the CVV number earn a higher price.

Social Security Numbers & Other PII

Social security numbers and other personally identifiable information (PII) used for identity theft can fetch $25 or more for each victims’ valuable details. To use a social security number for identity theft, the hacker would also need the person’s name and date of birth.

Full data sets, meaning enough to steal someone’s identity, costs roughly $1,000 on the dark web. Some markets sell them for less ($30).

Driver’s licenses alone can go for $20 apiece.

U.S. passports net a nifty profit of $1,000 apiece online in dark web markets.

Medical records range in price from $1-1,000 per victim.

Bank Accounts

On average, bank account information is sold for $65 apiece if the balance is $2,000 or more.

Cryptocurrency Accounts

Various cryptocurrency accounts sell for different amounts based on where they are located. For example, Bitcoin wallets may go for as little as $350, whereas a Coinbase account will sell for $610, and a Kraken account for $810. In addition, sometimes cybercriminals will actually have a “sale” and offer one free with the purchase of another (BOGO).

Other Online Accounts

Gmail account credentials can be auctioned off for as high as $165 apiece because they can be used as a single sign-on for many other accounts. 

Hijacked Facebook accounts typically run about $75 each. 

Stolen eBay accounts with a good seller rating can sell for as much as $1,000. 

Hacked Netflix accounts typically sell for $1 apiece, as do other non-financial accounts. However, some subscription service accounts may fetch as much as $10 apiece.

How Can Victims of Stolen Data Sold on Dark Web Protect Themselves?

Experts agree, you may not be able to avoid being caught in a data breach, but you can protect your information in other ways.

• Always use strong passwords on all accounts and never reuse them on multiple websites.
• Never share your personal information with anyone who does not need it or anyone who requests it unsolicited.
• Keep all your devices updated with the latest security patches.
• Keep good antivirus software running on all machines. 
• Protect your network with monitoring software. 
• Sign up for identity monitoring services.
• Check your credit report annually.
• Monitor your bank and credit card accounts for suspicious activity. 
• Leave your social security card and passport at home when you don’t need them.
• Watch out for phishing emails and never click links or download attachments from an email.

The best defense against hackers and thieves is educating yourself on the dangers and protecting your personal information at all costs.