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What Hackers Do with Stolen Data?

What Hackers Do with Stolen Data?
  • PublishedJuly 21, 2022

Cybersecurity is the biggest concern of modern users since every device connected to the Internet can become a target for cybercriminals. We are all looking for ways to protect our devices and ensure the highest level of online security. But what is going to happen when your information has already been accessed and stolen by hackers? Let’s find it out together in this article. 

How to reduce the risk of stealing your sensitive data

Before we move to the most unpleasant part of using stolen data, let’s talk about the most effective ways of protecting it online. 

Use VPN on all your devices

VPN is used not only to hide your location but also to encrypt your online activities. VPN services enable enhanced security and protect data transmission without much impact on your Internet speed. You can turn on the advanced features if you need to achieve bank-level security. Many providers offer a free trial and you can test all the features before actually purchasing a subscription to a VPN service.

Enable multi-factor authentication

To lessen the danger of an attack, think about mixing several authentication methods rather than depending on just one. A password can be stolen, but if the user must also confirm a login request using an app, this offers an additional degree of security. It can seem complex at first, but you will get used to it.

Use a password manager

I think we have all been in a situation when we forgot a very important password and used the forgot password option. But if you decide to keep your passwords in your notes on the mobile phone, this can be a wrong choice as you can’t ensure their security.

How to find out that your mobile phone was hacked

Very often, users don’t even suspect anything and find out that their device has been hacked too late to do anything about it.  However, there is a simple way to find it out. How to know if your Phone is hacked? You can receive a special code to check if a phone is hacked in just a few minutes. Read more about these special codes in the article on VeePN website.

What do cybercriminals do with stolen data

And now let’s find out what actually happens with your sensitive data if it gets into the hands of cybercriminals. If you checked your phone with a code and hackers are in it, stealing data is just a matter of time unless you have protected it very well. See what happens to the most frequently stolen pieces of your sensitive information so that you can prepare for saving your data.

Passwords

Attackers “push” credentials into the login forms of numerous unrelated cloud services in “credential stuffing attacks,” which they carry out using stolen passwords. The password for one service frequently works on another due to the prevalence of users using the same password across numerous websites. Attackers can purchase lists of stolen LinkedIn credentials on the dark web, for instance, and then use automated programs to test these passwords in well-known e-commerce, banking, email hosting, and other sites. In order to conduct more sophisticated assaults, like ransomware, and keep the entire firm hostage, attackers may also utilize stolen credentials to get access to an organization’s environment.

PIN codes

A fraudster can use a PIN code and a password to replace the SIM card that is connected to a user’s phone number with a new SIM card and device, effectively giving them control of the phone numbers. Criminals may use this technique, also known as SIMjacking, to access your online accounts, take control of your phone line, and steal two-factor authentication codes that are sent over SMS or phone. This strategy is quite alarming since it allows the hacker to get through two-factor authentication security, which raises serious concerns when you consider what hackers may do with stolen data. Additionally, a lot of people reuse their PINs, making them beneficial to crooks looking to access other accounts (including debit card withdrawals, credit card account access, and bank security codes).

Payment card data

Payment card numbers are frequently sold for between $25 and $240 per. Criminals can sell these in large quantities on the dark web or monetize them by making fictitious purchases or cash withdrawals. Cybercriminals can have a very nice shopping when your payment card data is combined with a matching stolen identity!

Data from medical records

On the dark web, stolen medical records can be sold for up to $250 per record (we’ve also seen the situations when cybercriminals have asked for even more money). Since they frequently contain in-depth personal information that can be exploited for financial fraud, prescription drug fraud, identity theft, insurance fraud, extortion, and other crimes, these are regarded as being very valuable.

You can’t be too careful when it comes to cybersecurity

It is a critical issue and if the SMS hack codes show that someone accessed your phone, you need to turn to the authorities.