Page 143 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Special RSA Conference Annual Edition for 2022
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How Much Is Your Data Actually Worth?
By Jamie Wilson, MD & Founder, Cryptoloc Technology Group
As our world gets smaller, and our systems for sharing information become increasingly interconnected,
breaches are becoming an inevitability. It’s no longer a matter of if, but when, your data will come under
attack – but do you have any idea how precious your data actually is?
The criminals who steal data – whether for the purpose of blackmail, identity theft, extortion or even
espionage – are finding themselves competing in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Over the course
of the global coronavirus pandemic, as the lines between our personal and professional lives and devices
blurred like never before and ransomware proliferated, hackers became more active and empowered
than ever.
According to Privacy Affairs’ latest Dark Web Price Index, the stolen data market grew significantly larger
in both volume and variety over the last year, with more credit card data, personal information and
documents on offer.
As the supply of stolen data has grown, prices for each individual piece of data have plummeted. Hacked
credit card details that would have sold for US$240 in 2021 are going for US$120 in 2022, for instance,
and stolen online banking logins are down from US$120 to US$65.
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