Stolen Identities are cheap on the Darknet

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What a steal: You can purchase a U.S. stolen identity for $25, and an overseas one for $40. Cybercrime is booming. Cybercriminals are competing even against each other. Data theft is becoming increasingly easier, with more and more people gaining entry into this realm. It’s no longer for the elite.

11DHiring someone to perform a cybercrime doesn’t take technical knowledge; only the ability to pay. Even a computer isn’t necessary, and the crime can be outsourced.

The underground of cyberspace is known as the Darknet. Illegal activities of the Darknet are mighty cheap these days.

  • Under $300: credentials for a bank account that has a balance of $70,000-$150,000.
  • $400-$600 a month: Hire a crook to fire a denial-of-service attack on your online competitor to knock it offline. This service can also go for $2 to $5 per hour. Prices are actually quite varied, but the range goes well into the cheap end.
  • $40 bought a personal identity (U.S. stolen ID as of 2011), and $60 bought a stolen overseas ID (as of 2011). Currently, these IDs cost 33 to 37 percent less.

Other Crime Fees

  • $100 to $300: hack a website
  • $25 to $100: A hacker will steal all the data they can on a person or business by using social engineering or Trojan infiltration.
  • $20: a thousand bots; and $250 will get you 15,000.
  • $4 to $8: one stolen U.S. credit card account including CVV number ($18 for European accounts)

What does all this mean to you? It means your identity is at risk.

  • Update your PC with the most current antivirus, antispyware, antiphishing and a firewall.
  • Update your devices critical security patches.
  • Require password access for all your devices and use strong passwords for your accounts.
  • Invest in identity protection because even if you secure your data, a major retailer or bank can be breached putting your data at risk.

Robert Siciliano is an identity theft expert to BestIDTheftCompanys.com discussing  identity theft prevention. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247. Disclosures.