We have often heard news of cybercriminals hacked large businesses and enterprise stealing millions of customer data and information but have you ever wondered how cybercriminals earn money out of these? Today, data monetization is no longer confined to credit card fraud. Cybercriminals are trading personal data—email, social media, online gaming, and online banking account credentials, among others—at underground economies. Each data type sells for a different price at different black market. To cybercriminal, personal data represent a deep well of opportunities. And to the victims, the repercussions are not limited to losing money or getting inconvenienced. Losing personal data can haunt people throughout their lives. Data does not expire. It can infinitely be reused and traded underground. To educate the public on the importance of safeguarding personal data, Trend Micro, a global provider of online security solutions, has published the “A Global Black Market for Stolen Personal Data” interactive infographic. It explores the different international black markets that trade stolen data, what types of data can be bought and sold, how much they're worth, and what can the public do about it – all in an interesting and interactive format.
