As a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience I’ve seen a lot.

Trust me cybercriminals are always on the hunt for valuable data.

They don’t care about your latest Netflix binge they want the stuff that translates directly into cold hard cash.

Think personal information that can be used to impersonate you or login credentials that unlock your online accounts – basically anything they can use to steal your money or your identity.

So let’s delve into the types of data they’re after and how they use it.

Table of Contents

The Cybercriminals’ Shopping List: What Data Do They Want?

Cybercriminals are like vultures circling above their prey waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce.

And their prey unfortunately is our data.

They’re always on the lookout for juicy bits of information that can be exploited for profit.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII): The Foundation of Identity Theft

Imagine a criminal with a blank canvas.

They need to paint a picture of you not for artistic purposes but to commit identity theft.

This is where PII comes in.

PII encompasses any information that can be used to uniquely identify you like your:

Name and Surname: This is the foundation. They need to know who they’re impersonating.
Date of Birth: A key element in establishing a believable identity.
Social Security Number: This is the holy grail for identity theft. It opens doors to your financial and medical records.
Address: Used to create a complete picture of your life and to potentially target you with scams or phishing attacks.
Phone Number: Used to access your accounts confirm identities and even engage in phone scams.
Email Address: The primary communication channel for everything from account recovery to phishing emails.

Cybercriminals use PII to create convincing profiles of their victims allowing them to access accounts open credit lines or even take out loans in their names.

Financial Data: The Key to Your Financial Lifeline

Cybercriminals understand the value of money and they’re constantly looking for ways to gain access to your financial resources.

They target your financial data because it can be used for a variety of illicit activities including:

Credit Card Information: The easiest way to steal your money. They can use this information to make unauthorized purchases online and in-person.
Bank Account Information: Gaining access to your bank account gives criminals a direct pipeline to your funds. They can transfer money make withdrawals and even empty your account.
Income and Expense Data: This information can be used to assess your financial vulnerability and target you with specific scams or phishing attacks.

Knowing your financial data allows criminals to make fraudulent transactions open new accounts in your name or even use your information to take out loans.

Healthcare and Insurance Information: Exploiting Your Vulnerability

This category of data is particularly sensitive and can be used to commit a range of crimes.

Here’s what cybercriminals target in this area:

Medical Records: This information can be used to impersonate you in medical settings access your healthcare benefits and even steal your medical identity.
Insurance Information: Criminals can use your insurance information to file false claims or to purchase prescription drugs illicitly.
Prescription Information: This information can be used to obtain prescription medications illegally or to sell them on the black market.

Accessing your healthcare and insurance information puts your health and well-being at risk.

It can lead to fraudulent claims stolen medical benefits and even the misuse of prescription drugs.

Login Credentials: The Keys to Your Digital Kingdom

Your login credentials are the keys to your online life.

From social media accounts to online banking they grant access to everything you’ve built and created in the digital realm.

Here’s what cybercriminals look for:

Username and Password: They need to get past the initial login barrier to access your accounts.
Two-Factor Authentication Codes: If you’re using two-factor authentication they need to bypass this extra layer of security to get access.
Security Questions and Answers: These are often used to reset passwords giving criminals a backdoor into your accounts.

Stealing your login credentials gives criminals access to your accounts allowing them to read your private messages steal your data or even use your account to spread malware.

Work Login Data: The Target of a Larger Game

Cybercriminals often go after work login data because it can lead to larger more lucrative targets.

By gaining access to a company’s network they can steal valuable data disrupt operations or even launch a massive phishing campaign.

This data could include sensitive financial information intellectual property or customer data.

Criminals can then sell this data on the dark web use it to blackmail the company or launch a ransomware attack.

Sensitive Video and Photo Data: Blackmail and Harassment

The digital age has made it easier than ever to record and share our lives but this convenience comes at a price.

Cybercriminals often target sensitive video and photo data because it can be used for:

Blackmail: They can use this data to extort money from their victims or to blackmail them into doing their bidding.
Harassment: They can use this data to harass or humiliate their victims online or in real life.
Cyberbullying: They can use this data to create and spread harmful rumors or to intimidate their victims.

This type of data can be particularly damaging because it often contains personal details that can be used to identify and target victims.

Credit and Debit Card Numbers: Fueling Fraudulent Transactions

Credit and debit card numbers are a prized possession for cybercriminals.

They can be used to make fraudulent purchases online and in-person and even to create counterfeit cards.

These numbers can be used to buy goods and services transfer funds and even to access your bank account.

Media Profile Data: Impersonation and Fraud

Your media profile data which includes everything from your social media accounts to your online gaming profiles can be exploited by cybercriminals in several ways:

Impersonation: They can create fake profiles that mimic yours to scam others or to spread misinformation.
Fraud: They can use your information to create fake accounts and steal your identity.
Cyberbullying: They can use your information to harass and bully you online.

They can use your online persona to create a convincing fake identity or to use your account to promote scams or fraudulent activities.

Communication Data: A Treasure Trove of Sensitive Information

All your communication channels are potential goldmines for cybercriminals.

Here’s why:

Emails: Emails often contain personal information login credentials and financial data.
Text Messages: Texts can contain sensitive information like passwords financial data or personal details.
Instant Messaging: Instant messaging apps are increasingly targeted by criminals because they often contain sensitive conversations and data.
Video and Audio Clips: These can be used to blackmail victims or to spread embarrassing information.
Physical Mail: Even physical mail can contain sensitive information like credit card statements or bank documents.

By getting access to your communication data criminals can gain access to a wealth of valuable information that they can use to commit a variety of crimes.

Turning Data into Dollars: How Cybercriminals Monetize Stolen Information

Once cybercriminals get their hands on your data they need to find a way to turn it into profit.

Here are some common ways they monetize stolen information:

Identity Theft: Using Your Identity to Live the High Life

This is the most common way that cybercriminals use stolen data.

They can use your information to:

Open Credit Lines: They can open credit cards loans or other lines of credit in your name accumulating debt that you’ll have to pay off.
Make Purchases: They can use your stolen credit card information to make online and in-person purchases.
Get Medical Services: They can use your medical insurance information to get medical treatment drugs or even surgeries.

Identity theft is a serious crime and it can have a devastating impact on your finances your credit score and even your health.

Financial Fraud: Direct Access to Your Funds

This is a more direct approach to stealing your money.

Cybercriminals can use your financial data to:

Transfer Funds: They can transfer money from your bank account to their own or to an account they control.
Make Withdrawals: They can withdraw cash from your bank account using your debit card or online banking credentials.
Take Out Loans: They can take out loans in your name and then default on the loans leaving you with the debt.

Financial fraud can leave you with a depleted bank account a damaged credit score and a mountain of debt.

Medical Identity Theft: Exploiting Your Healthcare Benefits

This type of crime targets your healthcare information and it can lead to several problems:

False Claims: They can file false claims to Medicare or other insurers using your insurance information to obtain benefits.
Access to Medical Services: They can use your medical identity to access healthcare services prescription drugs or even surgeries.
Misuse of Prescription Drugs: They can use your prescription information to obtain prescription drugs illegally or to sell them on the black market.

Medical identity theft can have severe consequences for your health and financial well-being.

Account Takeovers: Controlling Your Digital Life

Cybercriminals love to hijack your online accounts because they provide access to a wealth of valuable data.

They can use your accounts to:

Make Purchases: They can make online purchases using your stolen credit card information or your account logins.
Spread Malware: They can use your account to spread malicious software to your friends and family.
Impersonate You: They can use your account to impersonate you and scam your friends family or even businesses.
Promote Scams: They can use your account to promote fraudulent schemes or to spread misinformation.

Account takeovers can damage your online reputation lead to financial losses and put your friends and family at risk.

Phishing Scams: Tricking You Into Giving Up More Data

Phishing scams involve using your data to trick you into giving up even more sensitive information.

They can use your personal information to:

Convince You They’re Legitimate: They can use your name address and other PII to make their phishing emails or messages appear legitimate.
Get You to Transfer Funds: They can ask you to transfer money to a fake account or to give them your bank account details.
Steal More Data: They can use your stolen information to gain access to other accounts or to trick you into revealing more sensitive data.

Phishing scams can lead to financial losses identity theft and even malware infections.

Extortion and Blackmail: Threatening to Expose Your Secrets

Cybercriminals often use sensitive data to blackmail their victims threatening to expose their private information unless they pay up.

They can use:

Login Data: They can threaten to release your login credentials online or to sell them on the dark web.
Sensitive Photos or Videos: They can threaten to release embarrassing photos or videos online or to send them to your friends and family.
Private Messages: They can threaten to release private messages or conversations online.

Blackmail can be a very damaging crime causing emotional distress financial losses and reputational damage.

Credential Stuffing: Unlocking Accounts with Stolen Passwords

This is a popular tactic used by cybercriminals who have acquired a large database of stolen login credentials.

They use these credentials to:

Gain Access to Other Accounts: They try to use the stolen credentials to log into other accounts hoping that you’ve reused the same password across multiple websites or services.
Create Fake Accounts: They can use the stolen credentials to create fake accounts on social media or other websites using your information to impersonate you.

Credential stuffing can lead to account takeovers identity theft and even financial fraud.

Selling Stolen Data on the Dark Web: A Market for Stolen Information

Cybercriminals often don’t use stolen data themselves.

Instead they sell it on the dark web to other criminals.

This data can be used for a variety of purposes including:

Identity Theft: It can be used to create fake identities and to commit identity theft.
Financial Fraud: It can be used to make fraudulent transactions open bank accounts and take out loans.
Account Takeovers: It can be used to gain access to online accounts and to steal sensitive data.
Malware Development: It can be used to develop new malware strains and to target specific victims.

The dark web market for stolen data is a thriving industry and it provides a steady stream of revenue for cybercriminals.

Protecting Yourself: A Multi-Layered Approach to Data Security

While cybercriminals are constantly evolving their tactics we can protect ourselves by taking a proactive approach to data security.

Here are some steps you can take:

Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication: Locking Down Your Accounts

Strong Passwords: Create strong passwords that are long complex and unique to each account. A good password should include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters numbers and symbols.
Password Manager: Use a password manager to store your passwords securely. This will help you create and remember strong unique passwords for each account.
Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on all your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone or email in addition to your password.
Don’t Reuse Passwords: Never use the same password for multiple accounts. If one account is compromised it won’t give criminals access to all your other accounts.

These simple steps can significantly reduce your risk of account takeovers and other data breaches.

Secure Connections: Protecting Your Data in Transit

Virtual Private Network (VPN): Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic and mask your IP address. This will make it more difficult for cybercriminals to track your online activity and steal your data.
Public Wi-Fi: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Cybercriminals can easily intercept your data on unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN or stick to secure networks whenever possible.
HTTPS: Always look for the HTTPS padlock symbol in the address bar of your web browser. This indicates that the website is using a secure connection encrypting your data and protecting it from eavesdroppers.

Secure connections are essential for protecting your data when you’re browsing the web especially on public Wi-Fi networks.

Antivirus Protection: Keeping Malware at Bay

Install and Update Antivirus Software: Use a reputable antivirus software and keep it updated. This will help you protect your devices from malware infections that can steal your data.
Be Cautious About Downloads: Only download files from trusted sources. Malware is often hidden in free downloads so be careful about what you download from the internet.
Be Wary of Emails and Attachments: Don’t open emails or attachments from unknown senders. These could contain malware that can infect your device and steal your data.

Antivirus software is an essential part of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

It can protect your devices from malware infections data breaches and other threats.

Software Updates: Patching Security Vulnerabilities

Install Updates: Install the latest security updates for your operating system browsers and other software. These updates often contain security patches that can fix vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit.
Check for Updates Regularly: Check for updates regularly especially if you’re using a software that handles sensitive data.
Keep Your Antivirus Up-to-Date: Make sure your antivirus software is also up to date to ensure it can detect and block the latest threats.

Keeping your software up to date is crucial for protecting your devices and data from the latest threats.

Monitor Your Financial Records: Detecting Fraudulent Activity

Check Your Bank Statements: Review your bank statements regularly for any unauthorized transactions or unusual activity.
Monitor Your Credit Reports: Check your credit report regularly for any errors or signs of fraud.
Report Suspicious Activity: Report any suspicious activity to your bank or credit card company immediately.

Monitoring your financial records can help you detect fraudulent activity early and take steps to protect your funds.

Minimize Data Sharing: Don’t Give Away More Than You Have To

Be Mindful of Social Media: Be cautious about what information you share on social media. Cybercriminals often use social media to gather information about their victims.
Limit Data Sharing: Be careful about what information you share with websites and apps. Only provide the information that is absolutely necessary.
Avoid Saving Payment Details: Avoid saving your payment details on websites especially those that you don’t trust. This reduces the risk of your payment information being stolen in the event of a data breach.

Minimizing data sharing can significantly reduce your risk of data breaches and other cyberattacks.

Be Vigilant and Aware: Recognizing Scams and Phishing Attempts

Be Skeptical: Be wary of unexpected emails phone calls or messages especially those that ask for personal information or urge you to click on links.
Verify Information: If you receive a message asking you to verify your account information always contact the company directly through their official website or phone number to confirm that the message is legitimate.
Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: If you’re unsure about a link don’t click on it. It’s better to err on the side of caution.

Staying vigilant and aware can help you recognize and avoid phishing scams malicious emails and other cyberattacks.

Data Breach Monitoring Services: Getting a Second Set of Eyes

Identity Theft Protection Services: Consider subscribing to an identity theft protection service. These services monitor your credit report bank accounts and other personal information for signs of fraud.
Data Breach Notification Services: Some services will notify you if your personal information has been compromised in a data breach.

These services can provide an extra layer of protection and give you peace of mind knowing that your data is being monitored.

Alternative IDs: Creating a Digital Alias

Online Personas: Consider creating a separate online persona to use for online accounts and services. This can help to protect your real identity and make it more difficult for cybercriminals to steal your data.
Disposable Email Addresses: Use disposable email addresses for online accounts and services that you don’t trust. This will help to prevent your real email address from being compromised.

Alternative IDs can help to protect your identity and reduce your risk of data breaches.

Staying One Step Ahead: Evolving with the Threat

Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle and it’s important to stay informed about the latest threats.

Keep an eye on the news and security blogs to learn about new vulnerabilities and how to protect yourself.

Remember data security is a shared responsibility.

We all need to be vigilant and proactive to protect ourselves from cybercriminals.

By following these steps we can significantly reduce our risk of data breaches and identity theft and keep our personal information safe.

A guide to the types of information cybercriminals steal ⚠️