Introduction

Did you know? Every 14 seconds, a company falls victim to a ransomware attack, according to a 2023 study by Cloudwards (a popular cloud software review website).

Cyberattacks like this are alarmingly frequent. On average, there are nearly 4,000 new cyberattacks every day. The threat of cybercrime is ever-present, and the consequences can be severe for both individuals and companies. If your personal information falls into the wrong hands, it doesn’t have consequences for you. In fact, your stolen personal data can be used to launch attacks against your employer, potentially compromising company safety.

How do cybercriminals leverage stolen data to target companies?

1. Phishing and Spear-Phishing

Cybercriminals often use stolen personal information to create convincing emails that target you, or people like you. They can craft highly personalized emails that appear to come from legitimate sources, like your bosses or a trusted vendor.

Once they have your personal information, cybercriminals can create a sense of trust and urgency, making it more likely that you’ll click on malicious links or open attachments. This can lead to further breaches and compromise company security!

2. Credential Stuffing

If you use the same password for your personal and work accounts, hackers can use your stolen credentials to attempt to log into your company’s systems. Since many people reuse passwords across multiple sites, this method can be quite effective.

Once inside, cybercriminals can access sensitive data and systems. Using specialized tools, hackers can automate the process of trying different combinations of usernames and passwords against a company’s login pages.

3. Ransomware Attacks

With access to sensitive data, cybercriminals can deploy ransomware, encrypting company data and demanding a ransom for its release. This can disrupt business operations and lead to significant financial losses. Furthermore, there’s no guarantee the bad actor will unlock your data; they may simply run off with your money AND your private information too.

Even if they do decrypt your data, there still remains the threat of double encryption. When this happens, the hackers threaten to release your sensitive company data or your personal information to the general public…unless you pay another ransom to keep them quiet!

4. Business Email Compromise (BEC)

Using stolen data, attackers can impersonate company executives or employees to trick others into transferring money or sensitive information. This type of attack is highly targeted and can be very costly for companies.

BEC attacks often involve phishing emails that appear to come from a trusted source, requesting urgent payments or transfers. In fact, 91% of all cyberattacks begin with a phishing email!

5. Data Exfiltration and Espionage

Stolen data can be used to infiltrate company networks and steal proprietary information, trade secrets, or customer data. Once you’ve clicked on a malicious link or opened an attachment, malware can be installed on your device, allowing hackers to gain access to your private files.

This information can then be sold on the dark web and used to victimize you in more cyber-crimes!

6. Social Engineering

Cybercriminals use personal information to manipulate employees into divulging confidential information or performing actions that compromise security. This can include phone calls, emails, or even in-person interactions.

By using your personal information, they can create a sense of trust and urgency, making it more likely that you’ll click on malicious links or open attachments.

Conclusion

By monitoring your personal information on the Dark Web, you can help your company identify potential threats and take proactive steps to protect its assets. Your boss’s advice is sound, and it’s essential to be vigilant about your online security to safeguard both your personal and professional information.  

It’s crucial to monitor for any signs of your personal information being compromised and to follow best practices for cybersecurity, such as using strong, unique passwords and enabling multi-factor authentication.

By staying vigilant, you can help protect both your personal information and your company’s security!