Nowadays, hackers stealing data has become a new concern due to several data breaches, leaks, and thefts. Everything has become digitalized these days, which is a great thing, but data exposure has increased a lot. In the year 2023, around 3205 data thefts took place in the USA, which has impacted over 353 million people.

Malicious activity, such as the exposure of sensitive data of innocent people working in the healthcare, finance, and manufacturing industries, was affected the most. But what do the hackers do with the stolen data? They exploit this sensitive data and misuse it for different purposes, such as identity theft, financial scams, or selling the data on the dark web.  Thus, cybersecurity has become the “need of the hour” in today’s digital world. 

In this blog, you will extensively understand what do hackers do with stolen data, the common methods of how hackers steal data, the types of stolen data, and the steps to prevent data theft. 

Common Methods of Hackers Stealing Data

Data theft or digital theft happens due to various factors. Some of the most common methods of hackers stealing the data are mentioned below: 

1. Phishing

It is the most common method of stealing precious data from innocent people. Hackers change their identity and act as trusted entities to dupe the victim. It is very easy for the hacker to dupe a victim by sending malicious emails or text messages. Users fall prey to these messages or phishing attacks, which are the primary cause of data theft. 

2. Weak passwords

Hackers have different ways to find out the user’s password. Usually, users set the same passwords for multiple accounts, which makes it easier for hackers to steal the data. 

3. System Vulnerabilities

Poorly developed software applications or network systems can be easily attacked, thus making it easier for hackers to steal data. 

4. Insider Threats

Employees who work for an organization have access to personal data. Disloyal employees or unsatisfied staff can steal, copy, or change the data. Former employees can steal the data. 

5. Human Error

Data thefts are not just the result of intentional actions but can happen due to simple mistakes too. Some of the common human errors are sending sensitive data to the wrong person, attaching the wrong file, or sharing a document with a person who should not see it.  

6. Unsecured Downloads

Users who download programs or data from illegal websites can fall into trouble. Mostly, these websites are filled with viruses like worms or malware. This gives hackers unauthorized access to the user’s devices to steal the data.

7. Physical Actions

Stealing data is not just a result of cybercrime but physical actions too. As we all know, remote working has increased and will keep increasing. Thus, the scope of electronic devices getting stolen will also increase. Professionals who work at coffee shops and restaurants should be careful as someone could watch your screen or keyboards when you are entering your login details. Card skimming is another technique used by cybercriminals to take out an individual’s card information.

 We hope you have understood the common methods of hackers stealing data. 

 What do hackers do with stolen data? 

They usually target stealing PII (Personally Identifiable Information), which includes the individual’s security numbers or driver’s license. They can steal an individual’s financial data, such as bank account numbers, credit card details, or transaction records that can hamper the individual’s life. Hackers are usually trying to access an individual’s username, email, and password in an unauthorized manner. They try to steal corporate data such as trade secrets and business information for ransom demands later on.  

5 Best Tips to keep your data safe and secure 

Now you might have understood what do hackers do with stolen data. So here are some tips that will help you to understand how to keep the data safe and secure. 

1.  Use strong and unique passwords

Professionals and users must create complex passwords with a mix of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, or symbols. Try keeping different passwords across several accounts. One can get added security by using a password manager.

2.  Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) techniques

After entering a password on a Gmail account or any other account, you are asked to enter a text code. This is nothing but MFA. This technique adds an extra layer of protection to the user’s account after the password verification is done.

3. Limited Data Sharing

Take care while sharing personal details online or offline. Delete the unused accounts from social media and adjust the privacy settings. This is also one of the causes of data theft. 

4. Keep the Software or Accounts updated

Regular updation of devices, apps, software, and accounts will keep the user safe from unauthorized activity.

Final thoughts

Trust but verify

We hope that through this blog, you have gotten some insights into what do hackers do with stolen data. There are several innovations done in the field of cybersecurity to protect users from becoming a victim. Users can follow the above-mentioned tips to keep their accounts, software, or apps safe and secure.