Programming
What information about you is being sold?
Oct 27, 2025
4-5 min Reading time
The world of the Internet is much wider than we know and think. The websites and social media we access daily are only the visible part, called the “Surface Web”. Beneath it lies a much larger and darker world, the Dark Web. Here, anonymous sharing and buying and selling of information is widespread, which creates serious risks in terms of cybersecurity. It also makes every internet user a potential target.
In this blog, we will discuss in detail the types of data sold on the Dark Web, how it is obtained, and how you can protect your personal information by taking cybersecurity measures.
What is the Dark Web and why is it important for cybersecurity?
The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet that is only accessible through special browsers, such as the Tor Browser. Anonymity is one of the main principles here. It is used for both legal activities and illegal transactions. However, the most widespread of these illegal activities is the buying and selling of personal information.
Cybersecurity experts say that the Dark Web has become a major marketplace for global criminal networks. According to Pandasecurity , the annual volume of this market is approximately $ 1.5-2 billion. This means that if cybersecurity measures are not taken, the risk of the disclosure of the data of every Internet user is high.
What information is sold on the Dark Web?
Banking and Financial Information
Banking and financial information is the most sought-after item on the Dark Web. According to research by ElectroIQ, more than 100 million credit card details are for sale here, with the average price per card being around $110. Cards with high balances or credit limits tend to cost more. Criminals use such information to make fraudulent payments, apply for loans, or illegally transfer money to other accounts. For this reason, protecting personal information and strengthening cybersecurity measures is of particular importance.
Social media and email accounts
Another popular type of database for sale is social media and email accounts. According to Experian, the cost of a social media account is around $20–25. Account hijacking is mainly used to spread spam, place fraudulent advertisements, or defraud other people.
Email account theft and sharing is happening on a much larger scale. Pandasecurity reports that there are currently around 15 billion username and password combinations for sale on Dark Web markets. This fact once again shows that following Cybersecurity rules is essential for every user.
Identity documents and health information
Identity cards, passport details and even medical information are sold for higher prices on the Dark Web. This is because the information obtained can be used for identity fraud, tax evasion or insurance fraud. Such cases can only be prevented with strong Cybersecurity measures.
Daily user data
Even seemingly simple information like phone numbers, addresses, and shopping history is being sold. Scammers use this information for spam attacks, phone scams, and targeted phishing. This shows that even seemingly simple information carries a huge risk in terms of cybersecurity.
How does this information end up on the Dark Web?
Selling data on the Dark Web is mainly done in three ways:
Massive data breaches: Data breaches on Facebook, LinkedIn, and other major platforms put millions of users at risk.
Phishing and social engineering attacks: Users are tricked into sharing personal information through fake emails, links, and messages.
Malware: Keyloggers and other malicious programs record and sell the information the user types on the keyboard.
According to research by Arxiv.org , the price of a single user profile on Dark Web markets can reach up to $4,000.
How can you check your personal information on the Dark Web?
HaveIBeenPwned
One of the most popular free checking tools. You can see if your data has been leaked by simply entering your email address or phone number.
Mozilla Monitor
This service not only shows data leaks, but also offers a paid service for deleting data from brokers.
Privacy Bee and other paid services
These types of services provide users with more extensive tracking and legal deletion of data.
Regularly using these tools is important for cybersecurity.
What should you do if your data has been sold?
If you discover that your data has been compromised as a result of the audit, you should immediately take the following steps:
Change all passwords and create different, strong passwords for each account.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). This significantly increases your cybersecurity level by preventing your account from being compromised, even with stolen passwords.
Monitor bank accounts and contact the bank if suspicious payments are detected.
Use a VPN and antivirus. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, while an antivirus protects your device from malware. This is an important factor for personal cybersecurity.
How can you protect yourself from scammers?
Cybersecurity should become a habit for every internet user. Experts recommend the following steps:
Update passwords regularly and use password managers (1Password, LastPass).
Do not click on suspicious links and do not open emails or text messages from unknown people.
Install security updates on time. This applies to both mobile devices and computers.
Use only trusted sites when shopping online. To ensure your cybersecurity, do not enter payment information on non-standard platforms.
The Dark Web is a rapidly growing and evolving marketplace. The sale of personal information here poses significant risks to both privacy and financial security. Following cybersecurity precautions, regularly checking your information, and making security habits a lifestyle are the most effective ways to minimize these risks.
