Page 154 - Cyber Defense eMagazine RSAC Special Edition 2025
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Dark Web Threats: How Your Data Is Compromised
and Monetized by Cybercriminals
By Ankit Sharma, Senior Director and Head - Solutions Engineering, Cyble
In the vast expanse of the internet lies a concealed realm known as the dark web—a hidden network
where anonymity reigns supreme. While it serves legitimate purposes for privacy-conscious users such
as whistleblowers, journalists, and dissidents, it has also become a hotbed for illicit activities. One of its
most lucrative markets is the buying and selling of stolen personal and corporate data. Understanding
how cybercriminals compromise and monetize this data is crucial in safeguarding individuals and
organizations alike from becoming victims.
How Your Data Ends Up on the Dark Web
Most users never visit the dark web, but that doesn’t mean their data isn’t there. Every online transaction,
sign-up form, or social media profile leaves behind digital breadcrumbs. When those breadcrumbs land
in the wrong hands, they often become part of massive data sets marketed and sold on dark web forums.
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