Hackers stealing data from social media platforms often sell it to other criminals on the dark web. So, how much is your social media account worth to a hacker?
How Much Is a Hacked Social Media Account Worth?
A 2023Whizcase dark web studyscoured multiple dark web marketplaces and exchanges to find the average price for each type of social media profile. Here’s what hacked social media accounts retail for:
Hacked Account
Dark Web Worth
X (Twitter)
These prices reveal which social media profiles are the most valuable to hackers, making them the most tempting targets. The value largely depends on the information each type of account includes.
While LinkedIn may not have as many users as other platforms, its accounts are by far the most valuable because profiles contain professional information like titles, job history, colleagues, and responsibilities. These factors can inform effective spear-phishing campaigns, and users may also be likelier to pay more to get their data back.
Reddit is the least valuable because these accounts are not as impactful. They’re often anonymous and rarely linked to other sites or real-world connections, so criminals can’t profit much from them. Social media like Facebook and Instagram, where people connect more with others and post personal details, warrant a higher price.
How to Keep Your Social Media Profile Data Off the Dark Web
If these prices seem low, it’s because there’s a lot of supply to meet criminals’ demand. Social media hacks are frighteningly common. Here’s what you’re able to do if you don’t want your data to end up on the dark web.
Limit What You Post
According to anIdentity Theft Resource Center report, a single social media data breach can affect tens of millions of users. These events are often outside your control, but you can minimize what leaks when this happens.
Think twice before posting personal information on social media—even if you think your profile is relatively private. Remember, the more data your account contains, the more valuable it is to hackers. If your accounts don’t reveal much about the real-world you, cybercriminals won’t be able to cause much damage after hacking them.
Practice Good Password Management
Next, ensure you’re using strong passwords. Longer and more complex ones are stronger against credential stuffing attacks. Don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts, either. Reused credentialsare easier for cybercriminals to crack, especially if one of your profiles is already on the dark web.
Many social platforms support two-factor authentication, and it’s best to enable this feature when available. As simple as it seems, this step means a breached password won’t grant a hacker access to your account.
Have a Response Plan
Because these attacks are so common, you should prepare for the worst. Be on the lookout for signs of a hacked account, and be ready to respond if you notice anything.
Many antivirus programs provide dark web monitoring services that alert you if they noticeyour data on the dark web. If you get one of these alerts, change your passwords and watch for suspicious activity on your credit and bank statements. Contact your bank and freeze the account or your credit if something happens.
Stay Safe on Social Media
The dark web marketplace makes social media hacks more profitable for cybercriminals. As a result, these attacks are becoming more common, so staying safe is important. Follow these steps and be on the lookout to keep your data secure.
