This last week the FBI with help from the DOJ and other international agencies seized control of a notorious cybercrime forum called BreachForums. For years, BreachForums has been an extremely popular English-language forum for hackers who want to advertise, sell, and trade stolen data. This data includes names, passwords, and personal information from millions of people. Last year authorities seized a previous version of the site when they arrested the site's admin. Unfortunately, until now the main site has proven resilient and hackers across the globe have been using it to buy and sell stolen data.
In a statement from the FBI “From June 2023 until May 2024, BreachForums (hosted at breachforums.st/.cx/.is/.vc and run by ShinyHunters) was operating as a clear-net marketplace for cybercriminals to buy, sell, and trade contraband, including stolen access devices, means of identification, hacking tools, breached databases, and other illegal services,”.
Unfortunately, this is not the only site like this to exist and many others like it are still active and allow hackers to trade in their number one commodity, stolen data. So how do you know if your data is on one of these sites and how can you help prevent hackers from using this data to further cause harm to you or your business?
Changing and updating passwords is a great first step. If you ever suspect that someone has gotten ahold of your password you should change it immediately. Here’s what a GOOD password should contain:
- A minimum of eight characters
- Uppercase and lowercase letters
- At least one number and one symbol (#, for example)
- No complete words, like “PaSsWord123#.” While this meets the requirements, a hacker’s brute-force software will crack that in seconds.
- Never reuse a password for multiple accounts (like making your Facebook and LinkedIn passwords the same).
Additionally setting up two-factor authentication can help protect your accounts from unauthorized sign-ins.
A dark web scan is used to monitor and search for your personal information being traded, sold, or shared on the dark web. The dark web is the largest part of the internet that isn't indexed by traditional search engines like Google or Bing. As such these sites are often used to conduct illegal activities and can make it hard for agencies to find and track bad actors.
Dark web scans carried out by professionals can reveal if your data is being sold online. Often when hackers gain personal information like passwords or emails, they attempt to sell to someone else with more malicious intent. A Dark web scan takes a look at some of the seedier parts of the web and keeps an eye out for your data. Alerting you when your information is found online so that you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself.
Do you know if your information is being sold online? Most people have no idea what's out there and because of that, we are offering a FREE confidential Dark Web Scan so you can know if you're at risk.
Call 317.780.8348 today!
