Data Breaches: A Chance for Opportunistic Scammers & What You Should Watch for


Data breaches are now part of doing business, with many companies having been affected. Data is very valuable to criminals because it is often used to commit fraudulent activities as well as to enhance the credibility of scams. Data that is stolen ranges from Social Security Numbers (SSNs) to other identification documents and payment details.

Scammers can do a great deal with just one or two pieces of personal information. A talented scammer in possession of a name, date of birth, and SSN can do a lot of damage. Data such as SSNs and other identification documents can easily be used for identity theft and fraud, and it is very likely that customers of any company that suffers a data breach will be affected by phishing attacks for years to come. Scammers trade and sell stolen personal details and information on various forums and the dark net, and these details are not even very expensive to obtain.

Read more…
Source: Tripwire