Data and passwords found on the dark web

One of the reasons as to why we are so concerned when we see privacy breaches like the Virgin Media one that we represent thousands of people for is because of data like passwords found on the dark web.

When information is hacked, it can often end up on the dark web for sale for criminals to then exploit. Whilst the Virgin Media data leak was not understood to have included passwords, it did include enough data for people to be exploited. And that can be enough for people to fall victim to crime and suffer as a result.

You can join the Virgin Media data breach group compensation action here now.

Information like passwords found on the dark web

Information and passwords found on the dark web often stem from data breach events. Sometimes, hackers can steal swathes of personal information in one hit, and they know that it can be very valuable. They may then try to sell it on the dark web for criminals and fraudsters to abuse, and files containing the data for hundreds of thousands and even millions of people have landed on the dark web for many years.

Passwords found on the dark web could then be exploited to access multiple accounts, and allow criminals and fraudsters to cause all sorts of mayhem and damage.

The Virgin Media data leak case

Although passwords found on the dark web may not have stemmed directly from the Virgin Media data leak case, they could still be linked to it. The information affected by this leak was understood to be names, email addresses, telephone numbers, and information about contracts in some cases. It is not understood to have included passwords, but the above data that was leaked could be enough for fraudsters to try to trick people into disclosing passwords, or allow hackers to target accounts.

It is simple in terms of how it can be done. Hackers could use the data leaked to contact victims with fake emails and ask people to log into their account online. The spoof email could then lead the victim to a legitimate-looking copycat website, and all it takes is for the victim to then try to log in and type in their password, and it is now in the hands of criminals.

Fraudsters can contact victims of a data leak by phone and pass themselves off as the real deal. They can then trick victims into giving information to them, or allow them to access their computers and networks where they can then steal password information.

The point is that, just because a data breach does not involve a password being directly leaked, this does not mean that passwords are safe. Victims must be vigilant, especially when it comes to a case like this where information was left exposed for a period of ten months!

Have you started your Virgin Media data leak case yet?

If you are one of the 900,000 people affected by the Virgin Media data leak that was discovered this time two years ago, you could be eligible to pursue a No Win, No Fee legal case for compensation.

Start your claim here now quickly and easily using our dedicated website to join the group action for justice.

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