The biggest personal data heist in history: 'Data could be sold on the black market'

Ezgi SİVRİTEPE - 12punto.com.tr

During a discoverymade bycybersecurity experts, it was revealed that 26 billion data records wereexposed.with the discovery of a database; it was revealed that the data was stolen. It was reported that the database, containing 26 billion personal records, consisted of 3,800 folders and exceeded 12 terabytes in size. The largeThelargest data theft was recorded as coming from the Chinese messaging application Tencent.it.

Experts, noting that the scale of the data leakisenormousand that even governments are experiencing it, the USA, Brazil, Germany and Turkey such as countriesare also involved, he stated.

The personal data, which includes majorplatformssuch as X, LinkedIn, Telegram, and Adobe,was stolen.Evaluating the situation regarding the theft, Prof. Dr. Ali Murat Kırık, Head of the Department of Visual Communication Design at Marmara University Faculty of Communication and a digital communication researcher, stated, "Stolen personal data is usually sold on the black market" he said.

"STOLEN DATA CAN BE USED FOR RANSOM"

Such dSuch a massive data breach will lead to serious consequencesand usually requires extensive investigation, Kırık stated, adding regarding the perpetrators of the breach,"thatWe have not yet reached any evidence or reliable information regarding the incident. Therefore, who carried out the incident is estimates regarding who carried outthese attacks are entirely speculation. However, those who aim to steal personal data often include cybercriminals, organized crime groups, or state-sponsored intelligence agencies," he said.

Discussing the reasons for the theft of personal data, Kırık stated, "Cybercriminals generally aim to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or other crimes by accessing such data. Organized crime groups may sell personal data on the black market or use it to support various criminal activities. State-sponsored actors may collect personal data for espionage or political purposes. Cyber attackers can use stolen data for ransom and demand money by threatening victims that they must pay to regain access to their data" he said.

Stolen data is generally used for identity theftpcould also be used; for activities such as creating fake accounts,opening fraudulent accounts, credit card fraud, and seizing bank accounts,or other such activities,indicating that it could involve, Kırık stated, "Tstolen personal data is usually sold on the black market. This data can be used to support various crimi nal activities for,' he said.

PRIVACY THREAT

The leakage of personal data poses a risk for social media usersStating that these could pose significant risks, Kırık said the following:"

"CThe stolen personal data can be used for malicious activities such as phishing and fraud. In this case, fake accounts can be opened, credit cards can be misused, or other types of fraud can be carried out. Users may face financial losses. The leakage of personal data can jeopardize the privacy of users and harm their personal or professional relationships. Furthermore, they may become more vulnerable to cyber harassment or threats. This can lead to consequences such as attackers accessing personal information to threaten or blackmail usersmal icious activities. In this case, fake accounts can be opened, credit cards can be misused, or other types of fraud can be carried out. Users may face financial losses. The leakage of personal data can jeopardize the privacy of users and harm their personal or professional relationships. Furthermore, they may become more vulnerable to cyber harassment or threats. This can lead to consequences such as attackers accessing personal information to threaten or blackmail users"

The occurrence of a data breach can lead to a loss of trust in the platform among users.stating that it could cause a shock and negatively affect the platform's reputation,Kırık said, "Users may avoid conducting transactions in an environment where their data is not secure. Following a data breach, users often have to spend extra effort to secure their accounts and information. This can lead to a loss of time and resources. The consequences of a data breach can be long-lasting."

PREVENTING DATA BREACHESENSURING

Emphasizing the importance of taking precautions such as strong passwords and two-factor authentication to prevent data breaches, Kırık concluded with the following:

"You should be careful with emails or messages from unknown or suspicious sources and avoid sharing your personal information. You must protect your computers and devices by regularly updating your browsers and security software. You should regularly check your online accounts and try to detect any suspicious activity immediately"

News Source: Ezgi Sivritepe