Your personal data is available on bot market for just Rs 490: NordVPN

In most cases, the data includes personal information like logins, cookies, digital fingerprints, and screenshots. What is shocking to know is the fact that India tops the chart with over 600 million user data being made available on the bot market with an average price of Rs 490 per user data.

According to Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN, “A simple password is no longer worth money to criminals, when they can buy logins, cookies, and digital fingerprints in one click for just 490 rupees.” He also said “Some tactics are even simpler. A hacker can, for example, take control of a victim’s Steam account by changing the password. Steam accounts are sold for up to $6,000 per account and can be easy money for a criminal.”

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What information can one buy on the bot market?

One can get details like a screenshot of a device and there is also malware that can even take selfies using the front camera of the phone. Similarly, these bots also steal login credentials. According to NordVPN’s research, there were more than 26.6 million stolen logins in the bot market that includes Google, Microsoft, and Facebook login details.

These bots also steal cookies and digital fingerprints to understand user behaviour and they can even have critical details from auto-fill forms. These stolen data can then be used by cybercriminals to share malicious links and even to ask for money from your friends on social media platforms.

How to stay safe from bots and data hackers?

NordVPN recommends users use an anti-virus at all times. Similarly, it also recommends making use of password manager and file encryption tools that prevent hackers from stealing personal data if they managed to get hold of your smartphone or computer.

On top of these precautions, never ever click on a link from an unknown source. Don’t sideload apps and games that are downloaded from torrent or third-party platforms, and do not connect your device to a public Wi-Fi network.