Mental health data is prized on the dark web. Hackers use it for blackmail, identity theft, and financial fraud. The detailed information allows them to develop sophisticated scams. The stigma attached to mental health issues forces victims to pay ransoms, increasing the value of this data in the dark web's markets.
See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide
In the dark web, mental health data is typically sold or traded through anonymous marketplaces and forums. These platforms operate outside of standard internet protocols, offering a degree of anonymity to their users. Cybercriminals list the stolen data, often categorized by type and relevance, and interested buyers can purchase it using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which provide an additional layer of anonymity.
The transactions are discreet, with both parties utilizing secure communication channels to avoid detection. The nature and format of the data sold can range from individual medical records to bulk databases containing information from multiple patients. The forms of attacks used to access this data from healthcare facilities include
See also: What happens to patient information on the dark web?
Organizations need to adjust their cybersecurity strategies to protect patient data due to the sensitive nature of the data sold. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, organizations must evolve their cybersecurity measures to avoid emerging threats. This involves:
Organizations can better protect patient data from unauthorized access and exploitation on the dark web by strengthening their cybersecurity defenses.
See also: Security concerns over ChatGPT update