CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html lang="en"> <head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/privacy/7-reasons-why-cybercriminals-want-your-personal-data/"><title>7 reasons why cybercriminals want your personal data</title><meta content="article" property="og:type"><meta content="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/wls/2024/4-2024/personal-data-cybercrime.jpeg" property="og:image"><meta property="og:title" content="7 reasons why cybercriminals want your personal data"><meta property="og:description" content="Here's what drives cybercriminals to relentlessly target our personal information – and why you need to guard your data like your life depends on it"><meta name="robots" content="index, follow, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1"><meta name="description" content="Here's what drives cybercriminals to relentlessly target our personal information – and why you need to guard your data like your life depends on it"><meta name="twitter:title" content="7 reasons why cybercriminals want your personal data">  <link rel="preload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/FedraSansAltPro-BookLF-405f3258.woff" as="font" type="font/woff" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/FedraSansAltPro-BoldLF-31f4bc72.woff" as="font" type="font/woff" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/FedraSansAltPro-DemiLF-8885b886.woff" as="font" type="font/woff" crossorigin> <link rel="preload" href="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x266/wls/2024/4-2024/personal-data-cybercrime.jpeg" as="image" media="(max-width: 768px)"> <link rel="preload" href="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x425/wls/2024/4-2024/personal-data-cybercrime.jpeg" as="image" media="(min-width: 768.1px)"> <link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/article-header-995fa639.js" /><script type="module" src="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/article-header-995fa639.js"></script> <script> window.addEventListener('pageLoaded', () => { window.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent('postPageViewed', { detail: { 'id': 17652, 'publicationId': 30214, 'name': '7 reasons why cybercriminals want your personal data', 'author': 'Sonia Domínguez Waisbrod', 'category': 'Privacy', 'section': null, 'branch': 'en', 'date': '2024/04/08' } })); }); </script>  <script type="module"> window.addEventListener("pageLoaded", () => { (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= '//www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-PMDGSM'); }); </script>  <script type="module"> window.dispatchEvent(new CustomEvent("pageLoaded")); </script>  <link rel="preload" as="style" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/app-22f82615.css" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/app-22f82615.css" />  <script> window.$current_language = JSON.parse('{"id":1,"code":"en","name":"English","is_pblic":true,"is_active":true,"is_default":true,"is_rtl":false}'); </script> <script>(window.BOOMR_mq=window.BOOMR_mq||[]).push(["addVar",{"rua.upush":"false","rua.cpush":"false","rua.upre":"false","rua.cpre":"false","rua.uprl":"false","rua.cprl":"false","rua.cprf":"false","rua.trans":"","rua.cook":"false","rua.ims":"false","rua.ufprl":"false","rua.cfprl":"false","rua.isuxp":"false","rua.texp":"norulematch","rua.ceh":"false","rua.ueh":"false","rua.ieh.st":"0"}]);</script> <script>!function(e){var n="https://s.go-mpulse.net/boomerang/";if("False"=="True")e.BOOMR_config=e.BOOMR_config||{},e.BOOMR_config.PageParams=e.BOOMR_config.PageParams||{},e.BOOMR_config.PageParams.pci=!0,n="https://s2.go-mpulse.net/boomerang/";if(window.BOOMR_API_key="7R9SM-QGSYF-QDLJK-UETXR-SPM6B",function(){function e(){if(!o){var e=document.createElement("script");e.id="boomr-scr-as",e.src=window.BOOMR.url,e.async=!0,i.parentNode.appendChild(e),o=!0}}function t(e){o=!0;var n,t,a,r,d=document,O=window;if(window.BOOMR.snippetMethod=e?"if":"i",t=function(e,n){var t=d.createElement("script");t.id=n||"boomr-if-as",t.src=window.BOOMR.url,BOOMR_lstart=(new Date).getTime(),e=e||d.body,e.appendChild(t)},!window.addEventListener&&window.attachEvent&&navigator.userAgent.match(/MSIE [67]\./))return window.BOOMR.snippetMethod="s",void t(i.parentNode,"boomr-async");a=document.createElement("IFRAME"),a.src="about:blank",a.title="",a.role="presentation",a.loading="eager",r=(a.frameElement||a).style,r.width=0,r.height=0,r.border=0,r.display="none",i.parentNode.appendChild(a);try{O=a.contentWindow,d=O.document.open()}catch(_){n=document.domain,a.src="javascript:var d=document.open();d.domain='"+n+"';void(0);",O=a.contentWindow,d=O.document.open()}if(n)d._boomrl=function(){this.domain=n,t()},d.write("<bo"+"dy onload='document._boomrl();'>");else if(O._boomrl=function(){t()},O.addEventListener)O.addEventListener("load",O._boomrl,!1);else if(O.attachEvent)O.attachEvent("onload",O._boomrl);d.close()}function a(e){window.BOOMR_onload=e&&e.timeStamp||(new Date).getTime()}if(!window.BOOMR||!window.BOOMR.version&&!window.BOOMR.snippetExecuted){window.BOOMR=window.BOOMR||{},window.BOOMR.snippetStart=(new Date).getTime(),window.BOOMR.snippetExecuted=!0,window.BOOMR.snippetVersion=12,window.BOOMR.url=n+"7R9SM-QGSYF-QDLJK-UETXR-SPM6B";var i=document.currentScript||document.getElementsByTagName("script")[0],o=!1,r=document.createElement("link");if(r.relList&&"function"==typeof r.relList.supports&&r.relList.supports("preload")&&"as"in r)window.BOOMR.snippetMethod="p",r.href=window.BOOMR.url,r.rel="preload",r.as="script",r.addEventListener("load",e),r.addEventListener("error",function(){t(!0)}),setTimeout(function(){if(!o)t(!0)},3e3),BOOMR_lstart=(new Date).getTime(),i.parentNode.appendChild(r);else t(!1);if(window.addEventListener)window.addEventListener("load",a,!1);else if(window.attachEvent)window.attachEvent("onload",a)}}(),"".length>0)if(e&&"performance"in e&&e.performance&&"function"==typeof e.performance.setResourceTimingBufferSize)e.performance.setResourceTimingBufferSize();!function(){if(BOOMR=e.BOOMR||{},BOOMR.plugins=BOOMR.plugins||{},!BOOMR.plugins.AK){var n=""=="true"?1:0,t="",a="bdpnbet4tppdaz2dordq-f-d533eb8c8-clientnsv4-s.akamaihd.net",i="false"=="true"?2:1,o={"ak.v":"39","ak.cp":"1251022","ak.ai":parseInt("757730",10),"ak.ol":"0","ak.cr":1,"ak.ipv":4,"ak.proto":"http/1.1","ak.rid":"ab97778","ak.r":41966,"ak.a2":n,"ak.m":"dscr","ak.n":"ff","ak.bpcip":"8.222.208.0","ak.cport":35254,"ak.gh":"124.155.222.44","ak.quicv":"","ak.tlsv":"tls1.2","ak.0rtt":"","ak.0rtt.ed":"","ak.csrc":"-","ak.acc":"reno","ak.t":"1732473927","ak.ak":"hOBiQwZUYzCg5VSAfCLimQ==2l3YmdVrFhSfx3VfiNOqdRk3ZIankiU0UNtgNum1SgSPAphQB1NlAX/RbSWhOlKFd+klte1vd2xoiioM/8Oqbc1mffSLYMuXJEueYHc5/LEUHok+AJqohGo24vZyjvrXDl1GqtQW12iyybDDm36pChrcCWOCNYtrn8pRDxjAF1vJdDx+QpLOyyqCInSJL4J3sVLEE1lBABwAN32pbBBa7Y4I7tKgUR449pFyb8QCsw1XEg61cfY7qeRZTZLPJgLFiY+nQ7x2I0mZ39vsFXpkjNrc92nVhniPKKy3hYXkpxaiaHIenKXF91gaq6p54KCCZTD5/TPgxu5+HOBifI2YFgnxEYAOymSbU2qIFBPAOx/C3c+/AcMEaQEwoVAliu/Qh5/svvVQwBkrEQKMzFBqfo/HxZzMtKJLWnQLawoqZis=","ak.pv":"20","ak.dpoabenc":"","ak.tf":i};if(""!==t)o["ak.ruds"]=t;var r={i:!1,av:function(n){var t="http.initiator";if(n&&(!n[t]||"spa_hard"===n[t]))o["ak.feo"]=void 0!==e.aFeoApplied?1:0,BOOMR.addVar(o)},rv:function(){var e=["ak.bpcip","ak.cport","ak.cr","ak.csrc","ak.gh","ak.ipv","ak.m","ak.n","ak.ol","ak.proto","ak.quicv","ak.tlsv","ak.0rtt","ak.0rtt.ed","ak.r","ak.acc","ak.t","ak.tf"];BOOMR.removeVar(e)}};BOOMR.plugins.AK={akVars:o,akDNSPreFetchDomain:a,init:function(){if(!r.i){var e=BOOMR.subscribe;e("before_beacon",r.av,null,null),e("onbeacon",r.rv,null,null),r.i=!0}return this},is_complete:function(){return!0}}}}()}(window);</script></head> <body>  <noscript> <iframe src=https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-PMDGSM height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> </noscript>  <div id="app" >  <header id="wls-nav-header" class="wls-header navbar sticky-top navbar-expand-lg has-shadow"> <div class="container first-line"> <a class="header-brand" href="/en/" title="WeLiveSecurity"> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><svg id="Layer_2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 290 31.7919"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#0b8690;}.cls-2{fill:#053b44;}</style></defs><g id="Layer_1-2"><g><path class="cls-2" d="M0,8.6081H5.1069l2.869,10.7299,3.3282-10.845h4.3616l3.3833,10.845,2.9261-10.7879h4.9947l-5.51,17.8465h-4.5336l-3.3833-10.903-3.5012,10.903H5.451L0,8.6081Zm26.6257,9.0093h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3955c.3233,2.123,2.219,3.6443,4.3616,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.8729,2.5259c-1.7441,2.1958-4.4284,3.4313-7.2306,3.3282-4.9064,.227-9.0678-3.5664-9.2947-8.4728-.0109-.236-.0124-.4724-.0045-.7085Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7303-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5747Zm57.842,7.9179l2.1266-3.3282c1.5999,1.2513,3.5393,1.9923,5.566,2.1267,1.4345,0,2.1266-.5162,2.1266-1.3195v-.057c0-1.0904-1.7216-1.4345-3.6733-2.0658-2.4679-.7463-5.2789-1.8937-5.2789-5.3369v-.057c0-3.6153,2.9261-5.6231,6.4843-5.6231,2.3553,.0234,4.6511,.742,6.5994,2.0658l-1.8937,3.5003c-1.4459-.9422-3.1015-1.5139-4.8207-1.6646-1.2054,0-1.8366,.5162-1.8366,1.2054v.057c0,.9754,1.6646,1.4345,3.6153,2.1267,2.4679,.8033,5.3369,2.0087,5.3369,5.2789v.057c0,3.9633-2.9261,5.7381-6.7666,5.7381-2.7543-.0573-5.4158-1.006-7.5854-2.7037Zm15.4356-6.4264h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3375c.3233,2.123,2.219,3.6443,4.3616,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.869,2.5249c-1.744,2.1959-4.4283,3.4315-7.2306,3.3282-5.3901,.001-9.3534-3.7835-9.3534-9.1804Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7303-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5747Zm6.1412,1.4906h0c-.0992-5.0349,3.9019-9.197,8.9368-9.2964h.3596c2.6878-.1539,5.2947,.9485,7.0566,2.9841l-3.0991,3.3282c-.9721-1.2277-2.4505-1.9458-4.0165-1.9507-2.5249,0-4.3036,2.2378-4.3036,4.8198v.057c0,2.697,1.7787,4.8778,4.4756,4.8778,1.5606-.0446,3.0342-.7295,4.0745-1.8937l2.9261,2.9841c-1.7686,2.1577-4.4423,3.3673-7.2306,3.2712-5.0035,.0682-9.115-3.9326-9.1832-8.9361,0-.0009,0-.0017,0-.0026,.0026-.0806,.0038-.1614,.0039-.2426Zm17.9606,2.5249V8.6642h5.0498v9.8706c0,2.4099,1.1474,3.6153,3.0411,3.6153s3.1562-1.2054,3.1562-3.6153V8.6071h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498v-2.5249c-1.1459,1.7743-3.1079,2.8527-5.22,2.869-3.7893,.001-6.0271-2.4669-6.0271-6.5414Zm18.4767-11.5342h5.0498v3.5573c1.0324-2.4679,2.697-4.0165,5.6811-3.9024v5.2789h-.29c-3.3282,0-5.3939,2.0087-5.3939,6.2543v6.5414h-5.047V8.6071Zm12.5666,0h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498V8.6071Zm8.9561,12.7396V12.9117h-2.1267v-4.3036h2.1267V4.0745h5.0498v4.5336h4.1885v4.3036h-4.1924v7.5747c0,1.1474,.5162,1.7216,1.6066,1.7216,.8637,.0094,1.7148-.2083,2.4679-.6312v4.0165c-1.1964,.7132-2.571,1.0716-3.9633,1.0334-3.0952,.057-5.1571-1.2054-5.1571-5.2799Zm11.4153,9.1813l1.6646-3.6153c.6415,.4009,1.372,.6373,2.1267,.6883,.7821,.0558,1.5071-.4118,1.7787-1.1474l-6.9474-17.7885h5.3369l4.0165,12.1074,3.8444-12.1074h5.22l-6.7666,18.1326c-1.3775,3.6153-2.812,4.9928-5.8531,4.9928-1.5664,.0294-3.1059-.4102-4.4205-1.2625ZM182.4783,1.3195c1.3945,0,2.5249,1.1304,2.5249,2.5249s-1.1304,2.5249-2.5249,2.5249-2.5249-1.1304-2.5249-2.5249,1.1304-2.5249,2.5249-2.5249Zm38.8471,2.754v2.1267h-.6312v-2.1267h-.8603v-.5162h2.3528v.4592h-.8603l-.0009,.057Zm4.0755,2.1238v-1.7796l-.8033,1.7787h-.6312l-.7463-1.7787,.057,.3441v1.3775h-.5732V3.5573h.7463l.8603,2.0658,.9753-2.0658h.6883v2.6399h-.5732Z" /><path class="cls-1" d="M46.2508,2.2378h5.0498V26.3956h-5.0498V2.2378Zm7.9189,6.3693h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498V8.6071Zm6.5414,0h5.3369l3.9633,11.8783,4.0126-11.8783h5.22l-7.0005,17.8465h-4.5907l-6.9416-17.8465Zm17.9035,9.0102h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3375c.3232,2.1226,2.2184,3.6438,4.3606,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.869,2.5249c-1.744,2.1959-4.4283,3.4315-7.2306,3.3282-5.3891,.001-9.3524-3.7835-9.3524-9.1804Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7294-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5738ZM56.6366,0c-1.7746,0-3.2132,1.4386-3.2132,3.2132,0,1.7746,1.4386,3.2132,3.2132,3.2132,1.7746,0,3.2132-1.4386,3.2132-3.2132h0c-.0188-1.7667-1.4464-3.1943-3.2132-3.2132Zm0,4.5907c-.7567-.0094-1.3677-.6208-1.3765-1.3775-.0202-.7605,.58-1.3933,1.3405-1.4135,.7605-.0202,1.3933,.58,1.4135,1.3405,.0006,.0243,.0006,.0487,0,.073-.0089,.7571-.6204,1.3686-1.3775,1.3775Zm191.3425,4.0213c-2.2021-.0287-4.2611,1.0885-5.4375,2.9502-.9299,1.6095-1.1339,4.233-1.1339,5.9711s.2049,4.3596,1.1339,5.9691c1.1767,1.8615,3.2355,2.9785,5.4375,2.9502h34.4972c2.2018,.0283,4.2603-1.0888,5.4365-2.9502,.928-1.6095,1.1349-4.233,1.1349-5.9711s-.2069-4.3567-1.1349-5.9662c-1.1762-1.8615-3.2347-2.9786-5.4365-2.9502l-34.4972-.0029Zm22.9572,7.9392h2.9v-.0899c0-1.3272-.5326-1.4268-1.4896-1.4268-1.16,0-1.3794,.377-1.4133,1.5167m-20.3859-1.4297c.9512,0,1.4635,.0967,1.4635,1.3997v.0628h-2.8487c.0319-1.1165,.2591-1.4626,1.3852-1.4626m-4.0233,2.463c0,3.1262,.783,4.2533,4.0745,4.2533,1.0071,.0751,2.0175-.0927,2.9464-.4891,.7808-.4894,1.2122-1.3829,1.1097-2.2987h-2.5965c-.0271,.8903-.6322,.9821-1.4626,.9821-1.1996,0-1.4336-.4833-1.4336-1.9788v-.0638h5.4887v-.405c0-3.4123-.9231-4.2668-4.06-4.2668-3.3553,0-4.0745,1.044-4.0745,4.2668m9.8793-1.5621c0,1.6665,.5742,2.4476,4.0735,2.4476,.3744-.0275,.7508,.0097,1.1126,.1102,.2736,.1199,.4021,.3586,.4021,.7927,0,.726-.2658,.8043-1.5128,.8043-.6931,0-1.3987-.0155-1.4307-.9502h-2.6438c.0203,1.8425,.8932,2.4447,2.5085,2.5732,.4882,.0377,1.0188,.0348,1.565,.0348,2.2233,0,4.0735-.3712,4.0735-2.7849,0-2.2997-1.1996-2.463-4.0745-2.5288-1.4268-.0319-1.5109-.3316-1.5109-.8043,0-.5616,.0619-.7405,1.5119-.7405,.5317,0,1.0633,.0474,1.1822,.7086h2.4882v-.3393c0-2.001-2.0967-2.03-3.6733-2.03-2.3625,0-4.0735,.0532-4.0735,2.7066m21.6744-2.7066h6.5018v1.9005h-1.9333v6.525h-2.6274v-6.524h-1.9333l-.0077-1.9014Zm-9.7275,4.2059c0-3.2122,.7086-4.2398,4.0464-4.2398,3.1194,0,4.031,.842,4.031,4.2398v.376h-5.4896v.0909c0,1.4945,.2359,2.0058,1.4587,2.0058,.8226,0,1.45-.0909,1.4896-.9821h2.5413c.0948,.8946-.3269,1.7653-1.0875,2.2456-.9243,.3931-1.9294,.5588-2.9309,.4833-3.276,0-4.0464-1.1088-4.0464-4.2224m-23.7624,5.7874c-1.3214-1.421-1.6134-3.652-1.6134-5.7739s.29-4.35,1.6134-5.7758c1.0333-.9868,2.3994-1.5498,3.828-1.5776h17.7865v14.7048h-17.7865c-1.4285-.0278-2.7946-.5908-3.828-1.5776m43.7423-16.12c.0004-.036-.009-.0714-.0271-.1025-.0116-.0387-.0445-.0628-.086-.0899-.0385-.0194-.0807-.0303-.1237-.0319-.0559-.0087-.1126-.0123-.1692-.0106h-.1508v.5394h.115c.0678,.0013,.1357-.0022,.203-.0106,.0495-.0114,.0968-.0307,.1402-.057,.0317-.0265,.0574-.0594,.0754-.0967,.016-.0456,.0235-.0938,.0222-.1421m.8226,1.3533h-.61l-.5742-.7086h-.1933v.7066h-.4679v-1.913h.7269c.1085-.0031,.2172,.0024,.3248,.0164,.0855,.0088,.1681,.0355,.2426,.0783,.0789,.0405,.1456,.1012,.1933,.1759,.0425,.0819,.0625,.1737,.058,.2658,.0044,.1242-.0384,.2454-.1199,.3393-.0832,.0952-.1884,.1685-.3064,.2136l.7259,.8255Zm.4186-.9203c.0053-.4029-.1547-.7903-.4427-1.072-.2749-.2868-.6574-.4452-1.0546-.4369-.3998-.0086-.7851,.1497-1.0633,.4369-.5856,.5955-.5856,1.5505,0,2.146,.5715,.5851,1.5091,.5962,2.0942,.0247,.0083-.0081,.0166-.0164,.0247-.0247,.289-.2818,.4492-.6703,.4427-1.074m.4253,0c.0069,.5131-.1972,1.0066-.5645,1.3649-.7536,.747-1.9685,.747-2.7221,0-.3705-.3563-.5758-.851-.5665-1.3649-.0083-.5104,.1971-1.001,.5665-1.3533,.7441-.75,1.955-.7561,2.7066-.0135l.0135,.0135c.3662,.3543,.5704,.8438,.5645,1.3533m-64.0238,6.7637h2.1044c1.5563,0,2.32,.6206,2.32,1.74,.0109,.539-.2936,1.0349-.7791,1.2692v.0242c.7243,.1716,1.2395,.8131,1.2509,1.5573,0,1.16-.6767,1.9652-2.5133,1.9652h-2.3828v-6.5559Zm2.0483,2.7588c.7414,0,1.1126-.2591,1.1126-.8893,0-.6767-.4456-.899-1.2799-.899h-.6109v1.7883h.7782Zm.2127,2.7898c.87,0,1.362-.2223,1.362-.9261s-.5007-.9667-1.4829-.9667h-.87v1.8908l.9908,.0019Zm4.9406-1.248l-2.32-4.3007h1.4548l1.5418,3.2267,1.6433-3.2248h1.4084l-2.4659,4.2726v2.2775h-1.2566l-.0058-2.2514Z" /></g></g></svg> </a> <p> Award-winning news, views, and insight from the ESET security community </p> <div class="ms-auto"> <div class="language-picker dropdown"><div class="language-picker-wrapper"><button class="btn dropdown-toggle" type="button" data-bs-toggle="dropdown"aria-expanded="false">English</button><ul class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu-center"><a class="dropdown-item" href="/es/" title="Español">Español</a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/de/" title="Deutsch">Deutsch</a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/pt/" title="Português">Português</a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/fr/" title="Français">Français</a></ul></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="second-line"> <div class="container"> <div class="navbar-header"> <a class="header-brand" href="/en/" title="WeLiveSecurity"> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><svg id="Layer_2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 290 31.7919"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#0b8690;}.cls-2{fill:#053b44;}</style></defs><g id="Layer_1-2"><g><path class="cls-2" d="M0,8.6081H5.1069l2.869,10.7299,3.3282-10.845h4.3616l3.3833,10.845,2.9261-10.7879h4.9947l-5.51,17.8465h-4.5336l-3.3833-10.903-3.5012,10.903H5.451L0,8.6081Zm26.6257,9.0093h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3955c.3233,2.123,2.219,3.6443,4.3616,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.8729,2.5259c-1.7441,2.1958-4.4284,3.4313-7.2306,3.3282-4.9064,.227-9.0678-3.5664-9.2947-8.4728-.0109-.236-.0124-.4724-.0045-.7085Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7303-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5747Zm57.842,7.9179l2.1266-3.3282c1.5999,1.2513,3.5393,1.9923,5.566,2.1267,1.4345,0,2.1266-.5162,2.1266-1.3195v-.057c0-1.0904-1.7216-1.4345-3.6733-2.0658-2.4679-.7463-5.2789-1.8937-5.2789-5.3369v-.057c0-3.6153,2.9261-5.6231,6.4843-5.6231,2.3553,.0234,4.6511,.742,6.5994,2.0658l-1.8937,3.5003c-1.4459-.9422-3.1015-1.5139-4.8207-1.6646-1.2054,0-1.8366,.5162-1.8366,1.2054v.057c0,.9754,1.6646,1.4345,3.6153,2.1267,2.4679,.8033,5.3369,2.0087,5.3369,5.2789v.057c0,3.9633-2.9261,5.7381-6.7666,5.7381-2.7543-.0573-5.4158-1.006-7.5854-2.7037Zm15.4356-6.4264h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3375c.3233,2.123,2.219,3.6443,4.3616,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.869,2.5249c-1.744,2.1959-4.4283,3.4315-7.2306,3.3282-5.3901,.001-9.3534-3.7835-9.3534-9.1804Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7303-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5747Zm6.1412,1.4906h0c-.0992-5.0349,3.9019-9.197,8.9368-9.2964h.3596c2.6878-.1539,5.2947,.9485,7.0566,2.9841l-3.0991,3.3282c-.9721-1.2277-2.4505-1.9458-4.0165-1.9507-2.5249,0-4.3036,2.2378-4.3036,4.8198v.057c0,2.697,1.7787,4.8778,4.4756,4.8778,1.5606-.0446,3.0342-.7295,4.0745-1.8937l2.9261,2.9841c-1.7686,2.1577-4.4423,3.3673-7.2306,3.2712-5.0035,.0682-9.115-3.9326-9.1832-8.9361,0-.0009,0-.0017,0-.0026,.0026-.0806,.0038-.1614,.0039-.2426Zm17.9606,2.5249V8.6642h5.0498v9.8706c0,2.4099,1.1474,3.6153,3.0411,3.6153s3.1562-1.2054,3.1562-3.6153V8.6071h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498v-2.5249c-1.1459,1.7743-3.1079,2.8527-5.22,2.869-3.7893,.001-6.0271-2.4669-6.0271-6.5414Zm18.4767-11.5342h5.0498v3.5573c1.0324-2.4679,2.697-4.0165,5.6811-3.9024v5.2789h-.29c-3.3282,0-5.3939,2.0087-5.3939,6.2543v6.5414h-5.047V8.6071Zm12.5666,0h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498V8.6071Zm8.9561,12.7396V12.9117h-2.1267v-4.3036h2.1267V4.0745h5.0498v4.5336h4.1885v4.3036h-4.1924v7.5747c0,1.1474,.5162,1.7216,1.6066,1.7216,.8637,.0094,1.7148-.2083,2.4679-.6312v4.0165c-1.1964,.7132-2.571,1.0716-3.9633,1.0334-3.0952,.057-5.1571-1.2054-5.1571-5.2799Zm11.4153,9.1813l1.6646-3.6153c.6415,.4009,1.372,.6373,2.1267,.6883,.7821,.0558,1.5071-.4118,1.7787-1.1474l-6.9474-17.7885h5.3369l4.0165,12.1074,3.8444-12.1074h5.22l-6.7666,18.1326c-1.3775,3.6153-2.812,4.9928-5.8531,4.9928-1.5664,.0294-3.1059-.4102-4.4205-1.2625ZM182.4783,1.3195c1.3945,0,2.5249,1.1304,2.5249,2.5249s-1.1304,2.5249-2.5249,2.5249-2.5249-1.1304-2.5249-2.5249,1.1304-2.5249,2.5249-2.5249Zm38.8471,2.754v2.1267h-.6312v-2.1267h-.8603v-.5162h2.3528v.4592h-.8603l-.0009,.057Zm4.0755,2.1238v-1.7796l-.8033,1.7787h-.6312l-.7463-1.7787,.057,.3441v1.3775h-.5732V3.5573h.7463l.8603,2.0658,.9753-2.0658h.6883v2.6399h-.5732Z" /><path class="cls-1" d="M46.2508,2.2378h5.0498V26.3956h-5.0498V2.2378Zm7.9189,6.3693h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498V8.6071Zm6.5414,0h5.3369l3.9633,11.8783,4.0126-11.8783h5.22l-7.0005,17.8465h-4.5907l-6.9416-17.8465Zm17.9035,9.0102h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3375c.3232,2.1226,2.2184,3.6438,4.3606,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.869,2.5249c-1.744,2.1959-4.4283,3.4315-7.2306,3.3282-5.3891,.001-9.3524-3.7835-9.3524-9.1804Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7294-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5738ZM56.6366,0c-1.7746,0-3.2132,1.4386-3.2132,3.2132,0,1.7746,1.4386,3.2132,3.2132,3.2132,1.7746,0,3.2132-1.4386,3.2132-3.2132h0c-.0188-1.7667-1.4464-3.1943-3.2132-3.2132Zm0,4.5907c-.7567-.0094-1.3677-.6208-1.3765-1.3775-.0202-.7605,.58-1.3933,1.3405-1.4135,.7605-.0202,1.3933,.58,1.4135,1.3405,.0006,.0243,.0006,.0487,0,.073-.0089,.7571-.6204,1.3686-1.3775,1.3775Zm191.3425,4.0213c-2.2021-.0287-4.2611,1.0885-5.4375,2.9502-.9299,1.6095-1.1339,4.233-1.1339,5.9711s.2049,4.3596,1.1339,5.9691c1.1767,1.8615,3.2355,2.9785,5.4375,2.9502h34.4972c2.2018,.0283,4.2603-1.0888,5.4365-2.9502,.928-1.6095,1.1349-4.233,1.1349-5.9711s-.2069-4.3567-1.1349-5.9662c-1.1762-1.8615-3.2347-2.9786-5.4365-2.9502l-34.4972-.0029Zm22.9572,7.9392h2.9v-.0899c0-1.3272-.5326-1.4268-1.4896-1.4268-1.16,0-1.3794,.377-1.4133,1.5167m-20.3859-1.4297c.9512,0,1.4635,.0967,1.4635,1.3997v.0628h-2.8487c.0319-1.1165,.2591-1.4626,1.3852-1.4626m-4.0233,2.463c0,3.1262,.783,4.2533,4.0745,4.2533,1.0071,.0751,2.0175-.0927,2.9464-.4891,.7808-.4894,1.2122-1.3829,1.1097-2.2987h-2.5965c-.0271,.8903-.6322,.9821-1.4626,.9821-1.1996,0-1.4336-.4833-1.4336-1.9788v-.0638h5.4887v-.405c0-3.4123-.9231-4.2668-4.06-4.2668-3.3553,0-4.0745,1.044-4.0745,4.2668m9.8793-1.5621c0,1.6665,.5742,2.4476,4.0735,2.4476,.3744-.0275,.7508,.0097,1.1126,.1102,.2736,.1199,.4021,.3586,.4021,.7927,0,.726-.2658,.8043-1.5128,.8043-.6931,0-1.3987-.0155-1.4307-.9502h-2.6438c.0203,1.8425,.8932,2.4447,2.5085,2.5732,.4882,.0377,1.0188,.0348,1.565,.0348,2.2233,0,4.0735-.3712,4.0735-2.7849,0-2.2997-1.1996-2.463-4.0745-2.5288-1.4268-.0319-1.5109-.3316-1.5109-.8043,0-.5616,.0619-.7405,1.5119-.7405,.5317,0,1.0633,.0474,1.1822,.7086h2.4882v-.3393c0-2.001-2.0967-2.03-3.6733-2.03-2.3625,0-4.0735,.0532-4.0735,2.7066m21.6744-2.7066h6.5018v1.9005h-1.9333v6.525h-2.6274v-6.524h-1.9333l-.0077-1.9014Zm-9.7275,4.2059c0-3.2122,.7086-4.2398,4.0464-4.2398,3.1194,0,4.031,.842,4.031,4.2398v.376h-5.4896v.0909c0,1.4945,.2359,2.0058,1.4587,2.0058,.8226,0,1.45-.0909,1.4896-.9821h2.5413c.0948,.8946-.3269,1.7653-1.0875,2.2456-.9243,.3931-1.9294,.5588-2.9309,.4833-3.276,0-4.0464-1.1088-4.0464-4.2224m-23.7624,5.7874c-1.3214-1.421-1.6134-3.652-1.6134-5.7739s.29-4.35,1.6134-5.7758c1.0333-.9868,2.3994-1.5498,3.828-1.5776h17.7865v14.7048h-17.7865c-1.4285-.0278-2.7946-.5908-3.828-1.5776m43.7423-16.12c.0004-.036-.009-.0714-.0271-.1025-.0116-.0387-.0445-.0628-.086-.0899-.0385-.0194-.0807-.0303-.1237-.0319-.0559-.0087-.1126-.0123-.1692-.0106h-.1508v.5394h.115c.0678,.0013,.1357-.0022,.203-.0106,.0495-.0114,.0968-.0307,.1402-.057,.0317-.0265,.0574-.0594,.0754-.0967,.016-.0456,.0235-.0938,.0222-.1421m.8226,1.3533h-.61l-.5742-.7086h-.1933v.7066h-.4679v-1.913h.7269c.1085-.0031,.2172,.0024,.3248,.0164,.0855,.0088,.1681,.0355,.2426,.0783,.0789,.0405,.1456,.1012,.1933,.1759,.0425,.0819,.0625,.1737,.058,.2658,.0044,.1242-.0384,.2454-.1199,.3393-.0832,.0952-.1884,.1685-.3064,.2136l.7259,.8255Zm.4186-.9203c.0053-.4029-.1547-.7903-.4427-1.072-.2749-.2868-.6574-.4452-1.0546-.4369-.3998-.0086-.7851,.1497-1.0633,.4369-.5856,.5955-.5856,1.5505,0,2.146,.5715,.5851,1.5091,.5962,2.0942,.0247,.0083-.0081,.0166-.0164,.0247-.0247,.289-.2818,.4492-.6703,.4427-1.074m.4253,0c.0069,.5131-.1972,1.0066-.5645,1.3649-.7536,.747-1.9685,.747-2.7221,0-.3705-.3563-.5758-.851-.5665-1.3649-.0083-.5104,.1971-1.001,.5665-1.3533,.7441-.75,1.955-.7561,2.7066-.0135l.0135,.0135c.3662,.3543,.5704,.8438,.5645,1.3533m-64.0238,6.7637h2.1044c1.5563,0,2.32,.6206,2.32,1.74,.0109,.539-.2936,1.0349-.7791,1.2692v.0242c.7243,.1716,1.2395,.8131,1.2509,1.5573,0,1.16-.6767,1.9652-2.5133,1.9652h-2.3828v-6.5559Zm2.0483,2.7588c.7414,0,1.1126-.2591,1.1126-.8893,0-.6767-.4456-.899-1.2799-.899h-.6109v1.7883h.7782Zm.2127,2.7898c.87,0,1.362-.2223,1.362-.9261s-.5007-.9667-1.4829-.9667h-.87v1.8908l.9908,.0019Zm4.9406-1.248l-2.32-4.3007h1.4548l1.5418,3.2267,1.6433-3.2248h1.4084l-2.4659,4.2726v2.2775h-1.2566l-.0058-2.2514Z" /></g></g></svg> </a> <div class="me-2"> <button class=" navbar-toggler button-hamburger collapsed d-flex d-lg-none flex-column justify-content-around" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse" data-bs-target="#navbarNavDropdown" aria-controls="navbarNavDropdown" aria-expanded="false" aria-label="This is toggle button"><span class="toggler-icon top-bar"></span><span class="toggler-icon middle-bar"></span><span class="toggler-icon bottom-bar"></span></button> </div> </div> <nav id="navbarNavDropdown" class="collapse navbar-collapse page-navbar"><ul class="navbar-nav"><li class="nav-item d-lg-none"><div class="search-bar-input"><search-bar-component placeholder="Search WeLiveSecurity"class="search-bar-component-wrapper"></search-bar-component></div></li><li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="/en/tips-advice/" title="TIPS & ADVICE"><span class="">TIPS & ADVICE</span></a></li><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /><li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="/en/business-security/" title="BUSINESS SECURITY"><span class="">BUSINESS SECURITY</span></a></li><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /><li class="nav-item dropdown"><a class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="" title="ESET RESEARCH" role="button" data-bs-toggle="dropdown"aria-expanded="false">ESET RESEARCH</a><div class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu-center"><div class="dropdown-items-wrapper"><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/about-eset-research/" title="About ESET Research"><span class="">About ESET Research</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/eset-research/" title="Blogposts"><span class="">Blogposts</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/podcasts/" title="Podcasts"><span class="">Podcasts</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/white-papers/" title="White papers"><span class="">White papers</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/threat-reports/" title="Threat reports"><span class="">Threat reports</span></a></div></div></li><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /><li class="nav-item"><a class="nav-link" href="/en/we-live-science/" title="WeLiveScience"><span class="button-link">WeLiveScience</span></a></li><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /><li class="nav-item dropdown"><a class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="" title="FEATURED" role="button" data-bs-toggle="dropdown"aria-expanded="false">FEATURED</a><div class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu-center"><div class="dropdown-items-wrapper"><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/ukraine-crisis-digital-security-resource-center/" title="Ukraine crisis – Digital security resource center"><span class="">Ukraine crisis – Digital security resource center</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/we-live-progress/" title="WeLiveProgress"><span class="">WeLiveProgress</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/covid-19/" title="COVID-19"><span class="">COVID-19</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/resources/" title="Resources"><span class="">Resources</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/videos/" title="Videos"><span class="">Videos</span></a></div></div></li><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /><li class="nav-item dropdown"><a class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="" title="TOPICS" role="button" data-bs-toggle="dropdown"aria-expanded="false">TOPICS</a><div class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu-center"><div class="dropdown-items-wrapper"><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/cybersecurity/" title="Digital Security"><span class="">Digital Security</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/scams/" title="Scams"><span class="">Scams</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/how-to/" title="How to"><span class="">How to</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/privacy/" title="Privacy"><span class="">Privacy</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/cybercrime/" title="Cybercrime"><span class="">Cybercrime</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/kids-online/" title="Kids online"><span class="">Kids online</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/social-media/" title="Social media"><span class="">Social media</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/internet-of-things/" title="Internet of Things"><span class="">Internet of Things</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/malware/" title="Malware"><span class="">Malware</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/ransomware/" title="Ransomware"><span class="">Ransomware</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/secure-coding/" title="Secure coding"><span class="">Secure coding</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/mobile-security/" title="Mobile security"><span class="">Mobile security</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/critical-infrastructure/" title="Critical infrastructure"><span class="">Critical infrastructure</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/about-eset-research/" title="Threat research"><span class="">Threat research</span></a></div></div></li><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /><li class="nav-item dropdown"><a class="nav-link dropdown-toggle" href="" title="ABOUT US" role="button" data-bs-toggle="dropdown"aria-expanded="false">ABOUT US</a><div class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu-center"><div class="dropdown-items-wrapper"><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/company/about-us/" title="About WeLiveSecurity"><span class="">About WeLiveSecurity</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/our-experts/" title="Our Experts"><span class="">Our Experts</span></a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/en/company/contact-us/" title="Contact Us"><span class="">Contact Us</span></a></div></div></li><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /><li class="nav-item dropdown d-lg-none"><a class="nav-link dropdown-toggle languages" href="/en/" title="English" role="button"data-bs-toggle="dropdown" aria-expanded="false">English</a><div class="dropdown-menu dropdown-menu-center"><div class="dropdown-items-wrapper"><a class="dropdown-item" href="/es/" title="Español">Español</a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/de/" title="Deutsch">Deutsch</a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/pt/" title="Português">Português</a><a class="dropdown-item" href="/fr/" title="Français">Français</a></div></div></li><li class="nav-item ms-auto d-none d-lg-block"><button class="nav-link ms-auto search-button-close" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse"data-bs-target=".search-bar-wrapper" aria-expanded="false"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 19.9485 19.9001" fill="#424D56"><path d="m19.5429,17.9473l-4.86-4.852c2.7034-3.5802,1.9927-8.674-1.5874-11.3774C9.5153-.9856,4.4214-.2749,1.718,3.3053-.9854,6.8854-.2747,11.9793,3.3055,14.6827c1.4094,1.0643,3.1273,1.6402,4.8934,1.6406,1.7749.0083,3.5023-.5739,4.91-1.655l4.883,4.829c.207.2113.4912.329.787.326.2948-.0022.5771-.1191.787-.326.4163-.4365.406-1.126-.023-1.55Zm-11.316-3.821c-3.2811-.0017-5.9396-2.663-5.9378-5.9442.0017-3.2811,2.663-5.9396,5.9442-5.9378,1.5726.0008,3.0806.6251,4.1937,1.736,1.1259,1.1056,1.7528,2.6221,1.736,4.2-.0007,1.5744-.6249,3.0845-1.736,4.2-1.1067,1.1254-2.6216,1.7552-4.2,1.746Z" /></svg></button></li></ul><div class="search-bar"><div class="collapse search-bar-wrapper"><div class="search-bar-input"><search-bar-component placeholder="Search WeLiveSecurity"class="search-bar-component-wrapper"></search-bar-component><button class="nav-link search-button-close" type="button" data-bs-toggle="collapse"data-bs-target=".search-bar-wrapper" aria-expanded="false"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 18.1065 18.0626"><polygon points="10.6883 9.0363 17.4683 15.8163 15.8383 17.4463 9.0583 10.6663 2.2683 17.4463 .6383 15.8163 7.4283 9.0363 .6383 2.2463 2.2683 .6163 9.0583 7.4063 15.8383 .6163 17.4683 2.2463 10.6883 9.0363" /></svg></button></div></div></div></nav> </div> </div> <div class="additional-info d-none"> <div class="container"> <p> Award-winning news, views, and insight from the ESET security community </p> </div> </div> </header>  <div id="main"> <div class="container article-page py-5"> <div class="row"> <div class="col col-lg-8 pe-lg-0"> <div class="article-header"> <p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p> <h1 class="page-headline">7 reasons why cybercriminals want your personal data</h1> <p class="sub-title">Here's what drives cybercriminals to relentlessly target the personal information of other people – and why you need to guard your data like your life depends on it</p> <div class="article-authors d-flex flex-wrap"><div class="article-author d-flex"><a href="/en/our-experts/sonia-dominguez-waisbrod/" title="Sonia Domínguez Waisbrod"><picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x45/wls/2023/2023-11/sonia-domingues-waisbrod-author.jpeg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><img class="author-image me-3" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x45/wls/2023/2023-11/sonia-domingues-waisbrod-author.jpeg" alt="Sonia Domínguez Waisbrod" /></picture></a><div class="author-text"><p><a href="/en/our-experts/sonia-dominguez-waisbrod/" title="Sonia Domínguez Waisbrod"><b>Sonia Domínguez Waisbrod</b></a></p></div></div></div> <p class="article-info mb-5"> <span>08 Apr 2024</span> <span class="d-none d-lg-inline"> • </span> <span class="d-inline d-lg-none">, </span> <span>6 min. read</span> </p> <div class="hero-image-container"> <picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x266/wls/2024/4-2024/personal-data-cybercrime.jpeg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x425/wls/2024/4-2024/personal-data-cybercrime.jpeg" media="(max-width: 1120px)" /><img class="hero-image" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x700/wls/2024/4-2024/personal-data-cybercrime.jpeg" alt="7 reasons why cybercriminals want your personal data" /></picture> </div> </div> <div class="article-body"> <p>Whenever we’re online, we leave a trail of data behind. As our lives are increasingly intertwined with digital technology, our <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/04/04/spring-action-tidy-up-digital-life/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">digital footprints</a> continue to grow larger. Some pieces of data that we generate, such as when posting on social media or purchasing products online, could hold immense value to cybercriminals lurking in the shadows of the internet.</p> <p>Meanwhile, data breaches and leaks remain rampant while cybercriminals hone their craft to exploit the treasure troves of data scattered across the digital landscape. The more online services you use and share your information with, the greater the chance that your data ends up in the wrong hands, for example when one of those companies is <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2021/11/11/alarms-go-off-10-steps-take-data-breach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">compromised by hackers</a>. As each of us potentially faces a range of threats from <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2019/05/30/aftermath-data-breach-personal-story/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">financial fraud</a> to <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/09/18/five-cybercriminals-extortion-schemes/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">extortion campaigns</a>, the importance of safeguarding our personal information cannot be overstated. </p> <h2>Understanding the value of personal data</h2> <p>First things first, what exactly do we talk about when we talk about personal data? Put simply, it encompasses any information – such as names, dates of birth, social security numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, health data, financial details, photos, biometric information, location data and even IP addresses – that can be used, either on its own or in combination with other information, to identify a specific person.</p> <p>With that out of the way, what is it exactly that drives criminals to relentlessly target our personal information?</p> <h3>1. Financial fraud</h3> <p>Financial fraud is a most pervasive threat in the digital age. Personal data serves as a gateway to your financial assets, making it a prime target for cybercriminals, who are ever so intent on making a pretty penny. While safeguarding bank card information is common sense, it’s equally crucial to extend this vigilance to any other information that identifies us – and to be proactive in safeguarding any kind of personal information in order to prevent unauthorized access to our bank accounts.</p> <p>Beyond financial credentials, cybercriminals could exploit a plethora of personal data, including names, addresses, social security numbers, and even our online shopping habits, to devise fraudulent schemes. By piecing together fragments of your personal information, attackers can impersonate you, tamper with your accounts and conduct unauthorized transactions, often with far-reaching consequences.</p> <h3>2. Identity theft</h3> <p>Your identity gives ne’er-do-wells the ability to engage in fraudulent activities under your name, which not only jeopardizes your financial well-being, but ultimately also tarnishes your reputation, credibility and overall well-being. Cybercriminals wielding stolen identities can perpetrate a wide range of fraudulent activities “on behalf of” unsuspecting victims, placing their financial stability and personal integrity in jeopardy.</p> <p>The more data the crooks acquire, the greater their arsenal for all sorts of malicious actions from deceiving your contacts with fraudulent campaigns, perhaps aided by <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/08/17/attack-instagram-clones/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">imposter social media profiles</a>, all the way to committing diverse forms of fraud, including tax, insurance and online shopping fraud.</p> <div> <p><iframe class="embed-video" title="Increase of deceptive loan apps – Week in security with Tony Anscombe" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/UgBpS1x3G9s"></iframe></p> </div> <h3>3. Ransomware and extortion</h3> <p>The menace of ransomware has for years loomed large on the digital landscape. The psychological impact of being suddenly locked out of your devices and data is profound, particularly if it involves personal documents, sensitive business data, and irreplaceable memories.</p> <p>Faced with such dire circumstances, many victims feel compelled to give in to the demands of the attackers and end up <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2021/07/08/ransomware-pay-not-pay-legal-illegal-these-are-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">paying hefty ransom fees</a> in the hope that they will regain control over their digital assets. This reality underscores the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and proactive defenses against the ever-evolving threat of ransomware attacks.</p> <h3>4. Dark web sale</h3> <p>Personal data has become a lucrative commodity, both in the seedy underbelly of the internet known as the dark web and in the shadowy recesses of mainstream <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2022/02/10/hidden-plain-sight-dark-web-spilling-social-media/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">social media platforms such as Telegram</a>. Everything from pilfered login credentials, social security card details all the way to <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2018/01/26/babies-personal-data-dark-web/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">babies’ personal data</a> is <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/08/03/how-much-is-your-personal-data-worth-dark-web/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">up for grabs</a> –  no information is too sacred for cybercriminals to exploit.</p> <p>This clandestine marketplace thrives as a hub where illicit data transactions abound, allowing cybercriminals to capitalize on stolen information for further nefarious activities or to peddle it to malicious actors. As they perpetuate this cycle of exploitation, cybercriminals not only profit but also contribute to the flourishing underworld economy of the dark web.</p> <h3>5. Account theft</h3> <p>Account theft is as a direct pathway for criminals to infiltrate various facets of your online presence, including social media sites, email services and other platforms. Once inside, they exploit this access to perpetrate fraudulent activities, spread malware, or compromise your identity. Whether due to a <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2020/08/06/blackbaud-data-breach-what-you-should-know/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">data breach at a company</a>, account or service that stored our data or thanks to the information we willingly share online, attackers can <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2022/01/05/5-ways-hackers-steal-passwords-how-stop-them/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crack our passwords</a>, often simply by using combinations of first names, last names, dates of birth or other data obtained.</p> <p>To mitigate such risks, it’s imperative to beef up your defenses with robust security measures such as using strong and unique passwords or passphrases and implementing two-factor authentication. These proactive steps serve as crucial safeguards against the perils of account theft and help protect your digital assets from the threats.</p> <h3>6. (Spear)phishing messages</h3> <p>Phishing, especially the targeted variety known as spearphishing, can leverage personal data to craft convincing messages aimed at specific individuals or organizations. Cybercriminals can meticulously research their targets to gather information such as their names, job titles, company affiliations, and even personal interests or activities. With this data in hand, attackers can tailor their ploys to appear legitimate and relevant, increasing the likelihood of success.</p> <p>For instance, a fraudster armed with knowledge about your online purchases might craft a convincing email posing as a receipt or promotional offer from a familiar retailer. In other scenarios, they might impersonate a colleague or superior within your organization, using insider knowledge gleaned from publicly available information to enhance the credibility of their message.</p> <h3>7. Corporate espionage</h3> <p>Personal data is not only of interest to “run-of-the-mill” cybercriminals; rival companies, governments and other groups also seek this sensitive information. In the realm of corporate espionage, personal data is coveted for its potential to confer strategic advantages and facilitate targeted attacks. <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/social-media/is-your-linkedin-profile-revealing-too-much/">Data stolen from employees </a>can become <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/lazarus-luring-employees-trojanized-coding-challenges-case-spanish-aerospace-company/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tools for targeted attacks</a> whose ramifications can go way beyond personal privacy.</p> <p>From industrial espionage aimed at gaining insights into competitors' operations to state-sponsored campaigns targeting critical infrastructure and sensitive government systems, the stakes are high in the realm of corporate espionage.</p> <h2>7 tips for protecting yourself</h2> <p>There are a few simple measures that will vastly lower the risk of your data ending up in the crosshairs of cybercriminals.</p> <ul> <li>Be wary of unsolicited emails, messages, or requests for personal information, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar sources.</li> <li>Be prudent when it comes to <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/social-media/10-things-avoid-posting-social-media-why/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sharing information online</a>.</li> <li>Use <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2023/01/02/most-common-passwords-what-do-if-yours-list/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">strong and unique passwords</a> for each of your accounts.</li> <li>Enable <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2019/12/13/2fa-double-down-your-security/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">two-factor authentication</a> on every account that offers this option.</li> <li>Regularly monitor your bank accounts, credit reports, and other financial accounts for any unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions or <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2021/12/14/5-warning-signs-your-identity-has-been-stolen/">signs of identity theft</a> immediately.</li> <li>Keep an eye on <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/2019/02/27/spot-your-password-stolen-security-breach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">breached password alerts</a> and take immediate action after receiving such a notification.</li> <li>Install reputable security software on all your devices.</li> </ul> <p>“I don't have anything of value for hackers”, “why would anybody care?” or “I have nothing to hide” – statements like these reflect common misconceptions regarding the importance of personal data and cybersecurity. We hope that the rundown above helped illustrate just how valuable even seemingly innocuous information can be to malicious actors.</p> </div> <div class="article-subscribe-form mb-4"> <hr /> <div class="form-wrapper"> <div class="overlay"> <h2 class="title"> Let us keep you <br class='d-md-none'>up to date </h2> <p class="subtitle"> Sign up for our newsletters </p> <div class="form"> <form action="https://enjoy.eset.com/pub/rf" class="basic-searchform col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12 no-padding newsletter px-0" target="_blank" method="post" role="search"> <div class="search-input clearfix"> <input type="text" name="EMAIL_ADDRESS_" value="" placeholder="Your Email Address" required> <input type="checkbox" id="TOPIC" name="TOPIC" value="We Live Security Ukraine Newsletter"> <label for="TOPIC">Ukraine Crisis newsletter</label> <input type="checkbox" id="NEWSLETTER" name="NEWSLETTER" value="We Live Security"> <label for="NEWSLETTER">Regular weekly newsletter</label> <input type="hidden" name="_ri_" value="X0Gzc2X%3DAQpglLjHJlTQGgXv4jDGEK4KW2uhw0qgUzfwuivmOJOPCgzgo9vsI3VwjpnpgHlpgneHmgJoXX0Gzc2X%3DAQpglLjHJlTQGzbD6yU2pAgzaJM16bkTA7tOwuivmOJOPCgzgo9vsI3"> <input type="hidden" name="_ei_" value="Ep2VKa8UKNIAPP_2GAEW0bY"> <input type="hidden" name="_di_" value="m0a5n0j02duo9clmm4btuu5av8rdtvqfqd03v1hallrvcob47ad0"> <input type="hidden" name="EMAIL_PERMISSION_STATUS_" value="0"> <input type="hidden" name="CONTACT_SOURCE_MOST_RECENT" value="WLS_Subscribe_Form"> <button type="submit" class="redirect-button primary">Subscribe</button> </div> </form> </div> </div> <svg class="wave-overlay" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 600 201.7451"><g><path class="cls-1" d="m600,0v176.576c0,13.8934-11.2757,25.1691-25.1691,25.1691H25.1691c-13.9034,0-25.1691-11.2757-25.1691-25.1691v-110.6331c36.0722,38.8207,82.2223,71.8325,145.2255,88.6052.0402,0,.0805.0101.1107.0301,0,0,.0906,0,.1107.0302,108.7605,28.9444,198.3321-8.95,271.9366-49.865l29.5585-16.9537L600,0Z" /></g></svg></div> </div> <div class="d-block"> <div class="post-related-articles"> <h4 class="articles-title-divider py-4 my-2"> Related Articles </h4> <div class="articles-card-grid row g-0 pb-2 pb-md-3"><div class="col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 article"><div class="card-divider"><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /></div><div class="article-card"><a href="/en/privacy/great-location-leak-privacy-risks-dating-apps/" title="The great location leak: Privacy risks in dating apps"><div class="row g-0 row-cols-1"><div class="article-list-card-header col"><div class="row g-0"><div class="col-9 d-md-none pe-3"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p><p class="title">The great location leak: Privacy risks in dating apps</p></div></div><div class="col-3 col-md-12"><picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x82/wls/2024/8-2024/dating-apps-location-risks-privacy.jpeg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><img class="article-list-image small-card mt-1 mt-md-0 w-100" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x145/wls/2024/8-2024/dating-apps-location-risks-privacy.jpeg" alt="The great location leak: Privacy risks in dating apps" loading="lazy" /></picture></div></div></div><div class="article-list-card-body col ps-0"><div class="d-none d-md-block pb-1"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p><p class="title">The great location leak: Privacy risks in dating apps</p></div></div><div><div class="article-title-info"><p><b></b></p></div></div></div></div></a></div></div><div class="col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 article"><div class="card-divider"><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /></div><div class="article-card"><a href="/en/privacy/buying-vpn-what-know-look-for/" title="Buying a VPN? Here’s what to know and look for"><div class="row g-0 row-cols-1"><div class="article-list-card-header col"><div class="row g-0"><div class="col-9 d-md-none pe-3"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p><p class="title">Buying a VPN? Here’s what to know and look for</p></div></div><div class="col-3 col-md-12"><picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x82/wls/2024/6-2024/vpn-pros-cons-buyers-guide.jpeg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><img class="article-list-image small-card mt-1 mt-md-0 w-100" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x145/wls/2024/6-2024/vpn-pros-cons-buyers-guide.jpeg" alt="Buying a VPN? Here’s what to know and look for" loading="lazy" /></picture></div></div></div><div class="article-list-card-body col ps-0"><div class="d-none d-md-block pb-1"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p><p class="title">Buying a VPN? Here’s what to know and look for</p></div></div><div><div class="article-title-info"><p><b></b></p></div></div></div></div></a></div></div><div class="col-12 col-sm-12 col-md-6 col-lg-4 article"><div class="card-divider"><hr class="articles-card-divider px-0 m-0" /></div><div class="article-card"><a href="/en/privacy/prescription-privacy-protection-exercise-caution-mobile-health-app/" title="A prescription for privacy protection: Exercise caution when using a mobile health app"><div class="row g-0 row-cols-1"><div class="article-list-card-header col"><div class="row g-0"><div class="col-9 d-md-none pe-3"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p><p class="title">A prescription for privacy protection: Exercise caution when using a mobile health app</p></div></div><div class="col-3 col-md-12"><picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x82/wls/2024/3-2024/health-apps-mobile-privacy-risks.jpeg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><img class="article-list-image small-card mt-1 mt-md-0 w-100" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x145/wls/2024/3-2024/health-apps-mobile-privacy-risks.jpeg" alt="A prescription for privacy protection: Exercise caution when using a mobile health app" loading="lazy" /></picture></div></div></div><div class="article-list-card-body col ps-0"><div class="d-none d-md-block pb-1"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p><p class="title">A prescription for privacy protection: Exercise caution when using a mobile health app</p></div></div><div><div class="article-title-info"><p><b></b></p></div></div></div></div></a></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> <div class="sidebar col col-lg-4 ps-5 d-none d-lg-block position-sticky"> <div class="sticky-top sticky-top--container"> <div class="short-articles-section"> <h3 class="articles-title-divider short-aticles-title pb-4"> Similar Articles </h3> <div class="articles"> <div class="article-list-card"><a href="/2021/04/16/spring-cleaning-dont-forget-digital-footprint/" title="Spring cleaning? Don’t forget about your digital footprint"><div class="row g-0 row-cols-1"><div class="article-list-card-header col"><div class="row g-0"><div class="text-card col-9 col-sm-10 col-md-9"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">How To</p><p class="title">Spring cleaning? Don’t forget about your digital footprint</p></div></div><div class="image-card col-3 col-sm-2 col-md-3"><picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x45/wls/2021/04/spring-cleaning-digital-footprint.jpg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><img class="article-list-image mt-1 mt-md-0 w-100" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x82/wls/2021/04/spring-cleaning-digital-footprint.jpg" alt="Spring cleaning? Don’t forget about your digital footprint" /></picture></div></div></div></div></a></div> <hr> <div class="article-list-card"><a href="/2023/04/04/spring-action-tidy-up-digital-life/" title="Spring into action and tidy up your digital life like a pro"><div class="row g-0 row-cols-1"><div class="article-list-card-header col"><div class="row g-0"><div class="text-card col-9 col-sm-10 col-md-9"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Digital Security</p><p class="title">Spring into action and tidy up your digital life like a pro</p></div></div><div class="image-card col-3 col-sm-2 col-md-3"><picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x45/wls/2023/04/digital-spring-cleaning-laptop-smartphone.jpg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><img class="article-list-image mt-1 mt-md-0 w-100" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x82/wls/2023/04/digital-spring-cleaning-laptop-smartphone.jpg" alt="Spring into action and tidy up your digital life like a pro" /></picture></div></div></div></div></a></div> <hr> <div class="article-list-card"><a href="/2022/08/23/personal-data-all-over-internet-7-steps-cleaning-up-online-presence/" title="Is your personal data all over the internet? 7 steps to cleaning up your online presence"><div class="row g-0 row-cols-1"><div class="article-list-card-header col"><div class="row g-0"><div class="text-card col-9 col-sm-10 col-md-9"><div class="article-list-card-title"><p class="category text-uppercase">Privacy</p><p class="title">Is your personal data all over the internet? 7 steps to cleaning up your online presence</p></div></div><div class="image-card col-3 col-sm-2 col-md-3"><picture><source srcset="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x45/wls/2022/08/clean-up-digital-footprint.jpg" media="(max-width: 768px)" /><img class="article-list-image mt-1 mt-md-0 w-100" src="https://web-assets.esetstatic.com/tn/-x82/wls/2022/08/clean-up-digital-footprint.jpg" alt="Is your personal data all over the internet? 7 steps to cleaning up your online presence" /></picture></div></div></div></div></a></div> <hr> </div> </div> <div class="pb-4"> <div class="share-article-card"> <div class="sidebar-card-media"> <div class="mb-3"> <h3 class="articles-title-divider">Share Article</h3> </div> <div class="medias"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/privacy/7-reasons-why-cybercriminals-want-your-personal-data/" title="Facebook" > <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="facebook" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><path fill="white"d="m30.9623,26.8125l.8054-5.2483h-5.0359v-3.4058c0-1.4358.7035-2.8354,2.9589-2.8354h2.2894v-4.4684s-2.0776-.3546-4.064-.3546c-4.1472,0-6.858,2.5137-6.858,7.0642v4h-4.61v5.2483h4.61v12.6875h5.6737v-12.6875h4.2305Z" /></g></svg> </a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/privacy/7-reasons-why-cybercriminals-want-your-personal-data/" title="LinkedIn" > <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="linkedin" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><path fill="white"d="m18.7686,35.9995h-4.9757v-16.0232h4.9757v16.0232Zm-2.4905-18.2089c-1.5911,0-2.8816-1.3179-2.8816-2.9089.0002-1.5915,1.2906-2.8814,2.882-2.8812,1.5911.0002,2.881,1.29,2.8812,2.8812,0,1.5911-1.2911,2.9089-2.8816,2.9089Zm21.113,18.2089h-4.965v-7.8c0-1.8589-.0375-4.2429-2.587-4.2429-2.587,0-2.9834,2.0196-2.9834,4.1089v7.9339h-4.9704v-16.0232h4.7721v2.1857h.0696c.6643-1.2589,2.287-2.5875,4.7079-2.5875,5.0357,0,5.9614,3.3161,5.9614,7.6232v8.8018h-.0054Z" /></g></svg> </a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/privacy/7-reasons-why-cybercriminals-want-your-personal-data/" title="Twitter" > <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="twitter" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><g id="twitter"><g id="Layer_2-3"><g id="Research_icons"><path id="twitter-2" fill="white"d="m36.0847,16.9564c1.1786-.1395,2.3298-.4543,3.4153-.934-.7998,1.1935-1.8049,2.2357-2.9686,3.0783v.7675c0,7.8581-5.9779,16.9184-16.9184,16.9184-3.2314.004-6.3954-.9238-9.113-2.6722.4703.0571.9436.0856,1.4173.0853,2.6784.0044,5.2803-.8925,7.3871-2.5463-2.5446-.0467-4.7777-1.7068-5.5555-4.1301.3681.0703.742.1056,1.1168.1056.5293,0,1.0564-.0696,1.5676-.2071-2.775-.5608-4.7696-3.0006-4.7677-5.8317v-.0731c.826.4573,1.7488.712,2.6925.7432-2.6116-1.7476-3.4122-5.2258-1.8275-7.9394,3.0149,3.7157,7.4653,5.9771,12.2441,6.2215-.7617-3.1963,1.2119-6.4049,4.4082-7.1666,2.0894-.4979,4.285.1691,5.7444,1.7451,1.3319-.2639,2.6091-.7528,3.7768-1.4457-.4477,1.3745-1.3782,2.5402-2.6194,3.2813Z" /></g></g></g></g></svg> </a> <a href="mailto:?&subject=I wanted you to see this site&body=https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/privacy/7-reasons-why-cybercriminals-want-your-personal-data/" title="mail" > <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="social-icon" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><path id="Path_7761" fill="white"d="m13.1593,14.9378c-.2808,0-.5616.0936-.8424.1872l11.8875,11.5131c.3744.468,1.0296.468,1.404.0936.0936,0,.0936-.0936.0936-.0936l12.0747-11.5131c-.2808-.0936-.5616-.1872-.7488-.1872H13.1593Zm-2.1529,1.9656v15.8188c-.0936,1.2168.8424,2.2465,2.0593,2.3401h23.8686c1.2168-.0936,2.1529-1.1232,2.0593-2.3401v-15.7252l-11.7939,11.3259c-1.2168,1.2168-3.1825,1.2168-4.3057,0l-11.8875-11.4195Z" /></g></svg> </a> <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/privacy/7-reasons-why-cybercriminals-want-your-personal-data/" title="copy" class="copy-link" > <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="social-icon" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><path fill="white"d="m32.2813,27.4375l3.7-3.7c2.7-2.7,2.7-7,0-9.7-2.7-2.7-7-2.7-9.7,0h0l-5.3,5.3c-2.7,2.7-2.7,7,0,9.7.4.4.8.7,1.3,1l2.8-2.8c-.6-.1-1.1-.4-1.5-.8-1.2-1.2-1.2-3.2,0-4.4l5.3-5.3c1.3-1.2,3.2-1.1,4.4.1,1.1,1.2,1.1,3.1,0,4.3l-1.6,1.6c.7,1.4.9,3.1.6,4.7h0Zm-14.7-4.7l-3.6,3.6c-2.7,2.7-2.6,7,0,9.7,2.7,2.6,6.9,2.6,9.6,0l5.3-5.3c2.7-2.7,2.7-7,0-9.7-.4-.4-.8-.7-1.3-1l-2.8,2.8c1.7.4,2.7,2.1,2.3,3.7-.1.6-.4,1.1-.8,1.5l-5.3,5.4c-1.2,1.3-3.1,1.3-4.4.1-1.3-1.2-1.3-3.1-.1-4.4,0-.1.1-.1.1-.1l1.6-1.5c-.7-1.6-.9-3.2-.6-4.8h0Z" /></g></svg> </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="pb-4"> <a class="d-block sidebar-card-banner" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/eset-research/eset-apt-activity-report-q2-2024-q3-2024/" title="Apt Activity Report" target="_blank"> <img src="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/eset-apt-activity-report-q2-2024-q3-2024-d75a59c4.webp" alt="Apt Activity Report" class="w-100" > </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="row"> <div class="col col-lg-8 pe-lg-0"> <div class="my-4"> <h3 class="articles-title-divider">Discussion</h3> </div> <div id="disqus_thread"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <footer class="page-footer"> <div class="container"> <div class="row g-0"> <div class="col page-info-wrapper"> <div class="logo-wrapper"> <div class="logo"> <a href="/en/" title="Welivesecurity"> <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><svg id="Layer_2" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 290 31.7919"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#0b8690;}.cls-2{fill:#053b44;}</style></defs><g id="Layer_1-2"><g><path class="cls-2" d="M0,8.6081H5.1069l2.869,10.7299,3.3282-10.845h4.3616l3.3833,10.845,2.9261-10.7879h4.9947l-5.51,17.8465h-4.5336l-3.3833-10.903-3.5012,10.903H5.451L0,8.6081Zm26.6257,9.0093h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3955c.3233,2.123,2.219,3.6443,4.3616,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.8729,2.5259c-1.7441,2.1958-4.4284,3.4313-7.2306,3.3282-4.9064,.227-9.0678-3.5664-9.2947-8.4728-.0109-.236-.0124-.4724-.0045-.7085Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7303-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5747Zm57.842,7.9179l2.1266-3.3282c1.5999,1.2513,3.5393,1.9923,5.566,2.1267,1.4345,0,2.1266-.5162,2.1266-1.3195v-.057c0-1.0904-1.7216-1.4345-3.6733-2.0658-2.4679-.7463-5.2789-1.8937-5.2789-5.3369v-.057c0-3.6153,2.9261-5.6231,6.4843-5.6231,2.3553,.0234,4.6511,.742,6.5994,2.0658l-1.8937,3.5003c-1.4459-.9422-3.1015-1.5139-4.8207-1.6646-1.2054,0-1.8366,.5162-1.8366,1.2054v.057c0,.9754,1.6646,1.4345,3.6153,2.1267,2.4679,.8033,5.3369,2.0087,5.3369,5.2789v.057c0,3.9633-2.9261,5.7381-6.7666,5.7381-2.7543-.0573-5.4158-1.006-7.5854-2.7037Zm15.4356-6.4264h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3375c.3233,2.123,2.219,3.6443,4.3616,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.869,2.5249c-1.744,2.1959-4.4283,3.4315-7.2306,3.3282-5.3901,.001-9.3534-3.7835-9.3534-9.1804Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7303-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5747Zm6.1412,1.4906h0c-.0992-5.0349,3.9019-9.197,8.9368-9.2964h.3596c2.6878-.1539,5.2947,.9485,7.0566,2.9841l-3.0991,3.3282c-.9721-1.2277-2.4505-1.9458-4.0165-1.9507-2.5249,0-4.3036,2.2378-4.3036,4.8198v.057c0,2.697,1.7787,4.8778,4.4756,4.8778,1.5606-.0446,3.0342-.7295,4.0745-1.8937l2.9261,2.9841c-1.7686,2.1577-4.4423,3.3673-7.2306,3.2712-5.0035,.0682-9.115-3.9326-9.1832-8.9361,0-.0009,0-.0017,0-.0026,.0026-.0806,.0038-.1614,.0039-.2426Zm17.9606,2.5249V8.6642h5.0498v9.8706c0,2.4099,1.1474,3.6153,3.0411,3.6153s3.1562-1.2054,3.1562-3.6153V8.6071h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498v-2.5249c-1.1459,1.7743-3.1079,2.8527-5.22,2.869-3.7893,.001-6.0271-2.4669-6.0271-6.5414Zm18.4767-11.5342h5.0498v3.5573c1.0324-2.4679,2.697-4.0165,5.6811-3.9024v5.2789h-.29c-3.3282,0-5.3939,2.0087-5.3939,6.2543v6.5414h-5.047V8.6071Zm12.5666,0h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498V8.6071Zm8.9561,12.7396V12.9117h-2.1267v-4.3036h2.1267V4.0745h5.0498v4.5336h4.1885v4.3036h-4.1924v7.5747c0,1.1474,.5162,1.7216,1.6066,1.7216,.8637,.0094,1.7148-.2083,2.4679-.6312v4.0165c-1.1964,.7132-2.571,1.0716-3.9633,1.0334-3.0952,.057-5.1571-1.2054-5.1571-5.2799Zm11.4153,9.1813l1.6646-3.6153c.6415,.4009,1.372,.6373,2.1267,.6883,.7821,.0558,1.5071-.4118,1.7787-1.1474l-6.9474-17.7885h5.3369l4.0165,12.1074,3.8444-12.1074h5.22l-6.7666,18.1326c-1.3775,3.6153-2.812,4.9928-5.8531,4.9928-1.5664,.0294-3.1059-.4102-4.4205-1.2625ZM182.4783,1.3195c1.3945,0,2.5249,1.1304,2.5249,2.5249s-1.1304,2.5249-2.5249,2.5249-2.5249-1.1304-2.5249-2.5249,1.1304-2.5249,2.5249-2.5249Zm38.8471,2.754v2.1267h-.6312v-2.1267h-.8603v-.5162h2.3528v.4592h-.8603l-.0009,.057Zm4.0755,2.1238v-1.7796l-.8033,1.7787h-.6312l-.7463-1.7787,.057,.3441v1.3775h-.5732V3.5573h.7463l.8603,2.0658,.9753-2.0658h.6883v2.6399h-.5732Z" /><path class="cls-1" d="M46.2508,2.2378h5.0498V26.3956h-5.0498V2.2378Zm7.9189,6.3693h5.0498V26.3386h-5.0498V8.6071Zm6.5414,0h5.3369l3.9633,11.8783,4.0126-11.8783h5.22l-7.0005,17.8465h-4.5907l-6.9416-17.8465Zm17.9035,9.0102h0c0-5.1069,3.6153-9.2964,8.7792-9.2964,5.9102,0,8.6651,4.5907,8.6651,9.6405,0,.4021-.057,.8603-.057,1.3195h-12.3375c.3232,2.1226,2.2184,3.6438,4.3606,3.5003,1.6303,.0269,3.1951-.6409,4.3036-1.8367l2.869,2.5249c-1.744,2.1959-4.4283,3.4315-7.2306,3.3282-5.3891,.001-9.3524-3.7835-9.3524-9.1804Zm12.5095-1.4916c-.29-2.2378-1.6066-3.7874-3.7294-3.7874s-3.4432,1.4916-3.8444,3.7874h7.5738ZM56.6366,0c-1.7746,0-3.2132,1.4386-3.2132,3.2132,0,1.7746,1.4386,3.2132,3.2132,3.2132,1.7746,0,3.2132-1.4386,3.2132-3.2132h0c-.0188-1.7667-1.4464-3.1943-3.2132-3.2132Zm0,4.5907c-.7567-.0094-1.3677-.6208-1.3765-1.3775-.0202-.7605,.58-1.3933,1.3405-1.4135,.7605-.0202,1.3933,.58,1.4135,1.3405,.0006,.0243,.0006,.0487,0,.073-.0089,.7571-.6204,1.3686-1.3775,1.3775Zm191.3425,4.0213c-2.2021-.0287-4.2611,1.0885-5.4375,2.9502-.9299,1.6095-1.1339,4.233-1.1339,5.9711s.2049,4.3596,1.1339,5.9691c1.1767,1.8615,3.2355,2.9785,5.4375,2.9502h34.4972c2.2018,.0283,4.2603-1.0888,5.4365-2.9502,.928-1.6095,1.1349-4.233,1.1349-5.9711s-.2069-4.3567-1.1349-5.9662c-1.1762-1.8615-3.2347-2.9786-5.4365-2.9502l-34.4972-.0029Zm22.9572,7.9392h2.9v-.0899c0-1.3272-.5326-1.4268-1.4896-1.4268-1.16,0-1.3794,.377-1.4133,1.5167m-20.3859-1.4297c.9512,0,1.4635,.0967,1.4635,1.3997v.0628h-2.8487c.0319-1.1165,.2591-1.4626,1.3852-1.4626m-4.0233,2.463c0,3.1262,.783,4.2533,4.0745,4.2533,1.0071,.0751,2.0175-.0927,2.9464-.4891,.7808-.4894,1.2122-1.3829,1.1097-2.2987h-2.5965c-.0271,.8903-.6322,.9821-1.4626,.9821-1.1996,0-1.4336-.4833-1.4336-1.9788v-.0638h5.4887v-.405c0-3.4123-.9231-4.2668-4.06-4.2668-3.3553,0-4.0745,1.044-4.0745,4.2668m9.8793-1.5621c0,1.6665,.5742,2.4476,4.0735,2.4476,.3744-.0275,.7508,.0097,1.1126,.1102,.2736,.1199,.4021,.3586,.4021,.7927,0,.726-.2658,.8043-1.5128,.8043-.6931,0-1.3987-.0155-1.4307-.9502h-2.6438c.0203,1.8425,.8932,2.4447,2.5085,2.5732,.4882,.0377,1.0188,.0348,1.565,.0348,2.2233,0,4.0735-.3712,4.0735-2.7849,0-2.2997-1.1996-2.463-4.0745-2.5288-1.4268-.0319-1.5109-.3316-1.5109-.8043,0-.5616,.0619-.7405,1.5119-.7405,.5317,0,1.0633,.0474,1.1822,.7086h2.4882v-.3393c0-2.001-2.0967-2.03-3.6733-2.03-2.3625,0-4.0735,.0532-4.0735,2.7066m21.6744-2.7066h6.5018v1.9005h-1.9333v6.525h-2.6274v-6.524h-1.9333l-.0077-1.9014Zm-9.7275,4.2059c0-3.2122,.7086-4.2398,4.0464-4.2398,3.1194,0,4.031,.842,4.031,4.2398v.376h-5.4896v.0909c0,1.4945,.2359,2.0058,1.4587,2.0058,.8226,0,1.45-.0909,1.4896-.9821h2.5413c.0948,.8946-.3269,1.7653-1.0875,2.2456-.9243,.3931-1.9294,.5588-2.9309,.4833-3.276,0-4.0464-1.1088-4.0464-4.2224m-23.7624,5.7874c-1.3214-1.421-1.6134-3.652-1.6134-5.7739s.29-4.35,1.6134-5.7758c1.0333-.9868,2.3994-1.5498,3.828-1.5776h17.7865v14.7048h-17.7865c-1.4285-.0278-2.7946-.5908-3.828-1.5776m43.7423-16.12c.0004-.036-.009-.0714-.0271-.1025-.0116-.0387-.0445-.0628-.086-.0899-.0385-.0194-.0807-.0303-.1237-.0319-.0559-.0087-.1126-.0123-.1692-.0106h-.1508v.5394h.115c.0678,.0013,.1357-.0022,.203-.0106,.0495-.0114,.0968-.0307,.1402-.057,.0317-.0265,.0574-.0594,.0754-.0967,.016-.0456,.0235-.0938,.0222-.1421m.8226,1.3533h-.61l-.5742-.7086h-.1933v.7066h-.4679v-1.913h.7269c.1085-.0031,.2172,.0024,.3248,.0164,.0855,.0088,.1681,.0355,.2426,.0783,.0789,.0405,.1456,.1012,.1933,.1759,.0425,.0819,.0625,.1737,.058,.2658,.0044,.1242-.0384,.2454-.1199,.3393-.0832,.0952-.1884,.1685-.3064,.2136l.7259,.8255Zm.4186-.9203c.0053-.4029-.1547-.7903-.4427-1.072-.2749-.2868-.6574-.4452-1.0546-.4369-.3998-.0086-.7851,.1497-1.0633,.4369-.5856,.5955-.5856,1.5505,0,2.146,.5715,.5851,1.5091,.5962,2.0942,.0247,.0083-.0081,.0166-.0164,.0247-.0247,.289-.2818,.4492-.6703,.4427-1.074m.4253,0c.0069,.5131-.1972,1.0066-.5645,1.3649-.7536,.747-1.9685,.747-2.7221,0-.3705-.3563-.5758-.851-.5665-1.3649-.0083-.5104,.1971-1.001,.5665-1.3533,.7441-.75,1.955-.7561,2.7066-.0135l.0135,.0135c.3662,.3543,.5704,.8438,.5645,1.3533m-64.0238,6.7637h2.1044c1.5563,0,2.32,.6206,2.32,1.74,.0109,.539-.2936,1.0349-.7791,1.2692v.0242c.7243,.1716,1.2395,.8131,1.2509,1.5573,0,1.16-.6767,1.9652-2.5133,1.9652h-2.3828v-6.5559Zm2.0483,2.7588c.7414,0,1.1126-.2591,1.1126-.8893,0-.6767-.4456-.899-1.2799-.899h-.6109v1.7883h.7782Zm.2127,2.7898c.87,0,1.362-.2223,1.362-.9261s-.5007-.9667-1.4829-.9667h-.87v1.8908l.9908,.0019Zm4.9406-1.248l-2.32-4.3007h1.4548l1.5418,3.2267,1.6433-3.2248h1.4084l-2.4659,4.2726v2.2775h-1.2566l-.0058-2.2514Z" /></g></g></svg> </a> </div> </div> <div class="page-info"> <p> Award-winning news, views, and insight from the ESET security community </p> </div> </div> <div class="col footer-links"> <a href="/en/company/about-us/" title="About us" >About us</a> <a href="https://www.eset.com" title="ESET" >ESET</a> <a href="/en/company/contact-us/" title="Contact us" >Contact us</a> <a href="/en/company/privacy/" title="Privacy Policy" >Privacy Policy</a> <a href="/en/company/legal-information/" title="Legal Information" >Legal Information</a> <a href="/en/#" title="Manage Cookies" id="manage-cookies" onclick="event.preventDefault()" >Manage Cookies</a> <a href="/en/rss/feed/" title="RSS Feed" >RSS Feed</a> </div> <div class="col social-networks"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/eset/" title="Join our facebook fan site!"> <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="facebook" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><path fill="white"d="m30.9623,26.8125l.8054-5.2483h-5.0359v-3.4058c0-1.4358.7035-2.8354,2.9589-2.8354h2.2894v-4.4684s-2.0776-.3546-4.064-.3546c-4.1472,0-6.858,2.5137-6.858,7.0642v4h-4.61v5.2483h4.61v12.6875h5.6737v-12.6875h4.2305Z" /></g></svg> </a> <a href="https://youtube.com/esetglobal" title="Watch our videos at YouTube Channel."> <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="youtube" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><g id="Layer_1-2"><g id="youtube"><g id="SOCIAL_MEDIA"><path id="youtube-2" fill="white"d="m39.3741,17.7792c-.3492-1.2938-1.3598-2.3044-2.6536-2.6536-2.3399-.625-11.7206-.625-11.7206-.625,0,0-9.3745,0-11.7206.625-1.2941.3485-2.305,1.3594-2.6536,2.6536-.4319,2.3823-.6412,4.7997-.6249,7.2208-.0162,2.4211.193,4.8385.625,7.2208.3478,1.2946,1.359,2.3058,2.6536,2.6536,2.3399.625,11.7206.625,11.7206.625,0,0,9.3807,0,11.7206-.625,1.2942-.3485,2.3051-1.3594,2.6536-2.6536.4315-2.3824.6408-4.7997.625-7.2208.0158-2.4211-.1934-4.8384-.625-7.2208h0Zm-17.374,11.7205v-8.9994l7.7933,4.4997-7.7933,4.4997Z" /></g></g></g></g></svg> </a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ESET" title="Visit the official WLS Twitter page."> <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="twitter" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><g id="twitter"><g id="Layer_2-3"><g id="Research_icons"><path id="twitter-2" fill="white"d="m36.0847,16.9564c1.1786-.1395,2.3298-.4543,3.4153-.934-.7998,1.1935-1.8049,2.2357-2.9686,3.0783v.7675c0,7.8581-5.9779,16.9184-16.9184,16.9184-3.2314.004-6.3954-.9238-9.113-2.6722.4703.0571.9436.0856,1.4173.0853,2.6784.0044,5.2803-.8925,7.3871-2.5463-2.5446-.0467-4.7777-1.7068-5.5555-4.1301.3681.0703.742.1056,1.1168.1056.5293,0,1.0564-.0696,1.5676-.2071-2.775-.5608-4.7696-3.0006-4.7677-5.8317v-.0731c.826.4573,1.7488.712,2.6925.7432-2.6116-1.7476-3.4122-5.2258-1.8275-7.9394,3.0149,3.7157,7.4653,5.9771,12.2441,6.2215-.7617-3.1963,1.2119-6.4049,4.4082-7.1666,2.0894-.4979,4.285.1691,5.7444,1.7451,1.3319-.2639,2.6091-.7528,3.7768-1.4457-.4477,1.3745-1.3782,2.5402-2.6194,3.2813Z" /></g></g></g></g></svg> </a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/eset" title="Follow us on LinkedIn."> <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="linkedin" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><path fill="white"d="m18.7686,35.9995h-4.9757v-16.0232h4.9757v16.0232Zm-2.4905-18.2089c-1.5911,0-2.8816-1.3179-2.8816-2.9089.0002-1.5915,1.2906-2.8814,2.882-2.8812,1.5911.0002,2.881,1.29,2.8812,2.8812,0,1.5911-1.2911,2.9089-2.8816,2.9089Zm21.113,18.2089h-4.965v-7.8c0-1.8589-.0375-4.2429-2.587-4.2429-2.587,0-2.9834,2.0196-2.9834,4.1089v7.9339h-4.9704v-16.0232h4.7721v2.1857h.0696c.6643-1.2589,2.287-2.5875,4.7079-2.5875,5.0357,0,5.9614,3.3161,5.9614,7.6232v8.8018h-.0054Z" /></g></svg> </a> <a href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/rss-configurator/" title="Don´t miss a single post!"> <svg id="Layer_2" fill="#949ca1" class="social-icon" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="35" height="35" viewBox="0 0 50 50"><g id="Layer_2-2"><circle cx="25" cy="25" r="25" /><g id="rss"><g id="SOCIAL_MEDIA"><path id="rss-2" fill="white"d="m16.9299,36.9089c-1.8039-.0139-3.255-1.4876-3.2411-3.2915.0139-1.8039,1.4876-3.255,3.2915-3.2411,1.7931.0138,3.2398,1.4706,3.2412,3.2638-.006,1.8113-1.4791,3.2748-3.2904,3.2688-.0004,0-.0008,0-.0012,0Zm12.6168,0c-.0331-8.7521-7.1549-15.8203-15.907-15.7872h-.0014v4.6272c6.1869-.0232,11.2214,4.9731,11.2452,11.16h4.6632Zm8.0916,0c-.0503-13.2044-10.7953-23.8679-23.9997-23.8176-.0001,0-.0002,0-.0003,0v4.7628c10.5637-.0398,19.1597,8.4911,19.2,19.0548h4.8Z" /></g></g></g></svg> </a> </div> </div> <div class="row g-0"> <div class="col copyright"> Copyright © ESET, All Rights Reserved </div> </div> </div> </footer> </div>  <link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/app-7a4ecde0.js" /><script type="module" src="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/app-7a4ecde0.js"></script> <link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/search-7d9f58b7.js" /><link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/_commonjsHelpers-042e6b4d.js" /><script type="module" src="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/search-7d9f58b7.js"></script> <script> var disqus_config = function () { this.page.url = "https://www.welivesecurity.com/en/privacy/7-reasons-why-cybercriminals-want-your-personal-data/"; this.page.identifier = "7 reasons why cybercriminals want your personal data"; this.page.title = "30214"; this.language = "en"; }; (function() { var d = document, s = d.createElement('script'); s.src = 'https://welivesecurity.disqus.com/embed.js'; s.setAttribute('data-timestamp', +new Date()); (d.head || d.body).appendChild(s); })(); </script> <link rel="preload" as="style" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/prism-40494b65.css" /><link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/prism-40d1b0a4.js" /><link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/_commonjsHelpers-042e6b4d.js" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/prism-40494b65.css" /><script type="module" src="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/prism-40d1b0a4.js"></script> <link rel="preload" as="style" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/article-e3625c4c.css" /><link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/article-98874652.js" /><link rel="modulepreload" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/table-wrapper-135558d1.js" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/article-e3625c4c.css" /><script type="module" src="https://www.welivesecurity.com/build/assets/article-98874652.js"></script></body> </html>