Dark Web Reality Check: What Actually Happens to Your Data After a Breach?
We all hear about "The Dark Web" in movies. It sounds like a shady back alley where hackers in hoodies meet up. But in reality, it is much more boring—and much more dangerous. It works almost exactly like an online store, but instead of buying shoes or books, criminals are buying your personal life. When a company gets hacked and your data is "stolen," it doesn't just disappear. It goes on a journey. Understanding this journey is a huge part of modern Security Awareness Campaigns , because once you know how the bad guys use your data, you can stop them. Here is the real timeline of what happens to your info after a breach. The Quick Sale Right after a hack, your data is packaged up and listed for sale. Think of it like eBay or Craigslist for criminals. You might be shocked at how cheap your info is. Credit Card Numbers: These often sell for just $5 to $10. They are cheap because the banks usually catch the fraud quickly. "Fullz": This is hac...