London - ALsharqiya, July 26: Electronic copies of official documents are no longer just files to keep; they have become a sought-after commodity on dark web markets, where they are increasingly sold and used for fraud and identity theft.
While many believe that keeping passports and ID cards in safe places ensures protection, the digital reality poses increasing threats that go far beyond physical theft.
How are documents stolen?
According to recent security reports, cybercriminals are now relying on advanced techniques to steal digital documents, most notably:
Deploying malware on devices to steal sensitive files.
Exploiting vulnerabilities in government and airline websites that store user documents.
Phishing attacks via fake websites that mimic check-in pages, where the victim is asked to upload their official documents.
Scanning stolen documents and selling them as electronic copies on the dark web.
A Profitable Black Market
Data indicates that scanned passports and cards are sold at varying prices, depending on the type of document and the country of issue. Passport photos are sold for between $10 and $200, and can reach up to $5,000 for European Union passports.
Identity cards are offered for as little as $15.
Although the prices seem relatively low, their value doubles when used in major fraud or identity theft.
How to Protect Your Digital Documents
For those who must keep electronic copies of documents, cybersecurity experts advise following the following steps:
Store documents on trusted cloud services that support full encryption.
Disable file sharing to prevent unauthorized access.
Be wary of suspicious emails and links, and use tools to verify the reliability of links.
Regularly update your security software and operating system to protect your device from vulnerabilities and malware.
Your digital security is your responsibility.
In an increasingly digitally connected world, securing official documents is no longer just an option, but an urgent necessity. Negligence in this regard could expose you to significant financial or legal losses, and your data could be used in criminal activities that have nothing to do with you.
