Cybersecurity Experts Highlight Data Leaks as a Threat to Digital Identity
With the rapid advancement of digital technology, traditional account hacking is no longer the primary concern; instead, a more pressing issue has emerged: the trading of leaked data as a valuable asset in dark web markets, jeopardizing the digital security of both individuals and organizations.
Dr. Mohamed Mohsen Ramadan, head of the Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Studies, characterized this trend as a critical threat to digital identity. He stated, "Every piece of information, regardless of its perceived insignificance, can be monetized, leading to extortion, identity theft, or ongoing cyber targeting."
Dr. Ramadan explained that data leaks can involve various forms of sensitive information, including personal, financial, and medical data, often acquired by exploiting security vulnerabilities or through deceptive electronic tactics. He noted that this data "embarks on a journey through the dark web, where extensive global data trading markets operate, sold in clandestine auctions and circulated among closed 'hacker' groups."
Major General Abubakr Abdel Karim, former Assistant Minister of Interior for Relations and Media, indicated that leaked data has become instrumental in executing serious crimes, particularly cyber extortion, identity theft, and sophisticated financial fraud.
He elaborated that possessing accurate information about victims enhances scammers' tactics, making their attacks "more convincing" and enabling them to conduct intricate fraudulent operations to extract funds, especially if they gain access to temporary verification codes or answers to security questions.
The security expert also highlighted available digital tools that assist users in monitoring their data exposure, such as the well-known site "Have I Been Pwned," along with features in web browsers and specialized security software that provide immediate alerts upon detecting any breaches.
In conclusion, Major General Abdel Karim offered essential preventive strategies, recommending the use of strong, unique passwords for each account, the activation of two-factor authentication, and regular reviews of app permissions on smart devices. He emphasized that "data leaks are no longer just incidents; they represent a battle for your digital identity," asserting that data protection in the era of artificial intelligence is now an "individual national security necessity."
