Apple User Data: A Popular and Pricey Item on the Darknet

Apple accounts have become one of the most sought-after and expensive items on the darknet. The minimum price for an Apple account is $15, which is significantly higher than accounts for Amazon, Gmail, Facebook, or Netflix.

According to research conducted by the VPN service TOP10VPN, which surveyed various darknet marketplaces, Apple ID accounts are the most expensive service available. When purchasing such an account, buyers typically receive the username and password, as well as any PayPal credentials linked to the account (if available), and all associated credit and debit card information.

The average price for an Apple account is $15.39. In comparison, Facebook accounts cost just over a third of that at $5.20, and Gmail accounts can be found for as little as $1. Netflix accounts are priced around $8.32, Spotify accounts at $0.21, Amazon accounts at $9, and eBay accounts at $12.50.

The survey also revealed that a functioning PayPal account reportedly costs nearly $250, while an online banking account averages $160. Copies of identification documents were also offered to researchers for an average of $62.61.

In total, $1,170.74 would be enough to purchase all the most popular types of services on the darknet, including various email, social media, and other accounts. You might even have enough left over for a couple of nights in a stolen hotel room.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

There are many ways for attackers to gain access to your Apple ID, which is concerning since Apple links not only your iTunes profile but also your iCloud account (email), iCloud storage, “Find My Mac” theft protection, backups, and more. Similarly, Google uses Gmail access to secure Android devices via the Play Store, which also introduces certain vulnerabilities.

This research highlights the importance of protecting your Apple ID. For example, you should enable two-factor authentication (2FA) if you haven’t already. Remember, anyone who gains access to your iCloud backup can view all your photos, notes, and contacts. Previously, a second Apple device could serve as a “second factor,” but since iOS 9.3, Apple has improved the system, allowing you to use the same six-digit code across all your devices and your iCloud.com account.

If you sync personal information with iCloud and frequently make purchases in the App Store or iTunes Store, be sure to enable two-factor authentication right away.

It’s also important to secure the email account linked to your Apple ID and to use strong, unique passwords. We have previously written about creating secure passwords.