Data scraping is the process of taking information from a website using automated tools and importing the information to another program or computer. This procedure is used to collect large quantities of publicly available information and reuse it elsewhere.

Journalists and researchers routinely use this method to collect data to assist in investigations and studies. Marketing companies also use it to assess consumers’ perspectives and behaviours. However, spammers can use this method to collect data and create enormous datasets to sell to cybercriminals who use it for their own nefarious purposes. 

What cybercriminals do with stolen information

Numerous social media platforms have faced data scraping over the past few years. Cybercriminals can potentially use this information for:

• Sending spam: unwanted, unsolicited digital communications sent out in bulk via email, text messages, phone calls, or social media
• Employment scams
• Identity Theft
• Malicious social engineering in the form of highly targeted phishing. The message looks authentic since factual details were extracted from the scraping. Some common types of phishing attacks are Spear Phishing, Whaling, Business Email Compromise, Smishing and Vishing
• Create “synthetic identities” for fraudulent credit and financial applications
• Location data
• Brute forcing passwords
• SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) Swaps

Ways to prevent data scrapping of your personal data

Want to avoid being a victim of data-scarping? Here are some tips you can use:

• When creating a profile on social media, provide minimum information about your personal and professional life.
• Confirm privacy settings on your personal devices and online services.
• Never click on links on your personal or work emails or text messages. Instead, open a browser and type the website address.
• Always use a different password for each account.
• Use a password manager.
• Prevent mobile devices from accessing GPS information.
• Be suspicious of all unsolicited emails and text messages at home and work.
• Focus on the source of all emails.

 There are many ways cybercriminals can use the information they obtained due to data scraping from your business’ website. Protect your business with cyber insurance. Contact your broker today to find out more.

SOURCES

https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/10/23/experts-say-statcan-doesnt-capture-the-high-food-prices-we-see-in-stores-and-it-could-be-because-the-big-grocers-supply-the-data.html
https://www.getcybersafe.gc.ca/en/blogs/three-common-types-phishing-scams
https://www.consumerreports.org/digital-security/everything-you-need-to-know-about-password-managers-a5624939418