Mental health data and the dark web are linked because the dark web serves as a shadowy marketplace where sensitive information can be bought and sold anonymously. Mental health records contain deeply personal information, such as psychological assessments, diagnoses, and treatment details, making them especially attractive to cybercriminals. On the dark web, these criminals can easily trade this information without being traced.
According to “Cybersecurity: a critical priority for digital mental health”, “Personal health data is now the most valuable form of data on the dark web according to sources, and cybersecurity breaches in the healthcare sector continue to grow.”
Mental health data is incredibly valuable on the dark web for several reasons, primarily due to the deeply personal and sensitive nature of the information it contains. It is a form of data that often includes comprehensive details about an individual’s mental health diagnoses, treatment plans, personal therapy notes, and even confidential conversations with mental health professionals.
Criminals target this data because it provides unique insights into a person’s vulnerabilities and psychological triggers, making it easier to craft personalized scams or manipulate individuals in more direct and impactful ways. The stigma associated with mental health issues can make individuals desperate to keep their conditions private.
Hackers can demand substantial ransoms in exchange for not releasing this sensitive information to the public or to people's social and professional circles. The detailed personal information found in mental health records can be used for identity theft, allowing criminals to open accounts, obtain credit, or commit fraud under another person’s name.
In the dark web, mental health data is typically sold or traded through anonymous marketplaces and forums. These platforms operate outside of standard internet protocols, offering a degree of anonymity to their users. Cybercriminals list the stolen data, often categorized by type and relevance, and interested buyers can purchase it using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which provide an additional layer of anonymity.
The transactions are discreet, with both parties utilizing secure communication channels to avoid detection. The nature and format of the data sold can range from individual medical records to bulk databases containing information from multiple patients. The forms of attacks used to access this data from healthcare facilities include
See also: What happens to patient information on the dark web?
Organizations need to adjust their cybersecurity strategies to protect patient data due to the sensitive nature of the data sold. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, organizations must evolve their cybersecurity measures to avoid emerging threats. This involves:
Organizations can better protect patient data from unauthorized access and exploitation on the dark web by strengthening their cybersecurity defenses.
See also: Security concerns over ChatGPT update
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by standard search engines and requires specific software to access, often used for anonymous communications and transactions.
Construed mental health data refers to interpreted or derived information about an individual’s mental health status, based on their medical records, therapy notes, or other related documents.
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computer systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, unauthorized access, or theft.