Six Strategies to Shield Your Passport and Other Travel Documents from Cyber Threats

You might assume that by physically securing your passport, boarding passes, and identification cards, they are safe from theft. However, this isn't entirely true. When these documents are digitized or stored online, they are susceptible just like any other electronic file.

A recent report sheds light on how travel documents can be exposed and misused by cybercriminals and offers ways to better safeguard them.

The Pathway of Your Travel Documents to the Dark Web Marketplace

According to collaborative research conducted by NordVPN and eSIM provider Saily, there are various methods through which your passport and other travel papers become available on the dark web.

The Monetary Worth of Illegally Acquired Travel Documents

The value varies depending on the type of document.

Cybercriminals find travel documents attractive due to several reasons, one being their lucrative pricing in online black markets. These documents are straightforward to use and require minimal verification processes. Most importantly, they house sensitive personal data which can be exploited for identity fraud and other illicit activities.

Digital copies of passport images may sell for between $10 and $200, influenced by their condition. Digital IDs can be priced at about $15. While these prices might seem low, they can increase significantly.

Authentic passports, driving licenses, identity cards, and permits can range from $20 to as high as $1,800. Particularly valuable are EU citizen passports, fetching prices as much as €5,500, or over $6,300. Purchasing family packages may yield a 25% discount.

Airline loyalty accounts with substantial mile balances are valued between $35 and $700. For instance, accounts holding 1 to 5 million miles are priced at $700 according to NordVPN.

There is also a demand for guidance on tampering with airline and accommodation booking systems, with instructional material called "Flight & Hotel Cracking & Booking Manuals" selling for $150 to $250.

Even bookings made on platforms like Booking.com are of interest. Fraudsters resell these prearranged trips at markdowns ranging from 40% to 50%, often earning $250 per transaction.

Tips for Safeguarding Your Travel Documents

With an understanding of the mechanisms behind the exploitation of travel documents by cybercriminals, how can you defend yourself? Here are six suggestions provided by NordVPN.