The dark web is booming as millions of Australians have their data published online

Worrying new research has found the cyber black market is booming.

A new ABC investigation has found the highly sensitive personal data of millions of residents is being openly traded online.

The information being shared and sold includes logins for Australian Tax Office accounts, data of thousands of NDIS recipients, plus details of an alleged assault of a school student by their teacher.

Perhaps what’s even more concerning is the fact that all of this information and all of these personal details are being sold and can be purchased for as little as $1 – $10.

Unfortunately, this investigation confirms both the Medibank and Optus hacks represent just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to confidential information that has been recently stolen by cybercriminals.

At least 12 million Australians have had their data exposed by hackers in recent months and many remain unaware they are victims of an attack.

October’s Medibank hack by the Russian criminal group REvil was a clear example of just how devastating these types of data breaches can be – but it’s certainly not an isolated event.

Cyber attacks are happening every day and authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and ultimately be cyber smart.