In today’s digital age, personal information is more vulnerable than ever before. With the rise of data breaches and cybercrime, it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with having your personal information, such as your Social Security number, exposed on the dark web.
What Should I Consider After A Data Breach?
What is the Dark Web?
- Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system.
- Dark Web Monitoring actively seeks out signs of data breaches so you can take swift action to help secure your accounts and prevent your personal information from being exploited.
- If ANY of your personal or business information appears on the Dark Web – even something as seemingly harmless as an email account – always take it seriously.
- Kids’ information is also often on paper forms, whether for school or medical use, putting them at risk for identity theft.
- This led to the creation of the Tor Browser, which was originally developed to protect the identity of secret agents.
Commonly, your data ends up on the dark web because of a data breach. In other words, your information is held by another party (like a law firm!) and the firm suffers the breach. Since the pandemic, ransomware attacks have significantly increased. Many ransomware attackers exfiltrate the target’s data first and then take various steps to entice the target to pay the ransom. Commonly, the exfiltrated data includes client information which may end up on the dark web.
What Is A Dark Web Scan And Can It Protect Your Identity?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through traditional web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. The dark web operates using a network of layered proxy servers, allowing users to remain anonymous while browsing.
Dark web repositories of stolen personal data generally operate in support of criminal activity. Even if you could get in touch with an administrator, they likely would ignore your message. The dark web is a network of hidden websites and other services that require specialized software to access. Much of the material found on the dark web is encrypted or otherwise protected. None of it is visible without access to Tor, a specialized browser and software that ensures anonymity by hiding the user’s location and IP address.
How is Personal Information Exposed on the Dark Web?
A $1 price tag may not sound like much for a social security number, but when the haul is 143 million from the Equifax breach alone, then every dollar adds up. Data is a valuable commodity and can be used, sold, resold, ad infinitum; stolen data is like the gift that keeps on giving. The dark web presents a complex and treacherous world, filled with illegal activities and hidden dangers.
Synthetic Identity Cost Banks And Lenders Billions
Personal information is often exposed on the dark web as a result of data breaches, phishing scams, and other cyber attacks. Once this information is obtained by cybercriminals, it is often sold on the dark web to other criminals who may use it for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious purposes.
Can SSN start with 0?
It isn't a bug because many people have a SSN or EIN that begin with a zero.
How Can You Protect Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
SSN Takeover
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of having your personal information exposed on the dark web, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk:
- Monitor your credit reports regularly for any suspicious activity.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts.
- Be cautious of phishing emails and other suspicious online activity.
- Consider using a reputable identity protection service to monitor the dark web for any mention of your personal information.
FAQs
What is a Social Security number?
A stolen SSN can put people at risk of many different forms of identity theft. With that said, it’s not necessarily what the criminals are always after. Your email, bank account and online health records are all on the deep web. There are safe and effective ways to determine whether your SSN exists on the dark web, as well as steps you can take to mitigate the possible damage by using an identity theft protection service.
A Social Security number is a unique nine-digit number issued by the Social Security Administration to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and temporary (working) residents. It is used to track earnings for retirement benefits and is also commonly used as a form of identification.
How can I find out if my Social Security number is on the dark web?
The APR (which is the same as your interest rate) will be between 7.90% and 29.99% per year and will be based on your credit history. Even if you contact the affected companies as listed above, you’ll still probably want to contact a few government agencies to further document the ID theft. Consider filing a formal report with the FTC via IdentityTheft.gov. You can also contact the department directly at their ID-THEFT hotline.
There are a number of reputable identity protection services that can monitor the dark web for any mention of your personal information, including your Social Security number. These services typically charge a monthly fee, but may be worth the investment for the peace of mind they provide.
What should I do if I find out my Social Security number is on the dark web?
If you discover that your Social Security number is being sold on the dark web, it’s important to take action as soon as possible to protect yourself from identity theft and other forms of fraud. This may include placing a fraud alert on your credit reports, freezing your credit, and contacting the Social Security Administration to report the issue.
Can I get a new Social Security number if mine is being sold on the dark web?
Is a CPN illegal?
Using a CPN to conceal your credit history is illegal and may be considered identity theft. Building credit takes time and requires responsible credit habits, such as paying bills on time every month.
In most cases, the Social Security Administration will not issue a new Social Security number simply because yours is being sold on the dark web. However, they may consider doing so in certain extreme cases, such as if you are a victim of identity theft and have already taken steps to protect yourself from further harm.
How can I prevent my Social Security number from being exposed on the dark web?
While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of having your personal information exposed on the dark web, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk, such as monitoring your credit reports, using strong, unique passwords, and being cautious of phishing emails and other suspicious online activity.
Can you be tracked by your SSN?
Private investigators often subscribe to databases that match SSNs to public records; this combination of information sources can be used to locate individuals.
