How To Keep Your Sensitive Information Off The Dark Web
Unfortunately, the anonymity and privacy awarded to dark web users have attracted a bad reputation and individuals who want to engage in illicit activities. Chase gives you access to unique sports, entertainment and culinary events through Chase Experiences and our exclusive partnerships such as the US Open, Madison Square Garden and Chase Center. You’re at home one night watching TV, and all of a sudden you receive a dark web email alert from Chase Credit Journey®. I just received a text saying to expect a federal express package tomorrow with options to cancel or stop or see more.
As the threat of identity theft is ever present, concerns about the dark web are certainly founded. Get more from a personalized relationship offering no everyday banking fees, priority service from a dedicated team and special perks and benefits. Connect with a Chase Private Client Banker at your nearest Chase branch to learn about eligibility requirements and all available benefits. I received a message about an unknown account in my name on the dark web from one of the credit bureaus. It’s important to note that if your phone number has been compromised and is being actively used for malicious purposes, it may not be possible to completely remove your phone number from the dark web. If your phone number is on the Dark Web, it means that someone has deliberately put it there, and it is possible that they may be attempting to sell it to criminals or use it to scam people.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) verifies user identity using more than one authentication method. For example, you can use the Google Authenticator app to enter a code generated in real-time to log in to your bank account. It’s also imperative not to use the same password on more than one account. Whenever you use the same password across multiple accounts, hackers will be able to access all accounts after breaching just one of them. Following password security best practices is critical to limit the fallout from a data leak. So, always use strong passwords and never use your name, birthdate, or anything else that cybercriminals can guess using information available online.
Instead, you’ll need a specialized browser like Tor, which will allow you to access .onion websites. When you browse the Internet, checking websites, reading articles like this one, you are actually using the “surface web”. Removing your information from the dark web would be virtually impossible. This would require you to get in touch with the person that leaked the information in the first place and request that they remove it.
They’re constantly on the lookout for evidence of the sale of databases, credit cards, illegal services, or cyberattack planning. Identity Guard not only monitors your data, but it also alerts you when there’s a change in your credit report. This lets you respond to potential cases of identity theft immediately. You’ll also get a free alert when there are new car loans, mortgages, credit cards or other accounts on your Experian® credit report. Keep in mind that it takes time, sometimes several weeks, for a lender to report a new account to Experian.
And though some dark web marketplaces offer user reviews, not all do. Lack of regulation by authorities or other users makes it easy for cybercriminals to carry out scams. The difference between the dark web and the deep web is that the deep web refers to websites and web pages that aren’t indexed by search engines, like login pages and payment portals. The dark web, by contrast, is configured on darknets, which are online networks that can be accessed only with special software and techniques.
Your FICO® Score is based on the information in your credit file at the time it is requested. Your credit file information can vary from agency to agency because some lenders report your credit history to only one or two of the agencies. Therefore, your FICO® Score can vary if the information they have on file for you is different. Since the information in your file can change over time, your FICO® Score may also change. With CreditSecure’s Financial Account Takeover, we’ll monitor and alert you of activity, including potential financial account fraud on your deposit accounts, such as your checking, savings, and IRA accounts. A “breach” is an incident where data has been unintentionally exposed to thepublic.
Understanding the Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
The internet is a vast space, and while the surface web is accessible to everyone, certain areas like the dark web contain illicit and dangerous content. One of the troubling aspects of the dark web is the availability of personal information, including a phone number found on dark web.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access, making it a haven for anonymity. Unfortunately, this anonymity attracts criminal activity.
How are Phone Numbers Exposed?
Phone numbers can end up on the dark web through various channels:
- Data Breaches: Companies that experience security failures may expose customer data, including phone numbers.
- Phishing Scams: Individuals often unwittingly provide personal information to fraudsters.
- Public Leaks: Information shared publicly on social media or forums can be harvested and sold.
- Malware: Malicious software can extract data from devices and send it to cybercriminals.
Why is a Phone Number on the Dark Web Dangerous?
Having a phone number found on dark web can lead to serious consequences, including:
- Identity Theft: Cybercriminals can use your phone number to impersonate you, potentially accessing accounts and sensitive information.
- Scams: With your phone number, scammers can attempt to manipulate or deceive you through various tactics, including phishing.
- Harassment: Exposure of your phone number can lead to unwanted contact, including harassment and threats.
- Spam Calls and Messages: Your number may be sold to marketers or more malicious parties, leading to a flood of unsolicited communications.
How to Check if Your Phone Number is on the Dark Web
If you suspect that your phone number found on dark web, follow these steps to check:
- Use a Dark Web Monitoring Service: Services like Norton LifeLock, Experian, or Identity Guard offer monitoring that can alert you if your information is found.
- Search Manually: Some websites provide access to dark web search engines. Caution is advised as these sites can be unsafe.
Steps to Take if Your Phone Number is Found
If you discover that your phone number found on dark web, take the following actions:
- Change Your Passwords: Update passwords for your online accounts, ensuring they are strong and unique.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your accounts where possible.
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check bank and credit card accounts for unauthorized transactions.
- Report to Authorities: Inform the police if you receive threats or harassment linked to your personal data.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if I receive spam calls after my phone number is found on the dark web?
Consider blocking the numbers and report them to your mobile carrier. You may also want to use call-blocking apps.
Is it legal to search the dark web?
Yes, it is legal to use the dark web, provided you do not engage in illegal activities while browsing.
- Norton 360 provides powerful layers of protection for your devices and online privacy, including Secure VPN and Dark Web Monitoring.
- For businesses, Dashlane offers features like customizable security settings (2FA, single sign-on, and more) and employee groups for secure password sharing and increased productivity.
- Aura will also let you know if they find another party using your SSN or other sensitive information online.
- We live in a digital age, where our personal information is at risk of being exposed and misused without us even knowing.
- Some of the information above must be entered into your CreditSecure portal to be monitored.
Can I permanently remove my phone number from the dark web?
Unfortunately, once your information is on the dark web, it may be challenging to remove it completely. Taking preventive measures is crucial for future security.
Conclusion
Being aware of the dangers posed by having a phone number found on dark web is essential in today’s digital landscape. Proactive measures can help protect your personal information and mitigate the risks associated with identity theft and fraud.
