Within the Dark Web, there are various marketplaces, forums, and websites that cater to illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, stolen data, and even hiring hackers for criminal activities. It is a haven for cybercriminals, making it a breeding ground for cyberattacks and identity theft. This extra layer of security double-checks your identity when signing into an online account. You enter your password as usual and a unique six-digit, one-time code is sent to a trusted device via text.
Set Up Multi-factor Authentication For Your Online Accounts
If you’ve recently discovered that your phone number has been found on the dark web, you may be wondering what this means and what you should do about it. In this article, we’ll explain what the dark web is, how phone numbers can end up there, and what steps you can take to protect yourself.
What is the Dark Web?
Data That Was Found And Suggested Next Steps
It’s important to note that this process isn’t foolproof; it only offers a certain level of protection. Remember that it’s always best practice to keep an eye on any changes or suspicious activity related to your personal data online. It is important to take steps to protect your personal information and remove your phone number from the Dark Web if it has been compromised. If you’re looking to remove your phone number from the dark web, VPN is the best tool for the job. With VPN, you can safely and securely access the dark web without fear of being tracked or monitored. VPN provides a high level of security and privacy, making it the perfect software for accessing the dark web safely.
Has my phone number been spoofed?
If you get calls from people saying your number is showing up on their caller ID, it's likely that your number has been spoofed. We suggest first that you do not answer any calls from unknown numbers, but if you do, explain that your telephone number is being spoofed and that you did not actually make any calls.
However, it should serve as a wake-up call to take immediate action to protect yourself and prevent further harm. The real harm, said Wilson, is that once your data is for sale on the dark web, it’s likely to remain there for years to come. Computer viruses are not just illegal software that can affect the performance of your device; they could pose serious risks…
What To I Do If My Information Is On The Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through special software, such as the Tor browser. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information.
While the dark web can be used for legitimate purposes, such as protecting the privacy of journalists and activists, it is also a haven for criminals who want to operate anonymously. This is why phone numbers and other personal information can end up on the dark web without the knowledge or consent of the person to whom they belong.
How Did My Phone Number End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways that your phone number could have ended up on the dark web:
- Data breaches: If a company or organization that has your phone number has been hacked, your personal information could be sold or traded on the dark web.
- Phishing scams: If you have fallen for a phishing scam, the scammer may have obtained your phone number and other personal information.
- Social engineering: If a criminal has impersonated someone you know or a trusted organization, they may have tricked you into giving them your phone number.
What Should I Do If My Phone Number is on the Dark Web?
How can I see if my SSN is being used?
Contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) at 1-800-908-4490 or visit them online, if you believe someone is using your SSN to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes. Order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
The same goes for shopping – online purchases often have us unwittingly oversharing information like our home address or phone number – not to mention our financial details. We don’t often think too thoroughly about the data policies of each e-commerce platform we frequent, and it’s easy to lose track of them all if you shop at some only once. By being cautious and selective in the information you share online, you can reduce the risk of your phone number ending up on the Dark Web. By maintaining control over your personal information, you better protect your privacy and minimize potential exposure to scams, identity theft, and unwanted solicitations. When your personal information is leaked in a data breach (or stolen through hacking, malware scams, or phishing attacks), it most likely turns up on Dark Web marketplaces.
If you have discovered that your phone number is on the dark web, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself:
- For illustrative purposes, the internet is sometimes likened to a large iceberg.
- If your data is available on the dark web, one of the easiest ways to find out is to check the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website.
- Criminals can switch the USA ID for an European passport for an additional $3,000, bringing the total to $5,010 for enough data and documents to do any number of fraudulent transactions.
- If you’re worried about misuse of your personal information, and in particular, when you find your SSN is leaked, placing a credit freeze is a good protective measure.
It acts as a heads up and allows you to take action to protect your identity. A dark web alert is a cybersecurity warning you may receive if your sensitive information is discovered on one of the many sites on the dark web. But before we explain how the alert works and what it means, you should know what it’s supposed to warn you about. You consent to us using your provided information to complete the Free Scan and compare it against our records and breach databases or sources to provide your Free preliminary findings report. Perform a quick search using the IDStrong free dark web scan tool.
- Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and any other accounts that use your phone number for verification. Look out for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized transactions or changes to your account information.
- Change your passwords: If you suspect that your phone number has been compromised, change the passwords on all of your accounts, especially those that use your phone number for two-factor authentication.
- Contact your phone provider: Let your phone provider know that your phone number has been found on the dark web. They may be able to take steps to protect your account and prevent further unauthorized access.
- Consider using a virtual phone number: A virtual phone number is a phone number that is not tied to a specific device or location. This can help protect your privacy and make it more difficult for criminals to obtain your personal information.
What does it mean when someone is on the dark web?
The dark web pulls up sites using information that isn't indexed online, such as bank accounts, email accounts, and databases. 3. People who use the dark web can maintain their privacy and freely express their views. 1. It also has a reputation for being associated with illicit and unethical activities.
While finding your phone number on the dark web can be alarming, it is important to take steps to protect yourself and your personal information. By monitoring your accounts, changing your passwords, and contacting your phone provider, you can minimize the risk of further damage and keep your personal information safe.
Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web?
If your personal information is spotted on the dark web, it could mean someone took the information without your permission. Criminals steal personal information in a variety of ways. Some try hacking into accounts or using malware to capture passwords.
