With your Social Security number and other personal information, an identity thief may be able to open a credit account, file a tax return or claim health insurance benefits in your name. If a password is compromised, you could be the victim of fraudulent purchases or other unauthorized account activity. That’s why dark web scanning (and credit monitoring) put you ahead of threats that can compromise your financial well-being. We alert you, so you can take action right away to change passwords and prevent or minimize the damage. Having access to one of these services can be an even better solution, as you’ll receive immediate notifications rather than having to wait four months or longer.
The report also shows the hackers got ahold of a high schooler’s medical records and information regarding why sever students were expelled. Monitoring the criminal ecosystem is crucial for investigators and security experts who gather valuable information for their investigations. Periodically, we will evaluate developments in the markets analyzed in this report in order to study the trends in criminal communities. Sometimes the sellers guarantee the validity of the email address, which has been probably hacked through malware based attacks or phishing campaigns. Stolen email account credentials are very popular in the hacking forum, typically the seller proposes them in lots of 100, 1000 and units that are sold for a price that goes from $50 up to $500 USD. Online account credentials are another type of information sold in almost every underground market and hacking forum.
Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most critical pieces of personal information that you possess. It is used to access various government services, open bank accounts, and apply for loans or credit cards. Unfortunately, this important identifier is also a valuable target for cybercriminals who can use it for identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activities.
Credit, Loans, And Debt
Maybe it’s time to have that conversation about the big bad world of cybercrime a little bit earlier. These steps are especially important amid an increase in cybersecurity threats as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This chart indicates the approximate cost of popular goods and services on the dark web. Carrier overnight shipping limitations apply that may impact the delivery date. TOR Browser is also a search engine and you can use it as any other regular browser. Just type some keywords or search terms in the address bar and press Enter.
In terms of bank security, you should worry about other things like a poor password, lack of two-factor authentication, and general carelessness when online banking. A threat actor can use your Social Security number together with PII to commit many forms of identity theft. Among other things, they can use this information to apply for loans, avoid criminal responsibility, or attempt to steal your tax refunds, social benefits, or even medical coverage. The best way to protect your Social Security number online is with a password manager. A password manager securely stores your Social Security number in an encrypted vault that can only be accessed with a strong master password. It protects your online accounts with access to your Social Security number and allows you to safely send your Social Security number encrypted over the internet, if necessary.
By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can minimize the potential damage and protect yourself from further harm. Similar to Discover’s program, Capital One will monitor the dark web for your SSN. Evan graduated from SUNY Oswego with a degree in journalism and creative writing. In his professional writing career, he strives for precision and comprehension in his work.
How Does a Social Security Number End Up on the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often used for illegal activities, including buying and selling stolen personal information. Cybercriminals can obtain your SSN through various means, such as:
- Data breaches: Cybercriminals can hack into databases containing personal information, including SSNs.
- Phishing scams: Cybercriminals can trick you into providing your SSN through email, text message, or phone scams.
- Malware: Cybercriminals can infect your computer or mobile device with malware that captures your personal information, including your SSN.
- Physical theft: Cybercriminals can steal your wallet, purse, or mail containing your SSN.
How do I know if I’m on the dark web?
To check if your information is on the dark web, you can use IdentityIQ identity theft protection services. All you need to do is enter the information you want scanned for on the dark web and IdentityIQ services does the rest.
What Are the Risks of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
If your SSN ends up on the dark web, it can be used for various malicious activities, including:
What Happens If Your SSN Is On The Dark Web?
- Identity theft: Cybercriminals can use your SSN to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, or file tax returns in your name.
- Fraud: Cybercriminals can use your SSN to commit fraud, such as applying for loans or benefits in your name.
- Tax refund fraud: Cybercriminals can use your SSN to file false tax returns and claim refunds in your name.
- Employment fraud: Cybercriminals can use your SSN to apply for jobs or work illegally in your name.
How Can You Protect Your Social Security Number?
Protecting your SSN is crucial to preventing identity theft and other malicious activities. Here are some steps you can take:
Can you have 2 Social Security numbers?
Most persons have only one SSN. In certain limited situations, SSA can assign you a new number. If you receive a new SSN, you should use the new number. However, your old and new number will remain linked in our records to ensure that your earnings are credited properly.
- Keep your SSN secure: Do not carry your Social Security card how to access dark web using tor in your wallet or purse. Keep it in a safe place at home.
- Limit who has access to your SSN: Only provide your SSN when necessary, such as when applying for a job or government services.
- Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any unauthorized activity or accounts opened in your name.
- Consider freezing your credit: If you are concerned about identity theft, consider freezing your credit to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name.
What Should You Do If Your Social Security Number Is on the Dark Web?
A Guide To Finding Out If Your Information Is On The Dark Web
If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, take the following steps:
- Contact the Social Security Administration: Report the theft or misuse of your SSN to the Social Security Administration.
- Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three credit bureaus (Experian, dark web silk road Equifax, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
- File a police report: If you suspect that your SSN was stolen through physical theft, file a police report.
- Consider identity theft protection: Consider enrolling in an identity theft protection service to monitor your personal information and alert you to any suspicious activity.
Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web?
Having your data exposed on the dark web can be dangerous, but there are some steps you can take to stay safe. Sign up for a credit or identity theft monitoring service, thoroughly check your credit card statements and carefully investigate any unknown or unrecognized activity.
FAQs
How Does IDStrong’s Dark Web Monitoring Services Work?
Q: What is the dark web?
A: The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often used for illegal activities, including buying and selling stolen personal information.
Q: How can cybercriminals obtain my SSN?
A: Cybercriminals can obtain your SSN through various means, such as data breaches, phishing scams, malware, or physical theft.
Q: What are the risks of having my SSN on the dark web?
A: If your SSN ends up on the dark web, it can be used for various malicious activities, including identity theft, fraud, tax refund fraud, and employment fraud.
Q: How can I protect my SSN?
A: Protecting your SSN is crucial to preventing identity theft and other malicious activities. You can take steps such as keeping your SSN secure, limiting who has access to it, monitoring your credit reports, and freezing your credit.
Q: What should I do if my SSN is on the dark web?
- Read on to learn more about dark web monitoring and how it can help protect you from having your accounts compromised and your identity stolen.
- He was arrested when he tried to enter Hungary in March 2022, federal prosecutors said, and extradited to the US four months later.
- There are legitimate discussion groups, news sites, and publications there.
- A password manager encrypts your data whenever you try to send it to someone else, preventing cybercriminals from intercepting and stealing it.
A: If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, take steps such as contacting the Social Security Administration, placing a fraud alert on your credit report, filing a police report, and considering identity theft protection.
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.
