How To Remove My Information From Dark Web?
According to Javelin Strategy & Research, almost 27 million Americans fell victim to identity theft cases in 2021. The Benzinga site had a good short summary of the current price lists for stolen data on the dark web. Password managers are apps or browser plug-ins that encrypt—or scramble—and store all your passwords. Some may also create unique passwords automatically, which you can use when creating a new account.
Understanding the Risks of Your Social Security Number on Dark Web
Don’t provide your Social Security number to anyone that doesn’t have the right to see or have it. Instead, you should keep all your personally identifiable information (PII) as safe as possible. Since this is technically a way of using your data online, there are also ways to retrieve it.
Say you spot someone charged $9.99 on your credit card for something you know you didn’t buy. It’s a small charge but still important to act on since this could be a sign that the crooks are testing to see if this is a live card. SSNDOB accepted bitcoin and litecoin – a peer-to-peer bitcoin spinoff – in exchange for its services, blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis says.
The social security number on dark web poses significant risks to individuals and their financial security.
In addition to blocking new accounts from being opened in your name, a good strategy is to closely monitor the cards you already have so that no one begins racking up charges on your legitimate accounts. From there, it’s a simple step to get an additional card sent to an address of their choice so they can run up charges in your name. If fraudsters are using your stolen SSN, it will most likely show up on your credit reports and bank or credit card statements. If your SSN has been leaked, you’ll want to keep a close eye on your financial accounts. No, you can’t put a freeze on your Social Security number, but you can put a freeze on your credit accounts to block access to your reports.
Many people are unaware of the lurking dangers associated with the exposure of their social security number, especially in the underbelly of the internet, known as the dark web.
The deep web is a collection of non-indexed web pages deliberately hidden from conventional search engines like Google or Bing to protect sensitive or private data. Examples include cloud data, government websites, online banks, credit cards, and website services. However, the dark web is a different animal from non-indexed websites often used for dangerous, illegal, and criminal activities. In addition, the dark web is difficult to navigate and operates much slower than the deep web.
This personal information is considered valuable to threat actors, and, in this case, they’re called data brokers. They sell your data on the dark web, which might be later used to initiate spam attacks, among other things. Tax identity theft is also known as Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) and, while not as common as financial identity theft, still costs people millions of dollars every year. You should never carry your Social Security card with you in person or leave it unattended. You need to keep your Social Security card in a secure location such as a safe to ensure no one can steal it.
Reporting your stolen Social Security card to the IRS can prevent scammers from filing a tax return in your name. Typically, you’re allowed to order one free report from each bureau every year. Due to economic uncertainty post-COVID-19, you can order one report at no charge from each bureau every week. This makes it even easier to monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines.
It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access, making it a haven for illegal activities.
Why is the Social Security Number Valuable?
The social security number on dark web is a hot commodity among cybercriminals due to the following reasons:
- Identity Theft: SSNs are crucial for identity theft, allowing criminals to assume another person’s identity.
- Financial Fraud: With an SSN, criminals can open new bank accounts or credit lines under someone else’s name.
- Access to Benefits: Fraudsters can utilize stolen SSNs to gain access to government benefits.
How is SSN Information Compromised?
There are various ways in which an individual’s social security number can be compromised:
- That is why scanning the dark web for exposed passwords is so important.
- The dark web is where sites illegally sell consumer data and other black market goods – don’t go there.
- Criminal identity theft is when someone uses your SSN and PII to avoid criminal responsibility.
- Meanwhile, the report found that a one-hour Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, in which targeted servers are overwhelmed and effectively shut down, cost approx.
- One of the features of Tor is that it disguises the computer that is being used to reach the internet, providing a high degree of privacy.
- Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals use deceptive emails or websites to trick individuals into providing personal information.
- Data Breaches: Hackers target businesses and organizations that hold large amounts of personal data, including SSNs.
- Physical Theft: Stolen wallets, papers, or devices can lead to a direct compromise of SSNs.
Detecting If Your SSN is on the Dark Web
It is essential to regularly check if your social security number on dark web has been compromised. Consider the following methods:
- Use Dark Web Monitoring Services: Several companies offer services that monitor the dark web for your personal information.
- Check with Credit Bureaus: Regularly requesting credit reports can help you identify unusual activity.
Steps to Take if Your SSN is on the Dark Web
If you discover that your social security number is on the dark web, take immediate action:
- Freeze Your Credit: Contact credit bureaus to freeze your accounts, preventing new accounts from being opened in your name.
- Notify Financial Institutions: Inform banks and creditors about the breach to safeguard your accounts.
- File a Report: Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and your local police department.
FAQs About Social Security Number on Dark Web
What does it mean if my SSN is found on the dark web?
It usually means your personal information has been compromised, making you vulnerable to identity theft.
Can I remove my SSN from the dark web?
While you cannot completely erase it, you can take preventive measures to protect yourself and mitigate further risks.
How can I protect my SSN from being stolen?
Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and be wary of sharing personal information online.
Conclusion
The exposure of your social security number on dark web can have dire consequences.
Being proactive in protecting your personal information and monitoring your credit can significantly reduce the risk of identity theft.
