CreditSecure’s Identity Monitoring and separate Dark Web Monitoring features alert you when there’s activity detected that indicates your personal information, or your enrolled child’s, may be compromised. The reality of living in the digital age is that we all need to be vigilant when it comes to cyber crimes and scams. Hackers and cyber criminals are constantly coming up with new ways to steal people’s information, and it’s the job of cybersecurity professionals to try and stay one step ahead of them.
- Tor can be used together with a VPN to provide powerful, overlapping levels of privacy and anonymity.
- Many of the best credit monitoring services also offer dark web monitoring.
- You should review your credit report every year so you can spot any suspicious activity that you didn’t initiate, such as new accounts or lines of credit.
- The dark web is often used for illegal purposes, such as buying and selling drugs or weapons, or for committing cyber crimes.
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. You can check to see where your information appears with a free dark web scan. And while there might not be a simple way to get your information removed from the dark web, you can take measures to protect your accounts and identity. Your SSN (Social Security number) being found on the dark web is a real cause for concern. Your SSN is a particularly sensitive piece of private information and can be used to commit financial fraud or even identity theft.
How To Protect Your Email Address From The Dark Web?
The US unfortunately leads the way in a number of categories listed in the report. More than one third of all the stolen credit cards the researchers found on the Dark Web sites came from the US and no other country came close. The report explains that the stolen credentials vary in terms of the information provided.
Why do people search sites and data brokers exist in the first place? These are just a few dark web monitoring tools that use threat intelligence to monitor the dark web. You can also check out this article by Comparitech for more tools.
Check Your Credit Reports And Bank Statements
Discovering that your phone number has been found on the dark web can be alarming. The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is often used for illegal activities. It is important to take action immediately to protect yourself and your personal information.
Websites on the dark web end in “.onion” rather than in endings like “.com” or “.gov.” Users need special dark web browsers to access these sites. And just as an onion has many layers, Tor has many levels of encryption. If you hear about your personal information showing up on the dark web, you may have plenty of questions. And if the worst happens, every Identity Guard plan includes a $1 million insurance policy that covers you for eligible losses due to identity theft. And for extra protection, consider signing up for Identity Guard’s cybersecurity solution. Once you’ve completed the steps above, file an official report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov.
Verify Your Logins And Account Activities
What Does It Mean If Your Phone Number Is on the Dark Web?
How do I know if my SSN is compromised?
- Review your credit report.
- Use an SSN monitoring service.
- Review your Social Security statement.
- Go through your junk mail.
- Look out for strange calls from debt collectors.
- Follow up on notices from the IRS.
- Scrutinize your bank statements.
If your phone number is on the dark web, it means that it has been obtained by cybercriminals and is being sold or traded on the dark web. This could put you at risk for identity theft, phishing scams, and other types of cybercrime. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your personal information as soon as possible.
Steps to Take If Your Phone Number Is on the Dark Web
List Of Identity Guard Features
1. Contact Your Phone Provider: The first step is to contact your phone provider and let them know that your phone number has been found on the dark web. They can help you take steps to secure your account and protect your personal information.
2. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep a close eye on all of your financial accounts and look out for any suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, contact your bank or credit card company immediately.
3. Place a Fraud Alert: Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports. This will make it more difficult for anyone to open new accounts in your name.
4. Change Your Passwords: Change the passwords for all of your online accounts, especially any accounts that use your phone number as a form of verification.
5. Be Wary of Scams: Be cautious of any unsolicited calls, emails, or texts that you receive. Cybercriminals may use your phone number to try to scam you or steal your personal information.
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.
How to Protect Yourself from Future Threats
While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of having your personal information stolen, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online dark web markets accounts. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of your passwords.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It requires how to buy drugs you to provide a second form of verification, such as a fingerprint or a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password.
- Limit the Information You Share Online: Be cautious about the information you share online. Avoid sharing sensitive information, such as your phone number, on social media or other public forums.
- Keep Your Software Up-to-Date: Make sure that all of your devices and software are up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates.
Discovering that your phone number has been found on the dark web can be unsettling, but taking immediate action can help protect you and your personal information. By following these steps and taking precautions to protect yourself in the future, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
How did my personal information get on the dark web?
If you're wondering “how does one's personal information get on the Dark Web?”, the answer includes data breaches, scams, and a very diverse range of cyber-attacks (phishing through email, private messages and voice calls, social media impersonation, malware infections or digital identity theft).