In 2020 Experian suffered a breach that affected an estimated 24 million South Africans. For instance, attackers could use them to convince a phone company to port a victim’s cellphone number to a new device. The technique, known as SIM Swapping, allows cybercriminals to bypass two-factor authentication and gain access to everything from a target’s Twitter account to their bitcoin wallets. To help protect yourself from hidden threats on the dark web, consider using a tool to keep private information secure and prevent identity theft. The following methods are sample best practices to protect against and monitor for dark web threats. Data that is obtained through security breaches typically finds its way onto the dark web, creating a risk of identity theft.
- Our activity on the majority of the web can be actively tracked and monitored, however a subsection of the deep web called the dark web allows for anonymity.
- Like the traditional internet that we use every day, the dark web is a network of websites.
- For example, your bank will almost certainly never ask you to email them your account information and will never ask you to share passwords or a one-time passcode.
- However, using security software can reduce the chance of your data being compromised in the first place.
- Thankfully, there are several things you can do to keep your personal information secure, including all-in-one protection from McAfee.
Criminal identity theft is when someone uses your SSN and PII to avoid criminal responsibility. This can allow the identity thief to get away scot-free from a speeding ticket or, in some cases, even arrest. Instead, this criminal’s responsibility will fall on your shoulders which can come back to bite you later in life when seeking employment or dealing with other legal issues. Financial identity theft is the most common type of all fraud that uses SSNs. It affects around 5% of Americans every year, resulting in losses worth billions of dollars.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of stolen personal information, such as social security numbers.
Synthetic Identity Cost Banks And Lenders Billions
How Social Security Numbers End Up on the Dark Web
Can you be tracked by your SSN?
Private investigators often subscribe to databases that match SSNs to public records; this combination of information sources can be used to locate individuals.
The potential short-term gains are not worth the long-term legal and ethical implications. In the next section, we will examine the potential risks and consequences that come with buying an SSN on the Dark Web. It is essential to be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and avoid falling into legal trouble. Some individuals may buy an SSN simply for the thrill of engaging in illicit activities or as a means of asserting control over someone else’s personal information. The Dark Web provides an avenue for these individuals to obtain SSNs and explore the realm of cybercrime without fear of being caught.
What To Do If I Am A Victim Of SSN Theft?
There are several ways that social security numbers can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches, where hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s databases and steal sensitive information. This information is then sold on the dark web to the highest bidder.
This is a hidden part of the internet where many things people want to keep in the shadows happen. For example, intelligence and law enforcement agencies, whistle-blowers, journalists trying to protect their sources, activists performing political protests, etc. Using the dark web comes with a great deal of anonymity and privacy compared to conventional websites. You can only access the dark web with specific browsers like TOR (The Onion Router). The NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, US Patent Office, and private databases like LexisNexis and Westlaw are some of the largest sites listed here.
What Can You Do If Someone Steals Your SSN?
Another way that social security numbers can end up on the dark web is through phishing scams. These scams often involve fraudulent emails or text messages that trick individuals into revealing their personal information. Once the information is obtained, it is sold on the dark web.
There are safer ways to determine whether your SSN landed on the dark web and if it is available to criminals shopping the cyber black market. Even though the dark web has an unsavory reputation due to illicit activity, it does provide value for legal uses like promoting free speech and is legal for anyone to access. If your PII surfaces on a cybercrime forum or website, there are ways for you to receive early notifications. Scammers will do everything in their power to gain access to your accounts, and your Social Security number is one of their favorite targets. The Dark Web is a small part of the web that isn’t indexed, meaning that it can’t be accessed by normal search engines.
The Dangers of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web
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Having your social security number on the dark web can have serious consequences. It can be used to open fraudulent bank accounts, take out loans, and even file tax returns in your name. This can result in significant financial loss and damage to your credit score.
Em dark web social security number can also be used for identity theft, where someone uses your personal information to impersonate you and commit crimes in your name. This can lead to legal trouble and damage to your reputation.
Protecting Your Social Security Number
Should I lock my Social Security number?
There are several advantages of locking your Social Security number: No one can use your Social Security number when it's locked. No one can apply for a job in your name and run up a tax bill for money you never earned.
Here are four identity theft protection measures you can take to keep your SSN safe. A credit freeze goes one step further, locking your credit accounts so that no one can open a new account. Note that if you legitimately open a new account, you’ll need to give the lender a heads up that your credit file is frozen and that you need to unfreeze it before they can run a hard inquiry. A fraud alert indicates to the credit bureaus that your information has been stolen and that they should be aware of the likelihood of unusual activity in your name. Bart is Senior Product Marketing Manager of Threat Intelligence at CrowdStrike and holds +20 years of experience in threat monitoring, detection and intelligence. Results are displayed as user-friendly cards with information on the original threat actor posts, the actor and the site.
There are several steps you can take to protect your social security number and prevent it from ending up on the dark web. These include:
- Never giving out your social security number unless it is necessary and you are sure the request is legitimate.
- Shredding any documents that contain your social security number before throwing them away.
- Regularly monitoring your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert you of any potential threats to your personal information.
By taking these precautions, you can help protect yourself from the dangers of having your social security number on the dark web.
Can someone steal your identity with SSN?
Social Security number identity theft occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to your SSN. For example, a scammer might steal your wallet, purse or mail, rummage through your trash or pose as an employer, government agency or someone else who legitimately needs your personal information.
