Don’t Forget All The Ways That We Look Out For Your Discover Account Too
Understanding the Dark Web and the Value of Your Social Security Number
Identity, in the sense of an online way of identifying an individual, is typically made up from ‘attributes’. These attributes are snippets of information, such as your name, address, date of birth, social security number, and so on. In an exposé article by cyber-intelligence firm DarkOwl, they explain how a hacker group (or possibly an individual) known as “TheDarkOverlord” operates. The post shows the sites that the hacker uses to sell on any stolen data. One such tranche of data up for sale was the health data of 67,000 patients from across several U.S. states.
The availability of the CreditWise tool depends on our ability to obtain your credit history from TransUnion. SSNs can be golden tickets for cybercriminals, and yours can end up on the dark web in several ways. Hackers can install malware on a device to steal your personal information directly, or a company you trust can experience a data breach where your SSN is exposed, stolen, and listed for sale on the dark web. ⁴ Child members on the family plan will only have access to online account monitoring and social security number monitoring features.
If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.
Further, any testimonials on this website reflect experiences that are personal to those particular users, and may not necessarily be representative of all users of our products and/or services. We do not claim, and you should not assume, that all users will have the same experiences. You’ll need to request a credit freeze from each of the three major credit bureaus individually — Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. They will each ask for personal data and provide a secret PIN to freeze or “thaw” your file when needed. Filing a police report covers you in case of illegal activity by the identity thief. Make sure that law enforcement files a formal theft report and that you receive a copy.
Antimalware and antivirus programs aim to prevent malicious code from running from the start, but they do not help after the fact. Dark web monitoring tools help businesses and individuals alike by searching for any confidential information on the dark web, including login credentials, trade secrets and proprietary information. The total is higher when store credit cards are considered, along with other products such as auto loans. In 2021 alone, the FTC received 1.4 million reports of identity theft.1 Identity theft occurs when personal information is stolen and used without the individual’s knowledge to commit fraud or other crimes.
The **dark web** has become a term that strikes fear into the hearts of many, especially when it relates to sensitive personal information, such as a **social security number** (SSN). But what exactly is the dark web, and how does it affect your personal data?
Users will also be able to delete any information from their profile or stop monitoring at any time. In general, it’s a good idea to set up a My Social Security account, which helps you manage your Social Security benefits and update your personal details. One benefit of signing up is to block a potential identity thief from creating an account under your number and causing you a greater headache. In the U.S., monitoring tools such as CreditWise from Capital One or Experian’s Dark Web Triple Scan are good places to start.
Both services are free, so it’s worth checking even if you don’t suspect your info has leaked onto the dark web. CreditWise even offers extra features such as credit reports and scores. A compromised social security number is much more problematic than when other types of personal data hacked. If your credit card number is stolen, your bank can issue a new one within days. If your passport or driver’s license is stolen, you can get a replacement issued with brand new numbers. Sontiq was formed in 2019, when EZShield, the leader in digital identity protection and resolution, acquired IdentityForce, the #1-rated identity theft protection provider for businesses and consumers.
What is the Dark Web?
The **dark web** is a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by traditional search engines like Google. It requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. The most common method to access the **dark web** is through specialized browsers like Tor.
- Inaccessible to ordinary web browsers.
- Functions in anonymity, allowing users to browse without revealing their identity.
- Commonly associated with illegal activities, including drug trafficking, arms trade, and identity theft.
The Value of Social Security Numbers
A **social security number** is a crucial piece of information that helps identify individuals in the United States. It is used for various purposes, including taxation, social security benefits, and as a unique identifier in many systems.
However, this number is also highly sought after in the **dark web** for several reasons:
- Don’t repeat passwords on different accounts, and ideally choose long, complex, random ones.
- In a recent expose, the data from the online accounts of 617 million individuals were found up for sale on the darknet.
- If you receive an alert that your information has been compromised, it’s worth changing your sign-in information as quickly as possible.
- However, Google Alerts itself can be manipulated by cybercriminals as part of a phishing attempt to encourage you to visit malicious sites.
- If a cyberthief has your name, address and SSN, he is not far from being able to steal your identity.
- On the dark web, SSNs (social security numbers) can be bought or sold for a couple of dollars.
- Facilitates identity theft.
- Enables fraudulent activities, such as opening bank accounts or obtaining credit cards.
- Can be sold for a significant profit in underground marketplaces.
How Social Security Numbers End Up on the Dark Web
Unfortunately, personal data breaches are increasingly common. Below are some common ways **social security numbers** may leak onto the **dark web**:
- **Data Breaches**: Cybercriminals infiltrate companies and steal valuable data.
- **Phishing Attacks**: Scammers trick individuals into providing their **SSN** through deceptive emails or websites.
- **Unsecured Websites**: Lack of adequate security measures on websites can expose sensitive data.
Impact of a Compromised Social Security Number
When an individual’s **social security number** is compromised and ends up on the **dark web**, the repercussions can be severe:
- **Identity Theft**: Criminals can impersonate individuals, leading to unauthorized transactions.
- **Financial Loss**: Victims may face significant costs associated with fraud resolution.
- **Credit Damage**: Identity theft can severely impact credit scores, complicating future financial endeavors.
How to Protect Your Social Security Number
Protecting your **social security number** is paramount. Here are some effective strategies:
- **Avoid Sharing**: Only provide your **SSN** when absolutely necessary.
- **Secure Personal Information**: Use secure methods to store and share your information.
- **Monitor Your Accounts**: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized activities.
- **Utilize Identity Theft Protection Services**: Consider services that monitor the **dark web** for your personal information.
FAQs About Dark Web and Social Security Numbers
Q: How can I check if my social security number is on the dark web?
A: You can use identity theft protection services that offer dark web monitoring. They will check databases for your **SSN** and inform you if it appears.
Q: What should I do if I find my Social Security Number on the dark web?
A: Immediately report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit reports.
Q: Can I completely remove my information from the dark web?
A: It is challenging to remove information once it is on the dark web. Preventive measures and monitoring are critical.
Conclusion
Understanding the risks associated with the **dark web** and protecting your **social security number** is crucial in today’s digital age. By being proactive and vigilant, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to identity theft and other related crimes.
