Introduction
Your Social Security number (SSN) is a crucial piece of personal identification that accompanies you throughout your life. It is essential to be aware of the dangers posed by the dark web, where cybercriminals seek to exploit and sell stolen SSNs for illicit purposes. By taking proactive steps to protect your SSN, you can mitigate the risks associated with its exposure on the dark web.
From here they can use your info to steal your identity themselves or sell it on the dark web. The dark web is a small part of the web where anonymity is prized and nefarious activities can run amok. Like two people meeting in a dark alley to exchange cash for illegal goods, cybercriminals can meet anonymously on the dark web to buy and sell information illegally, too. The dark web isn’t indexed by search engines either, but that’s because of the illegal and dangerous nature of its content. We’ve all heard stories and read headlines of the illicit activities that take place there. This is a place where you can buy everything from illegally harvested organs to hacked bank account information.
Avoid Identity Theft: Protect Social Security Numbers
The Dark Web and SSN Vulnerabilities
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent damage thieves can cause even if they have stolen your Social Security number. If your Social Security information has been compromised, you may be able to use an SSN lock to prevent some access to your personal information. Organizations that maintain SSNs in their system of records should consider encryption of this data. It ensures that the data can only be read by the person who is authorized to have access to it. When your PII is obtained by an identity thief, it can have a severe negative effect on your finances, your livelihood and your good name — not to mention the impact on your family. The resulting stress, financial loss and time spent trying to recover from such a crime can be overwhelming.
- Illicit dark web marketplaces and forums ooze stolen and compromised PII, including SSNs sold to the highest bidders.
- Every American is entitled to a complementary copy of their credit report annually.
- For example, if someone has used your SSN to take out a mortgage, notify the lender or financial institution as soon as possible to let them know that the application was fraudulent.
- It’s impossible to search the entire dark web for your information because it’s designed to hide what’s stored within it.
- If you’re using both direct and indirect searches and separate companies with different approaches, and a positive result isn’t found, you can be more confident that your SSN is safe.
The dark web refers to the unindexed part of the internet that requires specific software to access. It operates outside the reach of search engines and often facilitates illegal activities. One prevalent practice on the dark web involves the trade of personal information, including SSNs.
When your SSN falls into the wrong hands, it can lead to identity theft, financial fraud, and other grave consequences. Cybercriminals can use your SSN to open fraudulent accounts, apply for loans, or even file tax returns in your name, causing significant damage to your finances and credit history.
Can You Remove Your SSN (and Other Info) From The Dark Web?
Taking Proactive Measures to Safeguard Your SSN
With the increasing prevalence of data breaches and hacking incidents, it is crucial to implement protective measures to secure your SSN:
1. Be Cautious with Sharing Personal Information
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Exercise caution when providing your SSN. Only share it when necessary and with trusted entities such as government agencies, financial institutions, or employers. Avoid disclosing it through email, phone calls, or suspicious online platforms.
Because most people don’t use the Dark Web, it’s hard to know for sure whether your SSN has been compromised — or if someone is using your identity. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find out if your SSN is on the Dark Web, what to do if it is, and how to protect your sensitive personal information from scammers and cyberattacks. A popular payment method on the dark web is cryptocurrency because it allows users to purchase and transfer funds more anonymously. There are many similarities between selling goods and services on the surface web and the dark web. Hackers are accessing the data through hospitals and pediatricians, and are targeting children born between 2000 and 2010, according to the report.
2. Strengthen Online Account Security
Protect your online accounts with strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible. Regularly monitor your financial accounts and credit reports to detect any suspicious activities promptly.
3. Stay Informed About Data Breaches
Recently, however, it’s become more commonly used by cybercriminals and others engaged in illegal activity who are looking to obscure their identities. The dark web is a network of hidden websites and other services that require specialized software to access. Much of the material found on the dark web is encrypted or otherwise protected.
Stay updated on major data breaches that may have exposed your SSN. If a breach occurs, act quickly by changing passwords, contacting affected institutions, and monitoring your accounts for any signs of fraudulent activity.
What To Do If a Scammer Has Your Social Security Number
4. Use Encryption and Secure Networks
We recommend that you regularly scan your details to see if your information has been breached or exposed. If you are interested in Experian’s dark web scan, then go directly to Experian’s web site, Go down to the box where you can type in what you’re searching for and type in “dark web scan.” Or you can go directly here. Regarding Experian’s “Dark Web Scan,” the Texas-based credit bureau does indeed offer such a service that promises to scan to see whether your personal information is for sell to the bad guys.
When transmitting sensitive information online, ensure the website uses encryption (look for “https” in the URL). Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi networks as they can be vulnerable to hackers intercepting your data. Whenever possible, use secure and private networks for internet access.
5. Enable Credit Freezes or Fraud Alerts
Consider placing a credit freeze or fraud alert on your credit report. A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it challenging for fraudsters to open new accounts in your name. A fraud alert adds an extra layer of protection by notifying potential lenders to verify your identity before granting new credit.
Conclusion
Your Social Security number is highly sought after on the dark web. By taking proactive steps to safeguard it, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft and financial fraud. Remaining vigilant, staying informed about potential breaches, and implementing strong security practices will help protect your SSN and maintain your peace of mind.
