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Did You Get An Alert That Your SSN Is On The Dark Web?
Create a separate email address you can use for logging in to unimportant accounts. If one of these less important sites experiences a data breach, your primary email won’t be the one floating around on the Dark Web. This simple additional step between entering your login credentials and getting into your accounts typically involves entering a code texted to your phone or using your fingerprint. Enabling two-factor authentication means a password alone isn’t enough to access your account, so even if a password falls into the wrong hands, a bad guy can’t get in. Every one of your business accounts should have a unique, complex password. A free password manager stores all of those passwords for you so you don’t have to remember them all.
How Does Data End Up On The Dark Web?
Social Security Number on Dark Web: What You Need to Know
Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital age, and one of the most sought-after pieces of personal information by cybercriminals is the Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for SSNs to end up on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and inaccessible through standard web browsers.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and require special software to access. It is often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information. While not everyone who uses the dark web is involved in illegal activities, it is a breeding ground for cybercriminals looking to exploit unsuspecting victims.
Uber accounts, for instance, are perfect for those who may want to take free rides and don’t want to pay much to do it—each account costs between $1 and $2. Netflix (NFLX) accounts, which also range in price from $1 to $2, are ideal for video-streamers. While obtaining Social Security numbers are useful for stealing identities, it appears they aren’t all that desirable to would-be fraudsters. Many use spoofing to imitate local area codes, government agencies, retail companies, banks or other trusted entities. Agencies like the IRS generally won’t make unsolicited calls asking for personal information like your SSN.
Certain apps, especially those filled with malware, can then collect your data and share it with others. Fortunately, Android devices and Apple iPhones allow you to change your permission settings for apps. The report also shows the hackers got ahold of a high schooler’s medical records and information regarding why sever students were expelled.
How Does a SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
Identity Guard monitors your most sensitive data — from your SSN to your bank account — and alerts you to any suspicious activity. If the worst should happen, you’ll be covered by Identity Guard’s White Glove Fraud Resolution support and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. This form should be used if your Social Security number has been compromised and IRS has informed you that you may be a victim of identity theft tax onions link fraud, or your e-file return was rejected as a duplicate. You can submit the form online, or you can complete the fillable form to fax or mail. If you were prevented from filing, you can submit the form with your paper tax return if someone else has already filed a return using your SSN. If your return was rejected due to someone claiming your dependent’s social security number, you will need to file a separate Form for them.
There are several ways a SSN can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches, where hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s database and steal sensitive information, including Cocorico Market link SSNs. Another way is through phishing scams, where cybercriminals trick individuals into providing their personal information, including their SSN, through fraudulent emails or websites.
Once a SSN is on the dark web, it can be sold and traded among cybercriminals. It can be used to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards, or even file tax returns in the victim’s name. This can result in significant financial losses and damage to the victim’s credit score.
What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?
- We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.
- An unexpected drop in your credit score can indicate illegal activity, fraud or identity theft.
- From shady hacking collectives and illegal marketplaces, to identity thieves and fraudsters, all sorts of risks lurk in the dark depths of the web.
- Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments.
- A new investigation conducted by Atlas VPN based on Flashpoint Intelligence research findings between 2017 and 2019 has uncovered the approximate cost of popular goods and services on the dark web.
While it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of your SSN ending up on the dark web, there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood and minimize the damage if it does happen.
- Keep your SSN private: Do not carry your Social Security card child porn dark web in your wallet or share your SSN with anyone unless it is necessary.
- Monitor your credit report: Regularly
How do you know if your identity is on the dark web?
Run a free Dark Web scan
Instead, a free Dark Web scanner can search countless Dark Web pages and marketplaces for your personal information. This is a good place to start — however, free scanners only check for email addresses (and sometimes phone numbers).
How much do SSN sell for?
Hackers sell stolen SSNs on the Dark Web for as little as $2. Here's what to do if your Social Security number was found on the Dark Web.