Understanding the Risks of the Dark Web and Your Social Security Number
Managed Security Services
- You can also request a credit freeze from any of the major bureaus, but it may take up to 24 hours to take effect — a risk that you may not want to take.
- Obviously, be as careful as is humanly possible with SSNs and passwords, and try to select security questions that involve answers that aren’t easily discoverable on the web.
- Have I Been Pwned has a notification feature to alert you if your details are found in a new breach and can even check whether you’re using a compromised password.
- Today, identity theft is a booming business, with the dark web and cryptocurrency providing cybercriminals the forum and means of payment needed to operate in the shadows.
- While this may sound negative, it’s the unfortunate reality given the amount of electronic data we provide nearly every day combined with a growing number of data breaches around the world.
- Many organized crime groups (OCG’s) communicate with each other in secret forums on the dark web.
If you’re a victim of fraud, it’s vital that you report the crime to the relevant agencies. By reporting fraud, you help to protect yourself and others from further damages. Because of its anonymity, the Dark Web is commonly used by hackers and scammers to trade and sell personally identifiable information (PII) — such as SSNs or login credentials — acquired through cybercrime. Ultimately, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from identity theft is keep your sensitive information private, secure, and off the Dark Web. As mentioned, a credit freeze prevents everyone (yourself included) from opening a new account. Since you know the freeze is in place, all you need to do is lift it before applying for new credit.
The initial report will help identify if you have law firm employees that tend to reuse the same password across multiple sites. It may even identify sites you were not aware of so that you can immediately change the password. Use the dark web scan to educate employees at your next cybersecurity awareness training session. If you’re not teaching your employees about cybersecurity, at least annually, you are missing a very significant part of cyber resilience! It can search for your identifying information throughout the depths of the dark web, like the “find” function on a computer.
Cybercriminals use automated tools that can attempt to access 500 accounts per second using stolen logins and passwords. According to Akamai’s new State of the Internet report, there were 193 billion failed attempts to gain access to targeted users’ accounts using stolen or reused login credentials in 2020. The number of login attempts using login credentials increased more than 310 percent, from 47 billion in 2019. Identity theft monitoring services can alert you to suspicious activity that might otherwise go undetected. These solutions can help you take action to prevent identity theft.
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the trading of stolen data, illegal drugs, and weapons. One of the most concerning items traded on the dark web is a person’s social security number.
Fortunately, you can do a few things to minimize your risk of exposure. These steps are especially important amid an increase in cybersecurity threats as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Forged documents command the highest asking prices, with physical passport prices ranging from $2,980 to $5k. Meanwhile, the report found that a one-hour Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack, in which targeted servers are overwhelmed and effectively shut down, cost approx. That cost increases by 2-5x when it involves attacking a government or bank website.
Then, you can quickly take action to protect yourself, whether by changing passwords, disputing fraudulent activity, or freezing your credit, for instance. Cybercriminals use advanced techniques like phishing, vishing (voice phishing), malware, and social engineering to steal sensitive financial information. With not only the banking sector going digital there are increasing opportunities for breaches and fraud that pose significant threats to customers and institutions. Identity theft in banking can lead to severe consequences, including financial losses, damaged credit, legal issues, and emotional distress. It also burdens financial institutions with losses, penalties, and trust issues. For example, in the Czech Republic penalties for cybersecurity breaches can represent a fine up to CZK 130 mil.
In fact, identity thieves often use the dark web to buy and sell stolen personal information. You consent to us using your provided information to complete the Free Scan and compare it against our records and breach databases or sources to provide your Free preliminary findings report. Perform a quick search using the IDStrong free dark web scan tool. Our free scan will show you if your information has been found on the dark web or not.
What is a Social Security Number?
A social security number (SSN) is a unique identifier issued to individuals by the government, primarily in the United States, for tracking earnings, benefits, and taxation. It is a crucial piece of personal information that can be used for various purposes, including:
- Identifying individuals for credit applications
- Accessing government benefits
- Filing taxes
- Securing employment
The Dark Web and Your Social Security Number
On the dark web, social security numbers are highly coveted by cybercriminals due to their value in identity theft. Here are some key points to consider:
- **High Demand**: SSNs are sold on various dark web marketplaces, often fetching hundreds of dollars.
- **Identity Theft**: With a stolen SSN, criminals can open accounts, take out loans, and even commit tax fraud.
- **Compromised Data**: Data breaches, such as those from large companies, often result in thousands of SSNs being exposed and subsequently sold on the dark web.
How Does SSN Theft Happen?
The theft of social security numbers can occur through various means:
- **Phishing Scams**: Victims receive fake emails or calls tricking them into providing their SSN.
- **Data Breaches**: Large corporations can fall victim to cyberattacks, exposing sensitive customer data.
- **Malware**: Malicious software can be used to access personal data on computers and mobile devices.
Protecting Yourself from Dark Web Threats
Here are some strategies to help protect your social security number from dark web exploitation:
- Regular Monitoring: Check your credit reports and use services that monitor your SSN.
- Secure Your Information: Be cautious about sharing personal information online, especially on social media.
- Use Strong Passwords: Employ complex passwords and change them regularly to protect your accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Adding an extra layer of security can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my SSN is on the dark web?
If you suspect that your social security number is compromised, take the following steps:
- Contact the Social Security Administration.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Consider a credit freeze to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
How can I check if my information is on the dark web?
There are various services available that monitor the dark web for your personal information. Some provide free scans, while others offer detailed reports for a fee.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal; however, engaging in any illegal activities, such as purchasing stolen information, is against the law.
Conclusion
Understanding the implications of having your social security number compromised on the dark web is critical in today’s digital age. By taking appropriate precautions and remaining vigilant, you can help protect your personal information from falling into the wrong hands.
