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At random, we called more than three dozen victims with leaked SSN – but not one person was notified beforehand from the city. Now, the city says at least 600 gigabytes of data was leaked in the second dump last week. If you try to take matters into your own hands and access the Dark Web, you could end up doing even further harm to yourself. You might unknowingly infect your device with malware, fall for one of many Dark Web scams, or give up even more information. Bagwe previously worked at CISO magazine, reporting the latest cybersecurity news and trends and interviewing cybersecurity subject matter experts.
With the rise of cybercrime and identity theft, it is more important than ever to protect your personal information, including your Social Security number. One of the places where this sensitive data can end up is the dark web.
Six Steps That Can Help Protect Your Identity And Finances If Your SSN Is Exposed
Carefully review your credit report, making note of any recent changes to your credit score. You can request free credit reports directly from the three main credit reporting bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — or from AnnualCreditReport.com, a service run by the federal government. An unexpected drop in your credit score can indicate illegal activity, fraud or identity theft.
What can I buy with my SSN?
In addition to Social Security, the SSN is now also used for a wide range of purposes. These include obtaining credit, opening a bank account, obtaining government benefits or private insurance, and buying a home or a car, among many other pursuits.
What is the Dark Web?
What Is Vishing? Voice Phishing Scams To Avoid
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, and stolen data markets. This hidden network allows users to remain anonymous and untraceable.
Can You Remove Your SSN (and Other Info) From The Dark Web?
How Your Social Security Number Ends Up on the Dark Web
If you know your SSN by heart, it may not be necessary to get a new card, but you can easily order a free replacement from the Social Security Administration. If your Gmail address is found on the dark web, you can set up 2-factor authentication to protect your account. This adds another layer of security when you sign in to your devices. Links to third-party websites may have a privacy policy different from First Citizens Bank and may provide less security than this website. First Citizens Bank and its affiliates are not responsible for the products, services and content on any third-party website.
Online Account Credentials
There are several ways in which your Social Security number can make its way onto the dark web. One common method is through data breaches of companies or organizations that store this information. Hackers can then sell this data to interested parties on the dark web for a profit.
- Kids’ information is also often on paper forms, whether for school or medical use, putting them at risk for identity theft.
- When your personal information is leaked in a data breach (or stolen through hacking, malware scams, or phishing attacks), it most likely turns up on Dark Web marketplaces.
- Your passwords are the first line of defense against cybercriminals — and the last line, too, without two-factor authentication (2FA).
- They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.
- Law enforcement agencies actively monitor Dark Web activities, and individuals involved in buying or selling SSNs can face criminal charges, including identity theft, fraud, and conspiracy.
Protecting Your Social Security Number
How to find out if someone is using my child’s Social Security number?
Contact the three credit bureaus.
The credit reporting agencies do not knowingly maintain credit files on minor children. You can find out if your child may be a victim of identity theft by contacting the three major credit bureaus.
It is crucial to take steps to safeguard your Social Security number from ending up on the dark web. Here are some tips:
- Monitor your accounts regularly: Keep an eye on your financial accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Use strong passwords: Create complex passwords for your online accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
- Avoid sharing your SSN unnecessarily: Only provide your Social Security number when absolutely necessary and to trusted sources.
- Consider freezing your credit: By freezing your credit report, you can prevent new accounts from being opened in your name without your permission.
But too many sites encourage you make that second factor a text to your phone number, which encourages SIM swap fraud. CreditWise is also a free credit monitoring tool, meaning you can use it to keep an eye on one of your credit scores, and it offers tips on how to improve your credit. In order to take advantage of Discover’s program, you’ll first need to be a Discover cardmember. You’ll need to verify your email address and give Discover permission to contact you.
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).
By staying vigilant and taking proactive measures, you can reduce the risk of having your Social Security number exposed on the dark web. Remember, your personal information is valuable and worth protecting.
Is a CPN illegal?
Using a CPN to conceal your credit history is illegal and may be considered identity theft. Building credit takes time and requires responsible credit habits, such as paying bills on time every month.
