The Risks of Exposing Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web

In today’s digital age, our personal information is more vulnerable than ever. With the rise of the dark web, a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities thrive, it has become easier for cybercriminals to obtain and exploit sensitive data such as social security numbers.

The dark web is a place where identity thieves can buy or sell personal information on hard-to-find websites and forums. Norton™ 360 with LifeLock™ features built-in Dark Web Monitoring§ that carefully scans even the deepest parts of the dark web and notifies you if your information is found. Some ID protection services also come with an insurance policy of up to $1,000,000 in case of losses from identity theft. Unfortunately, fraudsters with your info might also access your children’s data as well. They can create new credit files and ruin your kids’ chances of applying for government benefits like student loans or employment benefits in the future. A data breach is the most popular way hackers can steal your identity to sell on the dark web.

Use A Unique Password For Each Account

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.

What is the Dark Web?

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The recent COVID-19 stimulus frauds, when identity thieves steal others’ stimulus payments, fall under the social benefits fraud category. In essence, all types of SSN-related identity thefts use the number plus your additional information to bypass identification procedures in social and financial institutions. So, to the people wondering what can someone do with your SSN, the following is just scratching the surface. Remember, the fallout from identity theft won’t disappear overnight.

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access and is often used for illegal activities like selling stolen data, drugs, and weapons. It provides anonymity to users, making it a breeding ground for cybercrime.

TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN FROM IDENTITY THEFT

It’s hidden from search engines and allows users to mask their IP addresses. The dark web’s privacy and anonymity means it serves as a venue for people who want to stay hidden, whether that’s for innocuous reasons, or because they’re involved in crime—including identity theft. IPhone thieves have found a way to break into a user’s online life — their bank accounts, personal data, and passwords.

• If personal info such as your SSN, address, and date of birth are found on the dark web, someone else can use them to take out credit in your name.
• Experian websites have been designed to support modern, up-to-date internet browsers.
• “Child fullz,” the name fraudsters use to refer to a child’s complete stolen information package, can be easily found for sale on the Dark Web.
• Regularly monitoring your accounts for potential Dark Web activity is a cybersecurity best practice that shouldn’t be put on the backburner.
• Once a cybercriminal acquires certain personal information, they can devastate your personal and financial life.

The Dangers of Exposing Your Social Security Number

Credit Scores5 Tips To Help Protect Your Credit

Your social security number is a key piece of information that can be used to steal your identity. Once cybercriminals have access to your social security number, they can open credit cards, take out loans, and even file tax returns in your name. This can result in financial ruin and damage to your credit score.

Moreover, once your social security number is on the dark web, it can be bought and sold multiple times, making it nearly impossible to track down who has access to your information. This puts you at risk of becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft.

Protecting Your Social Security Number

The downside is that this can be very inconvenient if you actually want to open up a legitimate account in your name, as you’ll have to rigorously verify your identity. 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. You should take any unexpected change seriously, even if it doesn’t trigger an automated fraud alert.

To protect yourself from the dangers of the dark web, it is important to safeguard your social security number. Avoid sharing it online unless absolutely necessary and be cautious about who you provide it to. Monitor your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity and consider freezing your credit to prevent unauthorized access.

It is also crucial to be aware of phishing scams and other tactics used by cybercriminals to trick you into revealing your personal information. Be vigilant and educate yourself on best practices for staying safe online.

In conclusion, the dark web poses a serious threat to the security of your social security number. By taking proactive measures to protect your sensitive information, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to identity theft and financial fraud.