Your social security number (SSN) is a unique identifier that holds a wealth of personal information about you. From financial transactions to employment records, your SSN is essential for various aspects of modern life. However, it also makes you vulnerable to identity theft and fraud, especially when it falls into the wrong hands on the dark web.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines and requires specific software or configurations to access. It provides anonymity to its users, making it an attractive platform for illegal activities such as selling stolen data, drugs, and counterfeit goods.
As a general rule, cybercriminals always prefer untraceable payment methods such as the leading cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. The price depends and is differentiated based on attributes like “verifiable”, “authentic”, “registered”, as opposed to “counterfeit” or “fake”. A new American identity costs around 0.26 BTC + $1,300, while an US passport is $850.
Jobs and Making Money
This creates a demand for SSNs on the Dark Web among individuals seeking to engage in illegal activities anonymously. Your fraud alerts (such as suspicious activity alerts and account log in alerts) keep you in the know about activity on your Discover Card account. With access to your SSN, cybercriminals can open credit accounts in your name. Opening an account in your name means they can create other financial accounts, apply for credit cards, and take out personal loans in your name. If your SSN ends up on the dark web, you can become a prime candidate for attempted identity theft and fraud.
The Value of Your Social Security Number
signs of being hacked and what you can do about it
On the dark web, cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for valuable personal information to exploit for financial gain. One of the most sought-after pieces of data is your social security number. With your SSN in their possession, criminals can engage in various fraudulent activities, including:
- Identity Theft: Armed with your SSN, criminals can open credit accounts, take out loans, or even file tax returns in your name, potentially ruining your credit score and leaving you with a massive financial mess to clean up.
- Social Engineering: Fraudsters can use your SSN to impersonate you and gain access to even more sensitive information, such as your bank accounts or medical records.
- Sale on the Dark Web: Stolen SSNs are sold on the dark web, where they fetch high prices due to their potential for illicit use. Once your SSN is sold, it can be used by multiple criminals, making it challenging to trace the source of fraudulent activities back to a single individual.
Unfortunately, once your personal information is exposed on the Dark Web, it remains there indefinitely. There is no service that can scrub your data from the Dark Web, and the longer it is there the more damage it may cause. The Federal Trade Commission recorded 5.7 million cases of identity theft in 2023. Always shred any document that includes your SSN before disposing of it.
If your SSN is found on the Dark Web, it’s nearly impossible to remove. Instead, you should try to figure out what additional information has been compromised — such as your credit card numbers, home address, or phone number — so you can mitigate the damage. If you’re an Allstate Identity Protection member, log in to your account dashboard to activate dark web monitoring. The dark web can be used for legitimate activities, such as communicating privately. However, because it offers complete anonymity, the dark web is often used for illegal or malicious online activities, such as drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering.
Protecting Your Social Security Number
Given the severe consequences that can arise from your SSN falling into the wrong hands, it is crucial to take steps to protect it:
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1. Limit Sharing
Avoid sharing your SSN unless necessary, especially online. Be cautious when providing personal information on websites or over the phone, ensuring you are dealing with trusted sources.
2. Secure Digital Practices
Regularly update your devices’ security software, use strong and unique passwords for all accounts, and be cautious when clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments.
With that said, if you happen to find your Social Security number or other sensitive data on the dark web, here are some steps you can take. We never like to use the word “impossible,” but unlike information found on Google and other indexed search engines, data on the dark web has no distinct process of removal. There’s no database or online folder you can tap into to wipe your information. For more information on how to protect your identity and data, visit the How to Protect Your Data website Traducción al Español. Banking services provided by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC. Password managers are apps or browser plug-ins that encrypt—or scramble—and store all your passwords.
3. Monitor Your Accounts
- We provided information about signing up for credit monitoring and identity theft protection, offered a primer on the credit monitoring environment, and the basics of protecting yourself from identity theft and fraud.
- Some offer one-on-one counseling to guide you through the steps you need to take, and some go further, actually getting your permission to remedy the problems for you.
- For example, if a criminal was to find your social security number on the dark web, it would allow them to open fraudulent accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns and health insurance claims, and more.
- Furthermore, your VPN will hide your IP address to maintain anonymity and protect you from scammers, hackers, and other prying eyes.
- Changes in your credit score can also warn you about identity theft.
Keep a close eye on your financial accounts and credit reports. Report any suspicious activity immediately, as early detection can minimize the damage caused by identity theft.
4. Use Two-Factor Authentication
Enable two-factor authentication wherever possible, adding an extra layer of security to your sensitive accounts. This way, even if someone has your SSN, they will need additional verification to gain access.
Discover Social Security Number Alerts
In Conclusion
Your social security number is a valuable asset to both you and cybercriminals lurking on the dark web. By being vigilant about securing your personal information and taking proactive measures to protect your SSN, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to identity theft and fraud. Stay informed, stay cautious, and safeguard your digital identity.
