The Dark Web and Your Social Security Number: What You Need to Know

In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. While it brings convenience and connectivity, it also poses risks, especially on the dark web. One aspect that has garnered significant attention is the protection of personal information, including your social security number (SSN).

Understanding the Dark Web

cybersecurity resolutions to stay private in 2023

It’s a fairly simple process of reaching out to the major credit bureaus, and it won’t cost you any money or negatively impact your credit score. The downside is that if you decide to get a mortgage or a new credit card, you’ll have to unfreeze your credit before you can apply. The dark web is a network of websites where people can share information anonymously.

In the case of children, it may be years before a victim realizes their identity has been compromised by which time there may be huge damage to undo. Recovering a stolen identity is time-consuming, stressful and comes with challenges. Victims may, in the meantime, be confronted with letters and calls from creditors chasing debts, bills for purchases they have not made or taxes they do not owe. They may be locked out of their accounts and have mail diverted to other addresses, making it even harder to recover their identity. Stolen SSNs are also repackaged and sold as Credit Profile Numbers (CPNs) – nine-digit identification numbers that look like social security numbers.

How do identity thieves use the dark web?

The dark web refers to a hidden part of the internet that requires special software to access. It is known for its anonymity and is home to various illegal activities, such as the sale of drugs, weapons, and stolen personal information.

The Dangers of Exposing Your SSN on the Dark Web

Six steps that can help protect your identity and finances if your SSN is exposed

Your social security number is a vital piece of personal information that can be used by cybercriminals for identity theft, fraud, or other malicious purposes. When your SSN falls into the wrong hands on the dark web, you may face severe consequences:

• Identity Theft: Criminals can use your SSN to open credit accounts, apply for loans, or file fraudulent tax returns in your name.
• Financial Loss: Once someone has access to your SSN, they can wreak havoc on your financial life, draining your bank accounts and accumulating debts in your name.
• Legal Troubles: If criminals commit crimes using your stolen SSN, you might face legal issues and complications.

In addition, check other financial and shopping accounts periodically for any unusual activity. There are also VPNs and password managers that monitor the dark web for data breaches that may affect you. These tools usually scan using your provided email address and search for any leaked personal information connected to that email address, which may include your SSN. Being notified that your information has been found in a data breach or on the dark web, as its name suggests, shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s likely not an occasion to full-on panic, but it probably suggests some next steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do SSNs end up on the dark web?

   SSNs can end up on the dark web through various means, including data breaches, hacking incidents, or through the sale of personal information by malicious actors.

2. How can I protect my SSN?

   Once your information is on the dark web, removing it can be difficult, or even impossible. Dark web repositories of stolen personal data generally operate in support of criminal activity. Even if you could get in touch with an administrator, they likely would ignore your message. If you think you’re the victim of a data breach — for example, if there’s a string of unauthorized purchases using your credit card — you should act right away. The dark web has several genuine benefits but has become home to cybercriminals.

   Here are some steps to protect your SSN:

   • Keep it private: Avoid sharing your SSN unnecessarily and only provide it when absolutely necessary.
   • Secure documents: Safeguard physical documents that contain your SSN, such as your social security card or tax returns.
   • Beware of scams: Be cautious of phishing attempts or fraudulent calls asking for your SSN.
   • Monitor your accounts: Regularly review your financial statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity.

   At ECW, Eric firmly believes in building client-provider relationships based on trust and understanding, rather than resorting to unnecessary upsells. With a genuine passion for helping businesses thrive, Eric is wholeheartedly dedicated to assisting our clients in enhancing their technology, giving them a competitive advantage in their respective industries. All users of our online services are subject to our Privacy Statement and agree to be bound by the Terms of Service. On social media, some customers questioned why the company waited one month to report the breach.

   • Use strong passwords: Protect your online accounts with unique and complex passwords.
3. What should I do if my SSN is compromised?

   If you suspect your SSN is compromised, take immediate action:

   On such sites, a line including your name, full address, date of birth, Social Security number and other information typically would sell for just $1, according to a 2015 report from Trend Micro, a cybersecurity firm. “You’re going to have to take a defensive posture as a consumer,” says Al Pascual, research director and head of fraud and security at Javelin Strategy & Research. You don’t shop online, but you use your credit card to purchase goods in physical retail stores.

   • Notify authorities: Report the incident to your local law enforcement agency and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
   • Inform credit bureaus: Contact major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
   • Monitor your accounts: Continuously monitor your financial accounts and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
   • Consider a credit freeze: You may choose to freeze your credit to restrict access to your credit report.
   • Update passwords and PINs: Change passwords and PINs for your online accounts to prevent further unauthorized access.

Remember, safeguarding your personal information, particularly your SSN, is crucial in preventing identity theft and financial loss. Stay vigilant and take necessary precautions when sharing sensitive data online.

• We find out about breached information when it is traded or sold on the dark web or online.
• If you think the message is legit — for example, if you have a credit monitoring service or a credit card with a company that monitors the dark web — contact the company using a website or phone number that you know is real.
• Call your bank immediately and report and dispute fraudulent charges, cancel your card, and request a new one.
• To lock your SIM, you’ll need to contact your cell phone provider and ask them to set a custom PIN to lock and unlock your SIM.
• Once accessed, the Dark Web presents a host of opportunities for hackers and thieves.