Discovering that your SSN is on the dark web can be a distressing experience, but it’s essential to take immediate action to protect yourself from potential identity theft. The background check company, which is owned by Jerico Pictures Inc., recently released details of the breach after a proposed class action lawsuit alleged 2.9 billion personal records may have been exposed. Other reports suggest the amount of records leaked may have been more than 2.7 billion. All information, including rates and fees, are accurate as of the date of publication and are updated as provided by our partners. Some of the offers on this page may not be available through our website. If this happens, contact the company immediately and report the fraudulent activity.
Don’t Have An Account?
Ideally, you should enable multi-factor authentication for personal websites to help keep your financial data secure. Also, never share your personal information while using public internet. However, keep in mind you will need to either temporarily or permanently unfreeze your credit if you want to apply for a new credit card or auto loan, for example. From Social Security numbers to bank logins and medical records, cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data every day. Discovering that your Social Security number is on the dark web is a frightening experience, but taking immediate action can help minimize the risks.
Create A MySocialSecurity Account If You Don’t Have One
When two-factor authentication is enabled, a code is required in addition to your username and password to log in. If you find out that your SSN is on the dark web, then your personal information has most likely already been compromised. It might be impossible to remove it from there altogether, but there are certain measures you can take to minimize your exposure. If you do get a new SSN, it can affect your earnings history and credit, making it more difficult down the line to apply for legal documents and passports.
Your SSN Is On The Dark Web — Here’s What To Do About It
Your bank will normally send you a new card after suspicious purchases are identified or reported. Many illegal goods and services are bought and sold on the dark web, including stolen financial information, counterfeit money, weapons, malware, hacked accounts and drugs. These so-called darknet transactions often involve cryptocurrencies like bitcoin to further obscure users’ identities. The National Public Data breach dumped 272 million social security numbers onto the dark web. To find out whether yours was among them and learn how to protect yourself, read this urgent article on the social security data breach. A stolen Social Security number (SSN) is one of the leading causes of identity theft and can be a real threat to your financial health.
- Spoofing is when an attacker creates a replica of the official website, email address or phone number of a trusted source, such as a bank, government agency or retail company.
- Your name and Social Security number can be used for illegal employment schemes.
- Samuel Chapman, a writer and editor at Cloudwards, possesses over four years of experience specializing in online security, privacy and cryptocurrency.
- Are identity thieves finding your Social Security number and other valuable information on the dark web?
- Your first and most important step is to determine what type of information was exposed.
What Is National Public Data?
You can do this through AnnualCreditReport.com (which is so named because the previous policy only allowed one free credit report per bureau per year). Although the lawsuit claims “billions of individuals” had their data stolen, the total population of the U.S. stands at about 330 million. The lawsuit also alleges that the data includes personal information of deceased individuals. Services like LifeLock or IdentityForce monitor your SSN for misuse and alert you to potential fraud. Dispose of old documents containing your SSN, such as tax returns or bank statements, using a cross-cut shredder.
This will add another layer of security as creditors will have to take extra steps to verify it’s really you before extending any credit. Taking steps such as contacting the authorities, notifying your financial institutions, and monitoring your credit reports are crucial for mitigating the impact of having your SSN on the dark web. Enabling two-factor authentication, changing your passwords, and staying vigilant against phishing attempts further strengthen your digital security. By notifying your financial institutions promptly, you increase the chances of limiting the potential harm caused by the compromised SSN.
Massive Scam Spreading Designed To Trick You And Steal Your Money
However, discovering that your SSN is on the dark web means you can take steps to protect against identity theft. And, in rare cases where you’re unable to protect yourself and are experiencing significant issues resulting from SSN exposure, you may qualify for a new Social Security number. “With Marriott and the other hotel breaches, all of those credit cards got revoked and re-issued,” points out Henderson. Every day, it seems, another data security disaster puts our personal information at risk. If it’s not a major hotel or restaurant chain getting hacked, it’s a financial institution. Taking prompt, decisive action and remaining vigilant can mitigate the risks and protect your identity.
Here’s What Your Data Sells For On The Dark Web
- Alternatively, you can use breach monitors to inform you what personal information, like your phone number or email address, has appeared on the darknet without needing to access it yourself.
- Since each number is unique and changing it is a lengthy process, it provides ample opportunity for criminals to take advantage of the affected individuals’ personal information.
- There’s a site that can tell you if your SSN was leaked from the personal security company Pentester.
- Signing up for these services means you should get notified anytime something suspicious happens on your account.
- Additionally, you may have received a data notification letter from a breached company, which should specify what type of information was involved.
The Dark Web is a layer of the internet that’s only accessible by using special tools such as the Tor browser. The April 2024 AT&T breach alone leaked over 70 million Social Security numbers to the Dark Web. Inform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that your SSN has been found on the Dark Web and ask to file an identity theft report. Even if your information hasn’t been used maliciously yet, filing a formal claim with the FTC can help you if you need to dispute fraudulent charges, accounts, or crimes. Passwords are among the most commonly leaked pieces of sensitive personal information. You can use Aura’s free Dark Web scanner to see which accounts are at risk.
Verify The Source Of The Alert
Implementing these measures as part of your daily routine can significantly enhance your digital security posture, making it more challenging for cybercriminals to compromise your personal information. Remember, cybersecurity is an ongoing process of vigilance and adaptation to new threats. In the wake of discovering your SSN on the dark web, taking steps to monitor and secure your digital footprint is crucial. Malwarebytes offers a comprehensive solution for scanning your digital footprint, enabling you to identify where your personal information might be exposed online. If your SSN has been leaked online, there’s a good chance other personal data about you is available as well — including your passwords.
Monitor Your MySocialSecurity Account
Efforts are being made to combat illegal activities on the dark web, but it remains an ongoing battle. Unlike the surface web, where websites are easily discoverable, the dark web operates as an encrypted network, masking the true identity and location of its users. This anonymity has attracted various individuals and groups, including cybercriminals and those seeking to engage in illicit activities. The dark web is a covert part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. It is a subset of the deep web, which represents websites and content that cannot be accessed through conventional search engines.
Credit monitoring automates the process of watching your credit reports. Signing up for these services means you should get notified anytime something suspicious happens on your account. Experian offers free credit monitoring, while Equifax and TransUnion handle free monitoring through Credit Karma. Enabling two-factor authentication significantly enhances the security of your online accounts. By requiring an additional verification step beyond a password, it greatly reduces the risk of unauthorized access and potential compromise of your personal information.
Then, join LifeLock for dark web monitoring and other powerful identity theft protection features. Ultimately, the key to protecting your identity in the digital age is a combination of awareness, caution, and prompt action when issues arise. By staying informed and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft, even if your personal information has been exposed on the dark web. If you think your SSN may have been compromised, use a search engine designed for the dark web to check, and consider monitoring your credit report for any changes. You should also be aware of the potential spear phishing attacks that could come your way.
