You should remain vigilant and take additional steps to secure your personal information. Sites like National Public Data may allow for individuals to opt out of being included in their data collections. However, because there are so many data brokers, it can be time consuming for consumers to contact each one, Steinhauer said. To help, consumers can pay for a data broker removal service that will contact the websites on their behalf. Be sure to submit requests to each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
How To Keep Your Sensitive Information Off The Dark Web
- Protect your identity and data if your Social Security Number is compromised on the dark web.
- An IP PIN is a six-digit number you’ll get from the IRS, and you’ll get a new one each year.
- The following methods are sample best practices to protect against and monitor for dark web threats.
- The BBB, like the SSA, suggested monitoring your bank and credit card accounts for odd activities and purchases.
If your child’s phone number was found somewhere on the internet, there is little you can do to combat the issue except change their phone number and remain vigilant against phone scams. This discovery shows that your child’s email address was found somewhere on the internet. There is little you can do if your child’s email is floating around the web other than having them create a new email address and educating them on how to stay protected from email scams. Once they take control of your number, they can have your text message MFA codes sent to a phone they control. The potential for porting and SIM swapping is why SMS-based MFA can be less secure than other options.
Social Security Data Breach: 7 Steps To Take If You’re Affected, According To The Social Security Administration
Recovering from identity theft is much more painful than preventing it. Install antivirus software, enable firewalls, and avoid using public Wi-Fi for accessing sensitive accounts. If your phone number or email address is on the dark web you are likely to experience an increase in spam, scams and phishing attacks. Cybercriminals can also use your phone number and email to find more information using people search sites.
Update All Compromised Passwords, And Enable 2FA
Nowadays, the dark web has become synonymous with illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, weapons sales, counterfeit documents, and identity theft. It’s a hub for cybercriminals to trade stolen data, including Social Security numbers (SSNs), credit card information, and login credentials. In an August statement on the security breach, the company said it’s cooperating with law enforcement and governmental investigators and conducting a review of the potentially affected records. Identity theft protection services can help monitor your credit and alert you to any suspicious activities. Some services also offer insurance to cover potential losses due to identity theft, as well as assistance in recovering your identity. Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report.
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. Due to their nature, most crimes committed using a stolen SSN fall under identity theft. If your Social Security number has been breached, it opens the gateway to accessing other personal information related to you. Your phone number, email address, place of residence, credit and debit card information — anything is (un)fair play. The company will then share the information with the other two credit reporting companies and add an alert to your file.
Because there have been so many data breaches, it can be difficult to tie a specific piece of data to this one event, he said. Additionally, identity theft monitoring tools will let you know if someone tries to open an account using your personal information. As you freeze your credit, be extra vigilant that you are on the legitimate websites of the credit bureaus, and not look-alike sites aimed at stealing your personal information. You may have never heard of National Public Data, yet your personal information may have been compromised in the company’s recent massive data breach. If your SSN was leaked and is potentially being used for identity theft, you can apply to the Social Security Administration to change it. If you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission and file a report.
The exposure of your Social Security Number on the dark web isn’t just a breach of your privacy—it can have far-reaching consequences that affect your financial stability, credit history, and personal life. Knowing the potential impacts can help you grasp the seriousness of the situation and the importance of taking swift, corrective action. Identifying whether your Social Security Number has been exposed on the dark web is the first step to limit potential damage. The dark web’s anonymity makes it a breeding ground for cybercrime, including the buying and selling of stolen personal information.
Social Security Number Monitoring: How It Works
Keep all records and reports in a safe space, as you may need them while you recover from fraud. 2FA is like having an extra lock on your digital door, requiring both your password and a unique code or verification method to keep your accounts safe. In this guide, we’ll show you how to find out if your SSN is on the Dark Web, what to do if it is, and how to protect your sensitive personal information from scammers and cyberattacks.
What Should You Do If Your SSN Ends Up On The Dark Web?
When an SSN is leaked on the dark web, it opens the door to identity theft, financial fraud, and numerous other security threats. This guide aims to provide clear steps on what to do if your SSN is compromised and includes practical advice and prevention techniques to secure your personal information against cyber threats. In 2020 Experian suffered a breach that affected an estimated 24 million South Africans. For instance, attackers could use them to convince a phone company to port a victim’s cellphone number to a new device.
Your SSN Is On The Dark Web — Here’s What To Do About It
Following a loss or theft, you should keep a close eye on your credit reports, as these can be your first indication of identity theft. Even if you haven’t noticed any signs of identity theft, if your SSN has been exposed, it’s pretty much a matter of time. You can sign up for an identity theft protection service to get ahead of identity thieves. These kinds of services can alert you to suspicious activity, keep your accounts safe, help you deal with identity theft attempts, and offer identity theft insurance.
Step 13: Stay Informed About Data Breaches
To place a freeze on your credit report, you’ll need to contact each of the three major credit reporting agencies. Each agency has its own process for placing a freeze, so be sure to follow their instructions carefully. Once the alerts are in place, businesses will be required to verify your identity before granting credit. If you suspect your social security number has been stolen, you need to take action immediately. Most crimes occur within 24hrs of obtaining your personal information, some of which could take years to fix. Ultimately, the best thing you can do to protect yourself from identity theft is keep your sensitive information private, secure, and off the Dark Web.
The BBB, like the SSA, suggested monitoring your bank and credit card accounts for odd activities and purchases. In an early August Bloomberg Law report, it was discovered that ultra-sensitive and personal information of nearly three billion people was leaked in an April 2024 data breach. A cybercriminal group called “USDoD” exposed a database owned by National Public Data, a background check company, on a dark web forum. Information security company McAfee reported that it hasn’t found any filings with state attorneys general. Some states require companies that have experienced data breaches to file reports with their AG offices. A compromised social security number is much more problematic than when other types of personal data hacked.
Your SSN is considered one of the most sensitive pieces of information because of the damage criminals can do if they manage to steal it. The Social Security Administration also provides online access to your earnings and benefits history through its my Social Security account. ¹ The score you receive with Aura is provided for educational purposes to help you understand your credit. It is calculated using the information contained in your Equifax credit file. Lenders use many different credit scoring systems, and the score you receive with Aura is not the same score used by lenders to evaluate your credit.
Sign up for a free 14-day trial to start monitoring the Dark Web for your data right away. If your SSN has been compromised, you’ll want to keep close tabs on your financial accounts to ensure they haven’t been illegally accessed. Award-winning identity theft protection with AI-powered digital security tools, 24/7 White Glove support, and more. 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.
