Your Social Security number (SSN) is a critical piece of personal information that can be used for identity theft and other forms of fraud. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy for your SSN to end up on the dark web, where it can be bought and sold by cybercriminals.
What is the Dark Web?
These breaches have affected organizations across various industries, including retail, healthcare, finance, and government. When a data breach occurs, cybercriminals can gain access to databases containing SSNs and other personal details. Cybercriminals can exploit this personal information for fraudulent activities, such as identity theft, credit card fraud, or opening false accounts.
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The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through regular web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, top darknet marketplaces such as the sale of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. The dark web uses a special browser called Tor to provide anonymity for its users.
How Does Your SSN End Up on the Dark Web?
Can You Put A Freeze On Your Social Security Number?
Therefore, dark web monitoring is a critical first step to controlling your data privacy and limiting any subsequent damage. The dark web is a hidden network of websites that requires a special web browser to access. 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. Entire batches of information stolen in data breaches can be sold in sets, allowing criminals to purchase whole troves of personal information at once. With Identity Guard, you’ll receive 24/7 Dark Web and credit monitoring, award-winning identity theft protection and support, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance coverage.
There are several ways your SSN can end up on the dark web:
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We alert you, so you can take action right away to change passwords and prevent or minimize the damage. Having access to one of these services can be an even better solution, as you’ll receive immediate notifications rather than having to wait four months or longer. Dark web monitoring services, like those available from CreditWise, scan the dark web for your personal information and notify you if they find your data online. That way, you can take protective measures like freezing your credit reports or contacting your financial institutions. You can also update breached account passwords to prevent any further leaks.
What does the last 4 digits of SSN tell you?
The last four digits of the SSN are the serial number. The serial number represents a straight numerical series of numbers from 0001–9999 within each group. Serial number 0000 is not assigned.
I’m not sure about passcodes – if you meant to your accounts probably – but that’s a different issue. Offer pros and cons are determined by our editorial team, based on independent research. The banks, lenders, and credit card companies are not responsible for any content posted on this site and do not endorse or guarantee any reviews.
“But I Don’t Shop Online”
- Data breaches: Cybercriminals can steal large amounts of personal information, including SSNs, from companies and government agencies. This information is often sold on the dark web.
- Phishing scams: Cybercriminals can trick you into giving them your SSN through phishing emails, text messages, and phone calls.
- Malware: Cybercriminals can use malware to infect your computer or device and steal your personal information, including your SSN.
- Physical theft: Cybercriminals can steal your wallet dark web stolen credit card numbers or purse, or steal your mail to obtain your SSN.
What Can You Do to Protect Your SSN?
There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN:
- Don’t carry your SSN card with you. Keep it in a safe place at home.
- Don’t give out your SSN unless it’s absolutely necessary. Ask if there’s another way to verify your identity.
- Shred old documents that contain your SSN before throwing them away.
- Use a secure password manager to store your passwords and acess the dark web avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
- Use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts regularly for signs of fraud.
What Should You Do if Your SSN is on the Dark Web?
If you suspect that your SSN is on the dark web, take the following steps:
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Consider freezing your credit reports.
- Contact the Social Security Administration to report the theft and request a new SSN.
- File a police report.
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the identity theft.
- Threat actors can use your Social Security number to obtain loans, credit cards, medical treatment or utilities under your name, to avoid paying the bills themselves.
- In light of these risks and consequences, it is strongly advised to avoid participating in the illegal trade of SSNs on the Dark Web.
- A password manager also enables you to protect your accounts with strong forms of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – a security protocol that requires additional authentication.
- Even if the data is taken down from one site, cybercriminals can simply re-upload it elsewhere.
FAQs
What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?
The deep web refers to parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a part of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. The dark web is often associated with illegal activities, while the deep web is simply not accessible through regular web browsers.
Can I access the dark web safely?
Accessing the dark web can be dangerous, as it’s often associated with illegal activities. If you do choose to access the dark web, use a reputable VPN and the Tor browser to protect your anonymity.
How can I tell if my SSN has been compromised?
Monitor your credit reports and financial accounts regularly for signs of fraud. You can also use a service like Have I Been Pwned to check if your email address or phone number has been involved in a data breach.
Can I get a new SSN if mine is on the dark web?
Yes, you can request a new SSN from the Social Security Administration if you believe your SSN has been compromised. However, this should be a last resort, as it can cause a lot of inconvenience and may not solve the problem entirely.
How do you know if your identity is on the dark web?
Run a free Dark Web scan
Instead, a free Dark Web scanner can search countless Dark Web pages and marketplaces for your personal information. This is a good place to start — however, free scanners only check for email addresses (and sometimes phone numbers).
