A threat actor can use your Social Security number together with PII to commit many forms of identity theft. Among other things, they can use this information to apply for loans, avoid criminal responsibility, or attempt to steal your tax refunds, social benefits, or even medical coverage. In addition to dark web surveillance, there are other ways that identity monitoring can help protect against identity theft. When a criminal steals your SSN, they may attempt to obtain employment in your name in a type of fraud known as employment identity theft. In this scenario, the wages a thief earns are falsely reported to the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other government agencies in your name. Your Social Security number (SSN) is one of the most important pieces of financial information in your life.
So if you were wondering ‘What can hackers do with my social security number’, you can see that unfortunately, the list is pretty long – further verifying the need to protect your social security number. These alerts can be sent via email or directly to one’s mobile phone. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and a nationally known expert in the area of digital forensics. He and Sharon provide legal technology, cybersecurity and digital forensics services from their Fairfax, Virginia firm. People hear the term “dark web” and immediately visions of criminal activity come to mind. By its very design, the dark web is an excellent place to protect privacy.
According to statistics, 45% of breaches involve hacking, 22% phishing, and 17% feature malware. Therefore, dark web monitoring is a critical first step to controlling your data privacy and limiting any subsequent damage. IDStrong scours the depths of the dark web, underground chat rooms, and botnets to let you know if your credit card numbers, bank accounts, debit cards are found on hacking forums. Credit card details are very popular among cyber thieves who sell them on black markets. Identity Guard defends against identity thieves — alerting you in near real-time to suspicious bank account transactions, credit changes, and data leaks. In cases of identity theft, U.S.-based fraud agents are available to support you 24/7, and Identity Guard’s $1,000,000 insurance policy keeps you covered.
They may use it to deposit illegal funds or make big withdrawals that you’ll be held responsible for. I’ve already covered the infamous Equifax scandal at the beginning of this article. However, data breaches happen every day, especially with phishing being on an absolute spree since COVID-19 started.
These apps scan the dark web for any mention of your Social Security number, email, or phone number. If they find your details, they’ll let you know right away so you can take action. Your Social Security number is a big responsibility and a vital component of your identity.
Is Your Personal Information On The Dark Web?
In today’s digital age, identity theft is a growing concern for many individuals and businesses. One of the most valuable pieces of personal information that can be used for identity theft is a Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs can be found on the dark web, a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is often used for illegal activities.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is only accessible through specialized software, such as the Tor browser. It is often used for illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. Because of its anonymity, the dark web can be a breeding ground for cybercriminals looking to exploit personal information for financial gain.
What Should You Or Your Company Do To Stay Safe?
How Does a Social Security Number End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways that a Social Security number can end up on the dark web. One common method is through data breaches, where hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s database and steal sensitive information, including SSNs. Another way is through phishing scams, where cybercriminals trick individuals into revealing their personal information, including their SSN.
What Are the Risks of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web?
Is it safe to enter your SSN online?
Don't enter your SSN into your phone, laptop, or other devices. It would be rare for you to need your card. Typically, reciting the number is all that's required. Keep the number in your head and the card locked up at home.
If your Social Security number is on the dark web, it can be used for a variety of illegal activities, such as opening bank accounts, applying for credit cards, and filing tax returns in your name. This can result in financial loss, damage to your credit score, and even legal trouble. It is important to take steps to protect your personal information and monitor your credit reports regularly to detect any suspicious activity.
How Can You Protect Your Social Security Number?
Cybercriminals Claim To Be Selling The Social Security Numbers Of Babies On The Dark Web
- Never share your Social Security number with anyone unless it is necessary and you trust the recipient.
- Shred any documents that contain your SSN before throwing them away.
- Regularly monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- Consider using a credit monitoring service to alert access darknet on iphone you of any changes to your credit report.
- Use strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
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 access dark web specialized software to access. The deep web includes things like academic databases and corporate intranets, while the dark web is often used for illegal activities.
Can I access the dark web on my regular web browser?
What can I use instead of SSN?
ITIN. An ITIN, or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, is a tax processing number only available for certain nonresident and resident aliens, their spouses, and dependents who cannot get a Social Security Number (SSN). It is a 9-digit number, beginning with the number "9", formatted like an SSN (NNN-NN-NNNN).
No, you cannot access the dark web on a regular web browser. You will need to use specialized software, such as the Tor browser, to access the dark web.
Is it illegal to access the dark web?
- In our previous article, which looked at Darknet Intelligence, where we showed examples of the types of nefarious items available to buy on darknet sites.
- See how we’re dedicated to helping protect you, your accounts and your loved ones from financial abuse.
- This prevents anyone from opening new accounts or taking out loans in your name.
- Then our credit monitoring feature will monitor your credit in case identity thieves try to use your SSN to open new accounts or take out loans.
- Your Social Security number, or SSN, is a key piece of personally identifiable information.
- Dark web monitoring tools offer improved detection against threats on the dark web versus identity theft monitoring tools or antimalware and antivirus programs.
No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are pornography dark web illegal, so it is important to exercise caution and use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your privacy.
How can I tell if my Social Security number is on the dark web?
You can monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity to determine if your SSN is being used fraudulently. You can also use a dark web scanner to search for your personal information on the dark web.
What should I do if I find my Social Security number on the dark web?
If you find your SSN on the dark web, you should contact the credit bureaus and place a fraud alert on your credit reports. You should also consider freezing your credit reports to prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name. Finally, you should file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and consider contacting a credit monitoring service to help you monitor your credit reports and detect any further fraudulent activity.
Is a CPN illegal?
Using a CPN to conceal your credit history is illegal and may be considered identity theft. Building credit takes time and requires responsible credit habits, such as paying bills on time every month.