In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to hear about personal information being leaked or stolen. One such piece of information that can be particularly damaging if it falls into the wrong hands is a phone number. And if that phone number is found on the dark web, it’s essential to take immediate action.
What is the Dark Web?
How Do I Find Out What Accounts Are Linked To My Phone Number?
Like the traditional internet that we use every day, the dark web is a network of websites. But unlike our traditional internet, the dark web requires special security software to encrypt browsing activity and hide a user’s location and identifiable details. Shine a light on the dark web, get notified when potential threats to your identity are discovered, and help secure your accounts and devices against hackers and malware with Norton 360 with LifeLock Select. By combining Dark Web Monitoring with powerful device security and privacy tools, Norton™ 360 with LifeLock™ provides multilayered protection against online threats. McAfee Total Protection comes with advanced identity monitoring, which provides faster and broader detection for your identity, plus premium antivirus software, safe browsing, and Secure VPN.
You can also choose to use a password manager, which is a great way to create strong credentials that help keep your login information safe. With that said, if you happen to find your Social Security number or other sensitive data on the dark web, here are some steps you can take. Today, identity theft is a booming business, with the dark web and cryptocurrency providing cybercriminals the forum and means of payment needed to operate in the shadows. You can start by listing and reviewing all open accounts that may have your SSN on file. Next, conduct a search for recent known breaches that could impact these current accounts.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It’s often associated with illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen personal information, drugs, and weapons. The dark web uses a network of sites that can only be accessed using specialized software, allowing users to remain anonymous.
How Does a Phone Number End Up on the Dark Web?
Of All Sites On The Dark Web Are Used For Criminal Activities
There are several ways a phone 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 containing sensitive customer information. Another way is through phishing scams, where attackers trick individuals into revealing their personal information, including their phone number.
Additionally, some people may willingly sell their phone number on the dark web for various reasons, such as to make money or to harm someone else. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to take action if you discover your phone number has been compromised.
That happens to millions of users on social media websites, blogs, and even high-profile companies. In fact, nothing happened to many of them because they know how to deal with such data breaches. As this is a free feature offered by credit bureaus, take advantage of it. However, you have to contact the credit bureau directly to get it. It’s also important to unfreeze or temporarily thaw credit reports when applying for a new credit card.
Attack On Ukraine’s Kyivstar Telecom Company Started With A Compromised Employee Account
What to Do If Your Phone Number is Found on the Dark Web
What happens if you get tracked on the dark web?
You cannot be tracked when using these technologies. There's no way for hackers to find you. You can't identify them, either, but you can find out what information they put on the web and track that down.
If you discover that your phone number is being sold or traded on the dark web, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself:
How Does IDStrong Find Passwords From The Dark Web?
- Contact your phone service provider: Inform them of the situation and ask if they can take any measures to protect your account, such as adding additional security features or changing your phone number.
- Place a fraud alert: Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and place a fraud alert on your credit report. This will require lenders to verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name.
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. If you notice anything unusual, contact your financial institution immediately.
- Consider identity theft protection: There are several services available that can help monitor your personal information and alert you if it’s being used fraudulently. These services can provide peace of mind and save you time and money in the long run.
That’s where the “dark” part comes in — accessing the dark web requires the use of specific software that keeps you anonymous. The dark web refers to content on the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software, like Tor Browser, to access. The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which is all content on the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines. However, due to criminal activity, dark web scanners cannot cover all the stolen data across the entire dark web. Password managers also monitor the dark layer of the internet and send users alerts if their credentials are compromised. To avoid issues in the future, make sure to change your number or report it to your service provider.
Conclusion
- Lastly, shred paper containing your personal information or lock it away until you can.
- With millions of records available to buy, these types of attacks are likely to increase.
- These are just a few examples, and there are several other tools that offer similar services (like some password managers).
- So, quickly change your Android or iPhone settings to limit exposure to such applications.
Discovering that your phone number is being sold or traded on the dark web can be alarming, but taking immediate action can help protect yourself from potential harm. By contacting your phone service provider, placing a fraud alert, monitoring your accounts, and considering identity theft protection, you can minimize the risk of falling victim to identity theft or other fraudulent activities.
Your CreditWise score is calculated using the TransUnion® VantageScore® 3.0 model, which is one of many credit scoring models. Your CreditWise score can be a good measure of your overall credit health, but it is not likely to be the same score used by creditors. The availability of the CreditWise tool depends on our ability to obtain your credit history from TransUnion. A monitoring tool can help you stay on top of your personal information. CreditWise is a free service that gives you the ability to detect suspicious activity.
Remember, your personal information is valuable, and it’s essential to take steps to protect it. Stay vigilant, and don’t hesitate to take action if you suspect your phone number or other personal information has been compromised.
Should I be worried if my email is on the dark web?
If your email address is circulating on the Dark Web, it's almost certainly due to a data breach. The problem is that the average internet user doesn't use the Dark Web — and therefore doesn't know if their data is compromised.
