Identity theft is a growing concern in today’s digital age, and one of the most valuable pieces of information that cybercriminals can get their hands on is a person’s Social Security number (SSN). Unfortunately, SSNs are often bought and sold on the dark web, a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what the dark web is, how SSNs end up there, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Identity Theft And Online Security
What is the Dark Web?
SSNDOB accepted bitcoin and litecoin – a peer-to-peer bitcoin spinoff – in exchange for its services, blockchain intelligence firm Chainalysis says. The payments system has received a total of $22 million in bitcoin, as part of 100,000 transactions, since it was set up in April 2015, the report says. Social Security Numbers and dates of birth data of individuals, has been shut down, according to the Department of Justice. Unfortunately, once your personal information is exposed on the Dark Web, it remains there indefinitely. There is no service that can scrub your data from the Dark Web, and the longer it is there the more damage it may cause.
Dozens Of Oakland Ransomware Victims Never Notified SSN Were Leaked On Dark Web, I-Team Finds
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and is only accessible through specialized software, such as the Tor network. It is often used for illegal activities, such as selling stolen data, drugs, and weapons. While there are legitimate uses for the dark web, such as protecting the privacy of journalists and whistleblowers, it is also a hotbed for criminal activity.
Can I change my SSN?
The Social Security Administration does allow you to change your number, but only under limited circumstances, such as identity theft or if your safety is in danger. You will also need to supply appropriate documentation to support your application for a new number.
How do SSNs End up on the Dark Web?
Best Identity Theft Protection With Dark Web Monitoring
There are a number of ways that SSNs 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 people into giving away their personal information, including their SSN. Additionally, some people may willingly sell their SSN on the dark web for a profit.
In March 2021, Sontiq acquired Cyberscout, the leading cyber products and services provider to the Insurance Industry. Furthermore, there is a thriving underground market for stolen data on the dark web. Cybercriminals who have successfully acquired SSNs through various means can sell them to interested buyers. These buyers may be identity thieves, individuals looking to assume a false identity, or even organized criminal groups seeking to commit financial fraud.
What are the Risks of Having Your SSN on the Dark Web?
If your SSN is on the dark web, it can be used for a variety of illegal activities, such as opening bank accounts and credit cards in your name, filing tax returns, and even committing crimes. This can result in significant financial loss, damage to your credit score, and even legal trouble. It is important to take steps to protect yourself and your SSN to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands.
How do I put a lock on my Social Security number?
You can lock your SSN by calling the Social Security Administration or by creating an E-Verify account. Also, you can contact all three of the nationwide CRAs to place a freeze on your credit reports.
How to Protect Your SSN
- About 36 percent of consumers who have seen ads for “dark web monitoring” incorrectly believe that identity theft services can remove their personal information from the cyber underground marketplace.
- Using strong passwords, using a virtual private network (VPN), and being careful with your wallet and other items which may contain sensitive information are just a few ways to keep your information safer.
- Don’t repeat passwords on different accounts, and ideally choose long, complex, random ones.
- They include ssndob[.]ws, ssndob[.]vip, ssndob[.]club and blackjob[.]biz.
- However, phishing and smishing campaigns can be very sophisticated, appear legitimate and often involve something called spoofing.
Examples include cloud data, government websites, online banks, credit cards, and website services. However, the dark web is a different animal from non-indexed websites often used for dangerous, illegal, and criminal activities. In addition, the dark web is difficult to navigate and operates much slower than the deep web. By monitoring the dark web and data breaches, you can understand which accounts and what personal information may be compromised—and change the relevant passwords. And by freezing your credit card and tracking your outgoings, you can mitigate financial risks. So, even if you do find your SSN is on the dark web, there are steps you can take to minimize the potential damage.
There are several steps you can take to protect your SSN and reduce the risk of it ending up on the dark web:
- Be cautious with your personal information: Only give out your SSN when it is absolutely necessary, such as when applying for a job or filing taxes. Be wary of unsolicited calls or emails asking for your personal information.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Use a different password for each of your online accounts, and make sure they are strong and unique. Consider using a password manager to help you keep track of them.
- Monitor your credit reports: Regularly check your credit reports for any suspicious activity. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus once a year at annualcreditreport.com.
- Consider a credit freeze: If you are concerned that your SSN may have been compromised, consider placing a credit freeze on your credit reports. This will prevent anyone from opening new accounts in your name without your permission.
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. In general, it’s a good idea to set up a My Social Security account, which helps you manage your Social Security benefits and update your personal details. One benefit of signing up is to block a potential identity thief from creating an account under your number and causing you a greater headache. The dark web isn’t indexed by search engines either, but that’s because of the illegal and dangerous nature of its content. We’ve all heard stories and read headlines of the illicit activities that take place there. This is a place where you can buy everything from illegally harvested organs to hacked bank account information.
Conclusion
The dark web can be a dangerous place, and having your SSN on there can have serious consequences. It is important to be cautious with your personal information, use strong passwords, monitor your credit reports, and consider a credit freeze if you are concerned about the security of your SSN. By taking these steps, you can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft and protect yourself from the dangers of the dark web.
What happens if SSN is on dark web?
If your email address or SSN is found on the dark web, it doesn't necessarily mean it's been used by a fraudster to commit identity theft. But it's still important to be vigilant and take steps to help protect yourself.
