The tale of thousands of people unknowingly having their sensitive information exposed on the Dark Web earlier this year serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of data breaches. Unfortunately, such incidents are not isolated, as evidenced by the record-breaking 1,862 data breaches reported in 2022.
How do you see if your SSN is being used?
Many cybersecurity experts believe that virtually every Social Security number (SSN) has been leaked to the Dark Web at least once. So, how do you know if your SSN has been compromised and is being exploited?
Here’s how you can find out if your SSN is on the Dark Web and what steps you can take to protect yourself: The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet accessible only through specialized browsers like TOR. Unlike the Surface Web, it’s encrypted, anonymous, and not easily accessible to average users.
When personal data is leaked in a breach, it often ends up on Dark Web marketplaces. But since most people don’t frequent the Dark Web, it’s challenging to know for sure if your SSN has been compromised or if your identity is being misused.
You can check if your SSN was leaked using various methods:
1. Free Dark Web Scanners: While they may not directly check your SSN, they can flag if your email was part of a recent breach. Identity Guard offers a free Dark Web scanner for this purpose.
2. SSN Monitoring Services: These services scan the Dark Web, public forums, and data brokers for your SSN and notify you if it’s found.
3. Data Breach Notifications: Stay vigilant for notifications from companies where you’ve shared personal information. They are obligated to inform customers of breaches.
4. Monitor Your mySocialSecurity Account: Keep an eye out for any unusual activity or changes in your account.
5. Regularly Review Credit Reports: Check your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion for any suspicious activity.
6. Watch for IRS Notifications: Be alert for any unreported income or tax-related issues that may indicate fraudulent use of your SSN.
How you can mitigate the danger?
If your SSN is found on the Dark Web, it’s nearly impossible to remove. Instead, focus on mitigating the damage:
- Freeze or lock your credit with all three bureaus.
- Contact companies where your SSN was used.
- Perform a full Dark Web scan.
- Update passwords and enable 2FA.
- Sign up for myE-Verify and self-lock your SSN.
- File a report with the FTC.
- Check your credit reports and bank statements.
- Lock your SIM with your cell phone provider.
- Consider signing up for identity theft protection and Dark Web monitoring.
Ultimately, protecting your sensitive information is crucial in the digital age. With vigilance and the right tools, you can minimize the risk of identity theft and fraud.