In recent years, numerous high-profile data breaches have occurred, exposing vast amounts of sensitive information. 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.
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The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of stolen personal information. One of the most sought-after pieces of information on the dark web is the social security number (SSN).
How Social Security Numbers End Up on the Dark Web
Signs That Your SSN Is On The Dark Web
You need to act quickly to secure your identity and online accounts before cybercriminals can cause you harm. Stolen Social Security numbers can be used in fraud relating to taxes, unemployment insurance, loans, credit cards and more. One buyer from the SSNDOB site used stolen information that he bought to steal and launder nearly $10 million, according to the U.S. While no security measure is foolproof, implementing these steps collectively provides a strong defense against potential risks and helps safeguard your identity and financial well-being. By being proactive, informed, and cautious, you can navigate the digital landscape confidently and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cyber threats.
Can hackers use your Social Security number?
They can use your SSN to drain your existing bank accounts.
Identity hackers also can use your stolen SSN to dip into any of your existing bank accounts. Armed with that knowledge, they can simply transfer money.
There are several ways that social security numbers 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. Another way is through phishing scams, where individuals are tricked into providing their personal information through fraudulent emails or websites.
Social security numbers are also obtained through identity theft, where someone impersonates another person to gain access to their personal and financial information. Once a social security number is obtained, it can be sold on the dark web for a profit.
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After they have located a correctly formatted SSN, they go to SSN Validator and type it in. They get a full check on the validity of the social security number, the date and state it was issued and a check on the Death Master file. A dark web scanner scours the hidden corners of the internet for your stolen credentials. If you request each of the three reports separately, you can monitor your credit files at no cost more frequently throughout the year. The SSNDOB scheme, which stands for social security number date of birth, impacted about 24 million people across the U.S., the Internal Revenue Service says. By staying cautious and adopting a skeptical mindset, you can effectively protect yourself from falling victim to phishing attempts.
The Risks of Having Your Social Security Number on the Dark Web
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A monitoring service will notify you if your social security number, credit card number or other sensitive information has appeared on the dark web. Choosing a strong password for every online account can help protect your personal information. Even if a cybercriminal steals one of your passwords in a data breach, they will only be able to access one account. If you receive an alert that your information has been compromised, it’s worth changing your sign-in information as quickly as possible.
Having your social security number on the dark web can have serious consequences. It can be used to open new credit accounts, file fraudulent tax returns, and even obtain medical care under your name. This can result in damage to your credit score, financial losses, and legal issues.
In addition, once your social security number is on the dark web, it is difficult to remove. Law enforcement agencies can take action to shut down dark web marketplaces and arrest those responsible for selling personal information, but it is nearly impossible to completely eliminate the availability of stolen social security numbers.
Protecting Your Social Security Number
Can you change your SSN if it gets stolen?
There are only five situations where you can apply for a new Social Security number, including: Ongoing financial and identity fraud due to identity theft. Unfortunately, just being the victim of any of the types of identity theft isn't enough.
There are several steps you can take to protect your social security number and reduce the risk of it ending up on the dark web. These include:
A freeze prevents lenders, credit card providers, and other creditors from accessing your credit report, even when you (or someone else using your name) applies for a new loan or credit card. If you spot anything unusual on your credit reports, bank accounts, or credit card accounts, contact the bank, financial institution, or lender connected to these accounts. Account takeover is identity theft where fraudsters gain unauthorized access to user credentials and take over their personal and business accounts. These malicious attacks often lead to the extraction of sensitive data, unauthorized transactions, or illegal infiltration into organizational systems.
- Using strong, unique passwords for all online accounts
- Being cautious of suspicious emails and websites
- Regularly monitoring your credit report for signs of fraud
- Considering a credit freeze to prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name
- Banking services provided by Community Federal Savings Bank, Member FDIC.
- But with the information on the dark web, scammers have the opportunity to get into bank accounts, impact your credit score by opening false lines of credit and more.
- When cybercriminals leak stolen sensitive data, it almost always ends up on the Dark Web, as this part of the internet grants users anonymity and privacy from IP address-tracking.
- While the dark web has legitimate uses, it’s also a hotbed of illicit online marketplaces and other illegal activity.
- Instead, let us focus on staying informed about cybersecurity risks, maintaining strong online security practices, and promoting ethical behavior both on and off the internet.
By taking these precautions, you can help keep your social security number safe and protect yourself from the dangers of 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.
