Identifiable Information
But, then, the attacker used another API to scrape this data and used it to pull out private email addresses and phone numbers. The resulting data of approximately 221,608,279 users has been released as a RAR archive. Within it, you’ll find half-a-dozen text files adding up to 59GB of user data.
Dark web monitoring services can protect you whether you’re sleeping, working, or watching TV, but what if you receive a dark web alert? IDStrong’s active data breach monitoring alerts you when a breach happens and lets you know if your data is already leaked or sold on the dark web so you can take swift action to fix it quickly. For example, if Facebook experiences a data breach, IDStrong will notify you if your information was affected. We find out about breached information when it is traded or sold on the dark web or online. If any of your sensitive data has been stolen or leaked from a website or online service, you should find out quickly. Identity thieves target your social security number, passport number, or driver’s license number because these items can allow them to open new credit accounts or loans in your name.
Those services can monitor for identity threats and automatically alert you if there is an issue. They will also work to resolve any ID theft issues that may come up and can even reimburse you for funds lost depending on the coverage you choose. Fake email accounts are routinely created by employees as a “throw away” when wanting to gain access to a system or piece of data. However, fake email accounts are frequently created to facilitate well-crafted social engineering and/or phishing attacks.
Even more, they can read your email and see your passwords and usernames when you log in. After that, when you log in again to your account, the site will ask you for the 6-digit codes that the app changes automatically every 60 seconds. If you fail to type the codes correctly, the site will lock you out of your account.
If the email tied to your Microsoft account or Apple ID appears in a data breach, there’s an increased risk that someone might try to overtake your account and devices. Then, using file synchronization, they might infect your device with malware. For example, unbeknownst to you, hackers might install a keylogger that tracks every keystroke input into your device. With it, they can gain access to all passwords and other personal information you type on your keyboard. Now that your passwords are sorted, it’s time to set up a second line of defense. Many popular online platforms allow users to set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) – an additional step that requires you to verify your identity each time you log in to your account.
Understanding the Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
Every American is entitled to a complementary copy of their credit report annually. You should review your credit report every year so you can spot any suspicious activity that you didn’t initiate, such as new accounts or lines of credit. It’s important to note that freezing your credit prevents anyone—including you—from opening new accounts. If you decide to freeze your credit, make sure you understand the process to unfreeze it, so you can access your credit, when necessary, like when you need to buy a new car. I know absoulutely nothing about the dark web, other than the fact that it exists and that nothing good ever happens on it. My husband and I are in the process of getting ready to start shopping for a new home, so the last thing I need right now (or ever) is a case of identity theft.
You will need to check logs, bills, devices, as well as employ a third-part monitoring tool. We never like to use the word “impossible,” but unlike information found on Google and other indexed search engines, data on the dark web has no distinct process of removal. There’s no database or online folder you can tap into to wipe your information.
The internet is a vast place where information can easily be accessed, but the dark web presents a different environment. Here, sensitive data is frequently traded, leaving many individuals vulnerable. One of the concerns that have arisen is the presence of a phone number found on dark web forums and marketplaces.
While the dark web is the primary spot for buying and selling personal information, there are several ways identity thieves use the public web to obtain that information in the first place. Keep an eye out for some of the most common scams to lessen your chances of your information falling into the wrong hands. These networks are dangerous because there’s nothing stopping a hacker from breaking into them.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It requires special software, like Tor, to access. This hidden layer is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale and exchange of personal information.
How Phone Numbers End Up on the Dark Web
There are several ways a phone number can end up on the dark web:
- Data Breaches: Businesses that store sensitive customer information are prime targets for hackers.
- Phishing Scams: Unsuspecting individuals may provide their phone numbers to fraudulent sites.
- Social Media Leakage: Personal information shared on social platforms can be scraped and used maliciously.
- Mailing Lists and Surveys: Casual submissions often end up in databases that are sold on the dark web.
The Risks of Your Phone Number Being Exposed
If your phone number is found on dark web forums, it can lead to various risks, including:
- Identity Theft: Malicious actors can use your number to gain access to personal accounts.
- Harassment: Your number could be used for unwanted calls or messages.
- Financial Fraud: Scammers may try to manipulate you into giving out more sensitive information.
- Account Takeovers: With just your phone number, hackers might attempt to reset passwords and gain access to online services.
What to Do If Your Phone Number Is Found on the Dark Web
Discovering that your phone number is found on dark web lists can be alarming. Here’s a step-by-step approach to mitigate potential risks:
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and online accounts for any suspicious activity.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an additional layer of security to your valuable accounts.
- Report Harassment: If you receive unwanted calls or messages, report them to your phone provider.
- Consider Changing Your Number: If the risks are severe, getting a new phone number might be necessary.
- Seek Professional Help: Identity theft protection services can assist you in monitoring your information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Dark web sites include online marketplaces for buying and selling illicit goods, and that includes personal information that can be used for identity theft, among other things.
- Then, it performs a scan in the background every day for as long as you use the service.
- That’s one of several smart moves to protect your credit from fraud.
- Here, hackers and cybercriminals buy, sell, and trade various forms of identification, along with bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and phone numbers.
- Freezing or locking your credit accounts helps ensure that hackers cannot open accounts in your name — even if they have all of your credentials.
- Recently, a large subset of the data compromised in the breach was listed for sale on the dark web – a hidden portion of the Internet where cyber criminals buy, sell and track personal information.
Q: How can I find out if my phone number is on the dark web?
A: There are specific services and databases that monitor the dark web for compromised information. You can use these services to check if your phone number appears in any leaks.
Q: What should I do if I suspect my phone number has been compromised?
A: Take immediate steps to secure your accounts, change passwords, and consider reporting any unusual activity to law enforcement.
Q: Are there preventative measures to keep my phone number safe?
A: Yes! Avoid sharing your phone number publicly, use privacy settings on social media, and beware of scams requesting personal information.
In conclusion, a phone number found on dark web places individuals at significant risk, making it critical to stay informed and proactive about online security.
