Dark Web Social Security Numbers: What You Need to Know

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, such as social security numbers (SSNs). In this article, we will explore what dark web social security numbers are, how they are obtained, and what you can do to protect yourself.

In other words, your information is held by another party (like a law firm!) and the firm suffers the breach. Since the pandemic, ransomware attacks have significantly increased. Many ransomware attackers exfiltrate the target’s data first and then take various steps to entice the target to pay the ransom.

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What are Dark Web Social Security Numbers?

Dark web social security numbers are SSNs that have been stolen and are being sold on the dark web. Criminals can obtain SSNs through data breaches, phishing scams, and other forms of cybercrime. Once they have obtained a SSN, they can sell it on the dark web to other criminals who may use it for identity theft, fraud, or other illegal activities.

How Are Stolen Social Security Numbers Used?

How are Dark Web Social Security Numbers Obtained?

If you become the victim of identity theft, consult helpful resources like Link Identity Theft government site In response to the UC Accellion Data Breach, many of you signed up for the Experian IndentityWorks credit monitoring service. As a result, you might have received notifications from Experian that your information (social security number, credit card numbers, email address, etc.) was found on the dark web. The dark web is where sites illegally sell consumer data and other black market goods – don’t go there. Though you should make security a regular part of your online routine, it’s especially important after your information is exposed. Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication and monitor your credit reports.

How Dark Web Monitoring Can Help Protect Your Identity

Criminals can obtain SSNs through a variety of methods. Some of the most common ways include:

Similarly, the longer an ID thief uses your information, the harder it is to undo the damage. According to Allstate, it can take anywhere from 100 to 200 hours over six months to reverse identity theft. However, getting those questions to populate — and therefore the partial SSN — only took a name and current or former address.

• Data breaches: Hackers can gain access to large databases containing personal information, including SSNs, through data breaches. These breaches can occur at companies, government agencies, and other organizations that store personal information.
• Phishing scams: Criminals can use phishing scams to trick individuals into providing their SSN. This can be done through emails, text messages, or phone calls that appear to be from a trusted source.
• Malware: Criminals can use malware to infect computers and steal personal information, including SSNs.
• Skimming: Criminals can use skimming devices to steal credit and debit card information, as well as SSNs, from ATMs and other machines.

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How Can You Protect Yourself from Dark Web Social Security Number Theft?

While it is not possible to completely protect yourself from dark web social security number theft, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. Some of the most effective ways to protect yourself include:

• Using strong, unique passwords: Using strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts can help prevent hackers from gaining access to your personal information.
• Monitoring your credit reports: Regularly monitoring your credit reports can help you detect any suspicious activity and take action to protect yourself.
• Being cautious with your personal information: Be wary of providing your SSN or other personal information to anyone, especially online or over the phone.

The report also shows the hackers got ahold of a high schooler’s medical records and information regarding why sever students were expelled. At Elevity, we leverage the latest cybersecurity technology and use a step-by-step plan to mitigate and respond to risks. Let us help your organization take the necessary steps to secure your systems. It’s a lot easier and less stressful to not have your data stolen in the first place.

• Using a reputable identity theft protection service: Identity theft protection services can monitor your personal information and alert you to any suspicious activity.

FAQs

• Dark web sites are anonymously hosted websites accessible only through special software — commonly “TOR” (The Onion Router).
• While consumers should take the protective measures mentioned below, they shouldn’t panic.
• Social Security number identity theft occurs when someone gains unauthorized access to your SSN.
• You shouldn’t have to check if your identity has been compromised before protecting yourself.

What is the dark web? 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, such as social security numbers.

How are dark web social security numbers obtained? Criminals can obtain SSNs through data breaches, phishing scams, malware, skimming, and other forms of cybercrime.

Not everyone who uses the dark web is a cybercriminal, hacker, or identity thief, nor is it illegal to access the dark web. Also known as the “invisible web” and the “hidden web,” the deep web consists of all the online pages that aren’t indexed by search engines (for example, password-protected pages). The dark web can be used for legitimate activities, such as communicating privately. However, because it offers complete anonymity, the dark web is often used for illegal or malicious online activities, such as drug trafficking, fraud, and money laundering.

How can you protect yourself from dark web social security number theft? Using strong, unique passwords, monitoring your credit reports, being cautious with your personal information, and using a reputable identity theft protection service can help reduce your risk of dark web social security number theft.

What should you do if you suspect your SSN has been stolen? If you suspect your SSN has been stolen, you should contact the Social Security Administration, place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and consider filing a police report. You may also want to consider placing a credit freeze on your accounts to prevent further damage.