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Understanding the Risks of a Phone Number Found on Dark Web
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. After discovering a compromise of your email in data breaches and similar incidents, it becomes crucial to secure your accounts.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It’s often associated with illegal activities and the distribution of sensitive information. If your phone number found on dark web, it may lead to various security concerns.
- Therefore, dark web monitoring is a critical first step to controlling your data privacy and limiting any subsequent damage.
- The security of Tor hidden services has come under scrutiny since a massive law enforcement purge took dozens of dark web sites offline, including a reincarnation of the Silk Road, in late 2014.
- Regularly check your accounts for any unusual activity, such as unexpected charges or unfamiliar accounts.
- But centres of illicit commerce remain on the dark web, and new ones spring up all the time.
It could be a “phishing” email, designed to trick you into disclosing sensitive information to scammers. We live in a digital age, where our personal information is at risk of being exposed and misused without us even knowing. With the rise of cybercrime and data breaches, having your phone number on the dark web can put you at an incredibly high risk of identity theft. Found your phone number or Dark web and even sensitive information like contact, address, SSN, or bank accounts? In this post, we’ll show you how to prevent your personal information from being misused while better protecting your online security and privacy. Plus, changing your number may not prevent identity theft or spam in the future, especially if the real issue is a data breach or compromised online account.
That means it’s time to review your most important accounts and change their security questions. While you’re at it, turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on all your services. I have been informed by Credit Monitoring that my Phone Number has shown up on the Dark Web.
Hackers, when sharing stolen data on the dark web, will sometimes provide the name of the company or website where the information was breached from. If possible, enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to protect your accounts from thieves. MFA requires you to log in to services using your password and one or more additional verification methods. For example, two-factor authentication (2FA) may require a password and a one-time code sent in a text message to log in.
Norton™ 360 with LifeLock™ features built-in Dark Web Monitoring§ that carefully scans even the deepest parts of the dark web and notifies you if your information is found. Fortunately, you can find out if your information is on the dark web and keep tabs on your sensitive information with extensive dark web monitoring, offered through McAfee’s Identity Protection services. This approach will stop anyone else from opening new accounts in your name. This is because lenders won’t be able to access your frozen credit report to make lending decisions.
This type of attack is known as smishing (short for “SMS phishing”) and occurs when a scammer tries to scam you through SMS. Once locked, tap “Change SIM PIN” to change your PIN to a unique code for an added layer of protection. If you don’t know your provider’s default PIN, don’t try to guess it. Check your provider’s customer service page or review the documents that came with your wireless plan. Most major carriers also offer spam and scam call blocking tools to reduce the amount of scam calls that you receive.
How Phone Numbers End Up on the Dark Web
Several methods contribute to phone numbers found on dark web:
- Data Breaches: Companies may suffer data breaches where user data, including phone numbers, is leaked.
- Phishing Scams: Victims may unknowingly provide their information to malicious entities.
- Public Records: Some phone numbers may be erroneously posted in public records, making them easily accessible.
When a significant data breach occurs, the stolen information often finds its way onto the Dark Web, where cybercriminals trade and sell it to the highest bidder. Dark Web Monitoring actively seeks out signs of data breaches so you can take swift action to help secure your accounts and prevent your personal information from being exploited. You should also pay attention to your credit cards and bank account statements. If there is any unauthorized charges and withdrawals, you should immediately contact the business provider or bank and report your being a victim of identity theft.
Some of their clients include PwC – PricewaterhouseCoopers, eBay, and the Global Cyber Alliance. Dashlane offers 3 different plan tiers to meet your specific security needs. These selectors allow Intelligence X to gather open-source intelligence from places like the darknet, document sharing data, whois data, public data leaks, and more.
Potential Consequences of Phone Numbers Being Available on the Dark Web
Having your phone number found on dark web can lead to serious implications:
- Increased Spam Calls: Unsolicited marketing calls may become more frequent.
- Identity Theft: Criminals can utilize your phone number to access accounts or impersonate you.
- Scams and Fraud: Scammers may exploit your number to initiate fraudulent activities.
Taking Action: What to Do If Your Phone Number Is Found on the Dark Web
It’s crucial to take action if you discover that your phone number found on dark web:
- Monitor Your Accounts: Regularly check account statements for any suspicious activity.
- Install Security Software: Use reputable security applications to safeguard your devices.
- Change Passwords: Regularly update passwords, especially for sensitive accounts.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Strengthen account security by using two-factor authentication where possible.
What To Do If A Scammer Has Your Phone Number (in
FAQs about Phone Numbers on the Dark Web
1. How can I find out if my phone number is on the dark web?
There are several services that offer dark web monitoring. They can alert you if your phone number is detected on illicit sites.
2. What should I do immediately if I find my phone number on the dark web?
Immediately strengthen your security measures, such as changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication. Notify your bank or service providers if you suspect identity theft.
3. Is it possible to remove my phone number from the dark web?
While it may be challenging to remove your information once it’s spread, you can improve your online privacy moving forward and monitor for any unauthorized usage.
4. Can I prevent my phone number from appearing on the dark web?
Staying vigilant about sharing personal information online, utilizing privacy settings, and being aware of phishing attempts can help mitigate risks.
Conclusion
Understanding the implications of having your phone number found on dark web is essential in today’s digital landscape. By taking proactive steps and staying informed, individuals can better protect themselves from potential threats associated with exposure on the dark web.
