Oct 24, 2024
In today's age, keeping your information safe is next to impossible. Even if you do everything right, there are many companies out there who have your details on file — so you're always just one data breach away from a security disaster.
There's no clearer example of this than the April 2024 data breach at National Public Data — a public records provider for background checks. The breach compromised the information of as many as 2.9 billion people.
Advertisement
With data leaks like this happening, it shouldn’t be a surprise if your credit card company alerts you that your details are on the dark web — the unindexed part of the internet where illegal activities take place.
While it's common for information to be compromised, that doesn't mean you shouldn't take action to protect yourself. Here's how.
How worried should you be if your data is on the dark web?
Finding out that your information has been compromised doesn’t sit well. However, it's not necessarily a cause for panic as just about everyone who does business has had their details posted on the dark web.
In 2015, Jay Jacobs, an analyst working on data breach reporting for Verizon, estimated that as many as 60% to 80% of all Social Security numbers in the U.S. had been compromised. That was before massive breaches like the Equifax data leak in 2017, which resulted in 147 million people having their information stolen.
However, having your information on the dark web does not necessarily mean your identity will be stolen. It just means that you're at a greater risk of it happening, and you should follow the best practices to avoid identity theft.
Must Read
- Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake — here’s what it is and the simple steps to fix it ASAP
- Robert Kiyosaki begs investors not to miss this ‘explosion’ — says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year
- Vanguard reveals what could be coming for U.S. stocks, and it’s raising alarm bells for retirees. Here’s why and how to protect yourself
Join 250,000+ readers and get Moneywise’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
What should you do to avoid identity theft?
The good news is that there are many ways to ensure your data can't be misused, even if hackers can find it on the dark web.
You should always ensure that you:
Advertisement
Use secure passwords that are hard for people to guess Turn on two-factor authentication when possible so you can't sign into accounts without inputting your password and a code sent to your phone or email Check your credit regularly at AnnualCreditReport.com to watch for unfamiliar accounts or inquiries you don't recognize Or consider freezing your credit, which would mean no one can open an account in your name since your credit can't be checked until you unfreeze it
These steps can be a hassle, but much less a burden than dealing with identity theft. If you notice suspicious activity, you can report it to the credit reporting agencies and take swift action by locking down your accounts.
There are also services available that monitor your credit for you, but in most cases, paying for them is unnecessary as you can do the monitoring yourself.
While you should also be careful about which companies you give your personal details to, the reality is that it's often large, reputable businesses that are victimized by data breaches — and these are businesses that you can't avoid, like Equifax and National Public Data.
Your best bet is to implement the tips above and hope that criminals are so overwhelmed with all the Social Security numbers on the dark web that they never make yours their target.
You May Also Like
- Turning 50 with $0 saved for retirement? Most people don’t realize they’re actually just entering their prime earning decade. Here are 6 ways to catch up fast
- This 20-year-old lotto winner refused $1M in cash and chose $1,000/week for life. Now she’s getting slammed for it. Which option would you pick?
- Warren Buffett used these 8 repeatable money rules to turn $9,800 into a $150B fortune. Start using them today to get rich (and stay rich)
- Here are 5 easy ways to own multiple properties like Bezos and Beyoncé. You can start with $10 (and no, you don’t have to manage a single thing)
Christy Bieber has 15 years of experience as a personal finance and legal writer. She has written for many publications including Forbes, Kilplinger, CNN, WSJ, Credit Karma, Insurify and more.
