The internet can be broken down into three layers – surface, deep and dark – so what exactly, is the DARK WEB?
The SURFACE WEB contains content that is easily accessible from everyday websites and browsers. The DEEP WEB is home to private and secure portals, like your bank and healthcare accounts. The DARK WEB however, is a series of websites that hide their identities and locations and are not accessible from standard internet browsers. Used for both legal and illegal purposes, the dark web has become infamous for identity theft and similar cybercrimes.
The dark web is used to buy and sell drugs, weapons, pornography, paid assassinations, sex trafficking and your personally identifiable information obtained via data breaches such as credit/debit card data, usernames, passwords, etc. The dark web is the #1 marketplace where stolen identities are bought and traded. If you were the victim of a data breach, your exposed data would likely be sold here.
What To Do If Your Information Is On The Dark Web
If you learn that your information is on the dark web, there are several things you should do immediately to protect your privacy and identity.
Change Your Passwords
For every account with compromised login credentials, you should update your passwords to be strong and unique – It’s strongly recommended that they consist of at least 16 characters and a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Using a password manager which features a built-in password generator creates stronger passwords. It’s also good to choose a Password Manager that also securely stores them in an encrypted digital vault. IDSHIELD provides this service as part of their membership benefits.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
After making the passwords on compromised accounts stronger, you should also enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) where available to add another layer of security to your accounts. MFA requires you to provide an extra form of authentication to access your account beyond your username and password. Some examples include a PIN, a code from an authenticator app, an answer to a security question or your biometric information. It’s important to enable MFA on any accounts that support it because even if your username and password are compromised, a cybercriminal would be unable to log in with your login credentials since they won’t have your MFA.
Scan Your Devices For Malware
Malware is malicious software that can infect your device if you fall for a phishing scam or download free games, apps or movies from third-party sources. Once malware is installed on your device without your knowledge, a cybercriminal can spy on your online activity and steal data from your device. After learning that your information is on the dark web, it’s best to run antivirus software on your devices to determine if malware caused your information to become compromised.
Place A Security Freeze On Your Credit Report
A security freeze, also known as a credit freeze, stops creditors from accessing your credit report, preventing them from approving any new loans or lines of credit in your name. This is a necessary step for you to take if your private information was found on the dark web because a cybercriminal may commit identity theft and fraud while impersonat- ing you. To place a security freeze, you need to contact each of the three credit bureaus separately: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. If you are a member of IDSHIELD our licensed investigators will assist you with this process.
Keep An Eye Out For Suspicious Activity
If your information appears on the dark web, you should stay alert and monitor your online accounts for unusual activity. Some kinds of suspicious activity to watch out for include unusual and frequent login attempts, unfamiliar transactions on your bank statements and Multi-Factor Authorization code requests you didn’t initiate. For example, if you keep receiving emails from an online account with a One-Time Password (OTP) code that you didn’t request, a cybercriminal may be attempting to log in to your account. If you continue to notice suspicious activity occurring in your accounts, it means that a cybercriminal either has access or is trying to gain access to them.
Stay Protected Against Identity Theft & The Dark Web
Although there is no way to remove your information once it appears on the dark web, following the steps above will help keep your accounts and identity protected. Another way to assure your information is protected is by enrolling in an Identity Theft protection plan like IDSHIELD.
IDSHIELD monitors your personally identifiable information online, including the dark web, provides monitoring services for your accounts and other information, provides you with a password manager, sends alerts if your information is found so you so you can act quickly and provides Consultation and Restoration Services through our Licensed Investigators if you do become a victim!
For coverage information or questions on how to make the LegalShield & IDShield Protection available for your employees contact:
LESLIE UDY | LegalShield / IDShield
Executive Director | Group Benefits / Identity Theft Risk Specialist
PHONE (801) 830-3629
EMAIL leslieudy.legalshield@gmail.com
