The dark web is the "hidden" part of the internet. Due to its anonymity, it's home to plenty of shady and illegal activities, including identity theft.
So, what if you found out that someone is sharing or even selling your personal information on the dark web?
This article will guide people who find themselves in this situation by outlining the next steps you should take and tips for preventing something similar in the future.
How this might've happened
There are many ways in which your information could've been leaked and ended up on the dark web. Data breaches are prevalent among large companies. If you share your information with some of these companies, hackers can access your data by breaching their networks.
Unprotected public WiFi is another common factor. Connecting to these networks with little to no password protection or encryption is very risky. Hackers can easily see what you're doing and collect sensitive information.
Visiting unencrypted websites allows hackers to launch man-in-the-middle attacks. These attacks enable them to see any input you enter on these sites.
Data compromise can also happen offline. Someone might've found a statement containing your name and address or even more valuable information.
What to do next
Unfortunately, there's no way to remove your information from the dark web once it's already there. However, there are things you can do to prevent malicious actors from posing a personal threat to you. Time is critical in these events, and the quicker you react, the lesser the chance of more severe consequences.
Your actions will mainly depend on what kind of information was stolen. Stolen credit card information means you'll have to contact your bank to block the card and issue a new one. Many banks now offer online solutions for that so that you can freeze the compromised card immediately.
Stolen social security numbers are also common on the dark web. If that's the case, contact the Social Security Administration and notify them about your situation.
Other IDs like driver's licenses and passports are often sold on the dark web. Freeze your stolen passport by reporting it to the U.S. State Department or an equivalent institution if you're not from the U.S.
Preventing it from happening again
Once you address the imminent threat, you have to take steps to ensure it never happens again.
Change all passwords
One of the main ways hackers can access your sensitive information is through your online accounts. Email accounts are particularly vulnerable, as hackers can use them to access all accounts associated with that email address.
These accounts contain valuable personal information, so you should be careful what you share and how you protect the information that you share.
Protect your email account and other accounts with strong passwords. Change the passwords periodically to bolster their security even further. You can use a password manager to make this process as easy as possible.
Scan for malware
Through phishing emails and other tactics, hackers can prompt you to install malware and use it to obtain sensitive information stored on your devices. Regularly scan your devices to ensure there's no malware or other harmful files. Always keep your firewall on to ensure safe browsing. Firewalls can stop you from entering malicious websites that want to steal your information.
Avoid public WiFi
You might think your local coffee shop is generous for offering free WiFi but think twice before using it. Unless necessary, avoid connecting to public networks. Even if they have a password, it's often easy to guess, and hackers might've already gained access.
A VPN may come in handy when dealing with public networks, as it encrypts the internet traffic, preventing hackers from intercepting it.
Take good care of your personal documents
The internet isn't the only place where your information can be stolen. In fact, many of the documents posted on the dark web are pictures of physically stolen or found documents. When you go outside, avoid bringing sensitive documents unless it's necessary. Keep your IDs well hidden inside your wallet or purse.
Final thoughts
Having your personal information on the dark web for everyone to see is a scary experience. Depending on the stolen information, there are different actions to take following the incident. The quicker you react, the less chance for malicious actors to take advantage of your information. Use strong passwords for all your online accounts, particularly email, to prevent future attacks.
