Cybercriminals regularly share and sell personal information gathered in data breaches online. When your stolen information ends up on the dark web, it can be used to commit various types of identity theft and fraud.
Monitoring services can alert you if your social security number, credit card, or bank account data appears online. However, they can’t stop hackers from using this data.
Identity Theft Prevention
Suppose someone’s home address, phone number, or email address is leaked online. In that case, cybercriminals can use it to access passwords, bank account information, credit card numbers, and more that could be used for identity theft. Additionally, criminals can hack devices like computers and phones and infect them with malware to monitor activity and steal data.
Businesses can use dark web monitoring tools to stay on top of leaked personal information and prevent identity theft. But the key is choosing the right solution for their business—one that aligns with their budget and expertise level. It’s also important to consider how the solution works. For example, some solutions may generate false positives, alerting them to a threat that’s not real. Others may also generate false negatives, missing critical threats altogether.
If your data is discovered on the dark web, take action immediately. For example, contact your bank to file a fraud report if your credit card number is exposed. Additionally, you can place a security freeze on your credit report so no new accounts can be opened in your name. It’s also important to review your bank statements regularly and check with your credit card companies to ensure no fraudulent transactions happen. In addition to these steps, you should also file a complaint with your government agency to help prevent future identity theft and other crimes.
Credit Card Fraud Prevention
When a data breach occurs, stolen information may be put up for sale in forums where anyone with access to the dark and deep web can easily access it. The information can then be used to steal identities and commit other crimes. Dark web monitoring software can detect if your personal information is available on these networks and alert you so that you can take the appropriate steps to reduce your risk of fraud.
Depending on the information breached, you might need to change your passwords, activate two-factor authentication, or freeze your credit reports. It is also important to regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized or unknown activity.
For businesses, a dark web monitoring solution can be used to search for any leaked credentials or data. This can include intellectual property, trade secrets, and other confidential information. In addition to detecting if this information is being sold, the solution can monitor any discussion or activity that might indicate cybercriminals are targeting the business or has already been compromised.
While a data breach is not inevitable, companies can help mitigate their risks through the use of these solutions and by implementing best practices that help their employees spot suspicious activities. These include educating and training staff to spot phishing scams, conducting routine tabletop exercises and red vs. blue teaming, and encouraging security awareness programs.
Bank Account Fraud Prevention
When cybercriminals gain access to companies’ servers and databases, they often sell the data they find on the dark web. Using a dark web monitoring solution like IDStrong can prevent this by alerting you when your email or passwords are found on the dark web and prompting you to change them immediately. This can help prevent hackers from stealing your information to open credit cards and bank accounts in your name.
Having your information on the dark web is more than just embarrassing. Criminals can use your data to make unauthorized purchases, impersonate you, and even get medical treatments that you aren’t responsible for paying for. It would help if you considered using a dark web monitoring solution as a part of your overall identity protection strategy, checking your credit report regularly, and locking your credit report after any significant changes.
There are many different dark web monitoring solutions to choose from, but not all of them are created equal. It’s important to choose a solution that aligns with the nature of your business, the data you handle, and your budget. Some solutions are complex and require a team of cybersecurity experts to implement, while others offer more user-friendly approaches for smaller businesses.
Social Security Fraud Prevention
When data breaches occur, stolen information is often posted on forums in the dark web. Monitoring these forums is an essential component of dark web monitoring. Criminals can use stolen information from the dark web to commit crimes like identity theft, credit card fraud, and bank account hacking.
Stolen personal information can include your Social Security number, driver’s license, or passport number. These can open new credit accounts or take out loans in your name. In addition, they can also be used to commit insurance fraud, skew medical records, and steal medical treatments.
Your email address is another type of personal information that can be found on the dark web. Hackers can use this information to blackmail you into paying a ransom. Dark web monitoring services can detect when your email address is leaked online and can help prevent these threats from occurring.
While monitoring the dark web might sound like an undertaking worthy of a sci-fi movie, it is vital to keeping sensitive information safe. While it might not involve capes or superhero powers, it does require a well-established strategy and the right technology. Selecting the solution that fits your company’s budget and expertise level is important while ensuring it is properly implemented to reduce risks. Moreover, training staff on how to recognize and respond to potential risks is critical.
