Originally Posted On: https://www.iquanti.com/
The dark web is a section of the World Wide Web that is not accessible through normal search engines. It’s often associated with illegal activities such as selling drugs and weapons, but it can also be used for legitimate purposes such as protecting whistleblowers and journalists from government surveillance.
For many, their information may end up on the dark web as a result of phishing. Phishing emails, in particular, are a common vehicle for malicious attacks—so be sure to understand what a phishing email is and how to remain vigilant. While information cannot be removed from the dark web once it is there, there are steps you can take to better protect your information and prevent further compromise.
<h2> Freeze Your Credit
One of the first things you should do if you find your information on the dark web is to freeze your credit.
This may prevent criminals from opening new accounts in your name.
To freeze your credit, contact each of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion—and request a freeze. There may be an option to do this online.
You might have to pay a small fee, but keeping your information safe is worth it.
<h2> Reset Your Passwords
If your passwords are on the dark web, it’s time to change them.
Resetting your passwords may be a pain, but protecting your accounts is necessary.
When creating new passwords, make sure they are complex and unique. Avoid using easily guessed words like “password” or your birthdate.
Remember to use a different password for all of your accounts. That way, if one password is compromised, you may be able to maintain more online safety.
<h2> Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an extra layer of security that requires you to confirm your identity in multiple ways when logging into an account.
For example, in addition to entering your password, you may also need to enter a code sent to your phone or generated by an app on your device.
MFA may make it more difficult for criminals to access your accounts even if they have your password, so it’s a good idea to enable it on all of your online accounts if possible.
<h2> What is the Dark Web
The dark web is a section of the internet beneath the surface.
It doesn’t show up in regular search engine results, and its content isn’t accessible with your everyday internet browser.
To access it, one may need specific anonymization software, making it challenging to discover and monitor what’s happening in this hidden area of the web.
The dark web scrambles the user’s IP address to protect user anonymity and keep websites from remaining blocked or taken down.
Content on the dark web may include illegal activities such as drug sales, fraud services, and even human trafficking.
<h2> How Do Cybercriminals Leverage the Dark Web?
Cybercriminals may leverage the dark web in several ways.
They may buy and sell stolen data, like credit card numbers or login credentials. They may also use the dark web to host phishing campaigns or distribute malware.
And, because the dark web is anonymous, it’s often considered a haven for criminals to coordinate their activities without fear of being caught.
<h2> Final Thoughts
Protecting your identity by freezing your credit, enabling MFA, and resetting your passwords are often perfectly sensible reactions to finding out your sensitive details are on the dark web.
Maintaining proper cybersecurity hygiene may help you maintain security over your accounts and remove any unwanted surprises along the way.
