At this point almost everyone has heard about the dark Web and its seedy underbelly. From identity theft and even less savory topics, this is a place online that is hidden from public eye and full of crime. It’s time to separate some fact from fiction so that you understand the potential harm the dark Web poses to you and your financial security.
1) Your Identity is Cheap
Buying someone’s personal information costs much less than you think. A whole identity package, which includes bank information, Social Security numbers, social media accounts and so on, costs $1,200 or less. That’s all someone needs to pay to completely assume your identity.
It’s even less if they only want credit card numbers, which can range from $20 to $100 depending on the card’s limit and other parameters.
Hackers and those with malicious intent often sell identities to multiple people, so expect a dozen or so to buy this before the package goes down. As a commodity, identities are cheap and easy to buy.
2) Everything is a Risk
You can do everything right. You can cover your card numbers and PIN when you’re at an ATM, never give out your personal information openly, refuse to discuss personal details online and everything else. Even if you do everything right, you are still at risk.
Let’s say a supermarket, doctor’s office or bank that you frequent is hacked. All your personal information stored within their databases belongs to the hacker.
The business will suffer from bad publicity and lawsuits from victims, but you’re the one suffering from identity theft. Since identities tend to only be viable for a short time as a product, they are sold quickly and to the highest bidders. The problems will be over quickly for the hacked business, but you’ll be dealing with the issues for years.
3) Identity Theft Probability
What do you think is more probable, having your car or identity stolen? It might seem like having your car stolen is more probable, but identity theft is on the rise. It’s easy to do, plus hackers can steal your information without ever showing themselves or leaving a digital footprint. Not only that, but identities are much easier to transport and sell.
Another problem is that victims often contribute to the theft. By sharing information online, even seemingly innocuous information, or using public Internet connections, you make it easier for hackers to steal your identity. Checking your credit report can help, but you should use the best tools available.
That’s why you need services like dark Web monitoring from TruthFinder to ensure that you are safe and that your identity isn’t for sale.
4) Targeting Children
Hackers are not above targeting children for identity theft. In fact, they are the preferred target for many reasons. These identities can be used for many years before the damage is noticed. Adults will regularly have their credit scores checked for credit cards, jobs, buying homes or cars and so on.
Children usually don’t face the same scrutiny until they apply for their first job, meaning that hackers have a long time to get money and cover their tracks.
Be cautious about giving out your children’s personal identity, and consider monitoring their information as well to ensure that they don’t face identity theft.
Conclusion
Identity theft is scary because it can haunt you for many years, but what’s even scarier is that your identity is so cheap and easy to access through the dark Web.
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Consider getting dark Web monitoring to ensure that you never have to face these issues. You will be alerted whenever red flags pop up so that you can proceed quickly and appropriately to keep yourself safe.
