What If My Personal Information Hits the Dark Web?

Imagine finding out that your personal information is floating around the dark web. It’s a terrifying thought, like leaving your front door wide open for anyone to walk in. 

But before you let panic take over, take a deep breath!

 While the situation is serious, there are clear, actionable steps you can take to protect yourself and minimize the damage.

Let's walk through some proactive steps to do right now to secure your information and regain control.

 if your personal info hits the dark web you should

monitor your financial statements closely

One of the first steps to take when you suspect your personal information has been compromised is to monitor your financial statements meticulously. This includes checking your bank accounts, credit card statements, and any other financial transactions. Look for any unauthorized charges or unfamiliar transactions.

Regular monitoring of your financial accounts can help you spot fraudulent activity early, potentially saving you from significant financial loss. Set up alerts with your bank to notify you of large transactions or changes to your account. This added layer of vigilance can be a crucial defense against fraud.

If you do notice any suspicious activity, contact your financial institution immediately. They can help you secure your accounts and guide you on the next steps to take. 

change all your passwords

Changing your passwords is an essential immediate step to protect your online accounts. Start with the accounts that contain the most sensitive information, such as your email, banking, and social media accounts. Use strong, unique passwords for each account to enhance security.

By updating your passwords promptly, you make it significantly harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts. Regularly changing your passwords, even if you haven’t experienced a breach, is a good cybersecurity practice.

enable two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security beyond just a password. It requires a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, before granting access to your account. 

Setting up 2FA is typically straightforward and can be done through the security settings of your online accounts. Many services offer options to receive codes via text message, email, or through an authenticator app.

By requiring two forms of identification, 2FA acts as a powerful deterrent to hackers who may have obtained your password but lack the second verification method. It's a simple yet effective way to enhance your online security.

freeze your credit

 A credit freeze restricts access to your credit report, making it difficult for fraudsters to secure loans or credit cards using your information.

While a credit freeze won’t prevent existing accounts from being accessed, it’s a proactive step to protect your financial identity. It’s wise to keep track of when and where your credit is frozen and ensure you’re aware of the process to unfreeze it when needed.

report it to law enforcement

In cases of identity theft or significant financial fraud, it's crucial to report the crime to law enforcement. Filing a report can help you document the incident and may be required by financial institutions or credit bureaus as part of their investigation process.

Start by contacting your local police department to file a report. You should also consider reporting the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through their online Identity Theft Reporting website. The FTC can provide you with valuable resources and a recovery plan tailored to your situation.

Having an official record of the theft can be beneficial in resolving disputes with creditors and restoring your financial standing. It also contributes to broader efforts to combat cybercrime and protect others from similar attacks.

check for other breached accounts

Once you’re aware that your personal information is on the dark web, it's critical to determine which of your accounts might be compromised. Use services like Have I Been Pwned to check if your email addresses or passwords have been involved in known data breaches.

Conducting a thorough review of your accounts can help you identify which ones need immediate attention. Pay special attention to accounts that store sensitive information, such as health records or financial data.

Regular checks for breached accounts should become a routine part of your digital hygiene practices.

notify your service providers

Notifying your service providers about the breach can be an important step in safeguarding your accounts. This includes your email, internet, and phone service providers, as well as any financial institutions or online platforms you use.

Inform them of the situation and ask about steps they can take to enhance the security of your accounts. Many providers have protocols in place to support customers facing identity theft or data breaches.

By reaching out to your service providers, you can gain access to additional security resources and assistance to minimize the repercussions of the data breach on both your personal and financial security.

 I've learned that service providers often take proactive steps to protect customer information, but there have been cases where they notify customers after their data has been found on the dark web. Don't wait to be informed—take action to protect your information before it becomes a problem. 

stay informed and vigilant

Now that you have your marching orders, continue to stay informed and vigilant to safeguard your personal information. Additional things you can do to stay secure include: 

• Educating yourself on common scams: Learn the common scams like online shopping scams, phishing scams, package delivery scams and more so you know how to avoid them.

• Regularly update your security software: Regular updates ensure that your antivirus and anti-malware programs are equipped to handle the latest threats. Set your software to update automatically, and conduct regular scans of your devices to detect and remove any malware. 

Remember, being informed and proactive is your best defense against cybercrime. Protect yourself and your data with these practical steps and stay a step ahead of threats lurking on the dark web.

Have More Questions?

You can also always read more about Account Security and Identity Theft on the Skyla website. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact our customer service representatives by email, or give us a call at 704.375.0183.