It’s easy to imagine what you would do if your information was leaked onto the dark web, but it’s a whole other story to be notified that your personal information, especially information you use every day like your phone, has been found on the dark web. That’s why we’re interested in digging into the very scenario Scott wrote us about and that he’s dealing with.
From the credit reporting company: [my] “I found a mobile number on the dark web. What exactly should I do in this case other than freezing my credit and monitoring my credit and bills? Should I change my mobile number to a different one?” — Scott, Santa Fe, New Mexico
As with any privacy or security breach, if you find your mobile number on the dark web, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your personal information and prevent further damage.
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What to do if you find a mobile number on the dark web
Unfortunately, if you find a phone number on the dark web, it may also have other personal information exposed, such as an email address, address, social security number, bank account information, etc. Below are steps you can take if you find a mobile number on the dark web:
1) Change your password: If your information has been exposed on the dark web, especially your mobile number, log in from a secure, virus- and malware-free device and change your passwords immediately. It’s best to create unique, complex passwords that include letters, symbols, and numbers for each of your online accounts. Additionally, Password Manager Generate and store complex passwords.
2) Always monitor all your accounts and credit. Contact the three major credit reporting agencies and put a freeze on your credit. This will prevent anyone, including hackers, from wreaking havoc on your credit. Be sure to report any errors on your credit report to the credit reporting agencies as well. Remember, you can get your annual credit report for free. If you have too many accounts to keep track of regularly, Credit monitoring services It helps by constantly monitoring and alerting you to any changes or issues with your account.
Identity theft companies monitor personal information like social security numbers, phone numbers, and email addresses to alert you if it’s being sold on the dark web or used to open accounts, and they can also help freeze bank and credit card accounts to prevent further fraud by criminals. Check out our tips and best choices for protecting yourself against identity theft.
Man using mobile phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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3) Turn on 2-factor authentication. While enabled Two-factor authentication (2FA) While it adds an extra step to the login process, this is a small price to pay given the strong security it provides. Just as requiring an additional form of identification beyond a password helps prevent unauthorized access, 2FA acts as a strong barrier against potential hackers.
By sending a one-time code to your mobile phone and/or requiring a biometric factor like a fingerprint, 2FA acts as an early warning system, flagging suspicious login attempts – giving you the opportunity to protect your accounts and thwart potential attacks. data violation or Identity TheftIn today’s digital environment where cyber threats are constantly evolving, implementing 2FA is a proactive step to strengthen your online presence and protect your digital assets from malicious actors.
Four) Add SIM swap protection to your phone. A SIM swapping scam is when someone moves your mobile number to a new SIM card and takes over your number. If you want to add SIM swapping protection to your phone, contact your provider to see if they can add this feature.
5) Report identity or account theft: If your personal information has been hacked or stolen, report it to your local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission.
People using mobile phones (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
6) Invest in personal data deletion services: Unfortunately, much of your personal information is scattered across the Internet, where hackers and scammers can access it, harvest it, and sell it. No service promises to delete all of your data from the Internet, but if you want to keep a constant eye on and automate the process of continually deleting information from hundreds of sites over a long period of time, a removal service might be the way to go. Check out our moving service recommendations here.
Man using mobile phone (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
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Unless your mobile phone has been compromised, there is no need to change your phone number. If you do change your phone number, contact your service provider to explain the situation and get assistance with changing your phone number and transferring your contacts. If you change your phone number, also notify all associated accounts, such as financial institutions and anywhere you used your old number as part of a two-factor authentication process, to update your contact information.
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Important points about the cart
In the digital age, where personal information can sometimes slip through the cracks and hide in the shadows, it’s important to remain vigilant and proactive. If your mobile number has been exposed on the dark web, don’t panic – arm yourself with the right tools and knowledge to protect your digital life. Changing your phone number may be a necessary fresh start, but it’s not necessarily necessary unless you’re facing a direct threat or ongoing problems.
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