What is the dark web?
You may have heard about it on news reports or in a movie plot, but what is the dark web? The dark web is a hidden network of websites – like an online shopping mall for illicit information. It requires special tools to access it – Google, Bing, Safari and Firefox won’t get you there. Criminals use the dark web to mask their identities and their IP addresses when the buy and sell stolen private information such as:
- Social security numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Banking information
- Log in information to financial sites such as PayPal or payroll processors
- S. Passports
- Diplomas
- Medical records
- Driver license numbers
Much of this information can be and is used to perpetuate the problem of stolen identities or to perpetrate other financial frauds that cost innocent victims a lot of money.
To protect yourself, monitor your accounts and statements regularly to look for irregularities and report immediately any discrepancies. Change passwords frequently and use intricate passwords that are difficult to hack. Check your credit report regularly to look for applications or new accounts that you didn’t initiate. And, of course, you can always sign up with one of the identity protection services that will monitor things for you.
