Best Solutions for Dark Web-Compromised Personal Data

Knowing and using possible solutions if someone's data has been compromised on the dark web is a godsend, as cybercriminals can use the data for various criminal activities. Sources suggest signing up for security services. Vigilance is one of the best solutions for troubling situations.

But first, there are clear, though occasionally missed, indicators that someone's data has been hacked and is now accessible on the dark web. These consist of strange transactions made on their credit cards, unexpected emails, texts, and phone calls, bank account lockouts, strange health insurance claims, and unauthorized login or password resets and changes.

Should people find themselves in the troubling position of seeing their data on the dark web, there are reportedly several preventive solutions they can do to avoid further danger. An identity theft monitoring program lets users stay on top of their data.

Preventive Measures on Compromise Data

For example, Chase Credit Journey and Capital One's CreditWise provide free dark web monitoring. Experian, a credit bureau, does as well. However, many commercial providers include advanced monitoring and restoration services and digital security capabilities, which are not available with these free services.

Users can freeze their credit, preventing someone from obtaining credit in their name for loans, credit cards, or other accounts. However, until they unfreeze their credit, they are also prohibited from starting a new account.

Of course, users can also change their passwords regularly to prevent unauthorized breaches. A recent report states that experts suggest passwords should be at least 16 characters long so that hackers cannot guess a user's security code.

Users are also asked to review their bank statements every month, so it can help them keep an eye on potential red flags. It is best to look for any charges users don't recognize or deposits that haven't come from sources they know.

Cyberattacks on Darkweb-Compromised Data

The presence of a user's personal information, such as email address, phone number, or name, on the dark web increases the risk of identity theft, cyberattacks, and online fraud. Cybercriminals will find it easier to create a convincing scam if they have access to some personal information about a victim than if they are contacting an unknown individual.

Identity thieves typically discover passwords and login credentials on the dark web. Many dark websites contain lists of usernames, emails, and passwords that match different websites.

According to Andrew Wolfe, director of Loyola University New Orleans' cybersecurity school, cybercriminals use these for credential stuffing, which is trying your password on several websites.