In today’s hyper-connected world, the internet knows more about you than you might think. From your social media activity to your shopping habits, and even your sensitive financial data, a wealth of information about you is scattered across the digital landscape. Worse still, some of this information may have found its way onto the dark web—a hidden part of the internet where cybercriminals buy, sell, and trade stolen personal data.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what the internet knows about you, how your data ends up on the dark web, and, most importantly, how you can remove it.
What Does the Internet Know About You?
1. Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
• Full name
• Date of birth
• Email addresses
• Phone numbers
• Social Security Number (SSN) or equivalent
• Physical address
Sources:
Social media profiles, online shopping accounts, government databases, and subscription services.
2. Financial Information
• Credit/debit card numbers
• Bank account details
• Transaction history
Sources:
E-commerce sites, data breaches, phishing scams, and online banking apps.
3. Health Data
• Medical records
• Prescription history
• Insurance details
Sources:
Healthcare providers, online health portals, and wearable devices.
4. Browsing and Behavioral Data
• Search history
• Websites visited
• Social media interactions
• Location history
Sources:
Web browsers, social media platforms, cookies, and mobile apps.
How Your Data Ends Up on the Dark Web
Your data can end up on the dark web through various channels:
• Data Breaches: Hackers infiltrate databases of companies and organizations, stealing massive amounts of user information.
• Phishing Scams: Cybercriminals trick you into providing personal information via fake emails, messages, or websites.
• Malware and Keyloggers: Malicious software installed on your devices can record your keystrokes and steal sensitive data.
• Public Wi-Fi Networks: Unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose your online activities to hackers.
How to Check if Your Information Is on the Dark Web
1. Use a Dark Web Monitoring Service:
Services like Have I Been Pwned, Identity Guard, or Norton 360 can help you check if your data has been compromised.
2. Monitor Your Financial Accounts:
Regularly review your bank statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions.
3. Set Up Google Alerts:
Create alerts for your name, email address, or phone number to be notified when they appear online.
Steps to Remove Your Information from the Dark Web
1. Change Your Passwords
• Use complex, unique passwords for each account.
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
2. Freeze Your Credit
• Contact major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) to freeze your credit and prevent identity theft.
3. Remove Personal Information from Data Brokers
Data brokers collect and sell your information to third parties. Use services like DeleteMe, PrivacyDuck, or Incogni to remove your data from these platforms.
4. Secure Your Devices
• Install antivirus software and keep it updated.
• Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic.
• Regularly update your operating system and apps to patch security vulnerabilities.
5. Monitor and Secure Your Online Accounts
• Review your social media privacy settings and limit the information shared publicly.
• Deactivate or delete unused online accounts.
6. Enable Dark Web Monitoring
Consider subscribing to a dark web monitoring service to receive alerts if your data appears on the dark web in the future.
What to Do if Your Information Has Been Compromised
If you discover that your information is on the dark web:
1. Alert Your Bank: Report any unauthorized transactions and request new cards.
2. File a Police Report: For cases of identity theft, file a report with your local police and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
3. Monitor Your Identity: Use identity theft protection services to monitor any suspicious activity.
4. Inform Your Contacts: Warn your contacts if your email or social media accounts have been compromised.
Staying Safe Online: Best Practices
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords for each of your accounts.
2. Avoid Public Wi-Fi or use a VPN when accessing sensitive information.
3. Be Wary of Phishing Emails and never click on suspicious links.
4. Limit the Information you share on social media and other platforms.
Conclusion
While the internet can be a convenient tool, it also poses significant risks to your privacy. By understanding what information is available about you online and taking proactive steps to protect and remove it, you can reduce your vulnerability to cyberattacks and identity theft.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take control of your digital footprint.
