It’s difficult to imagine what life was like before the internet. We log in daily to pay bills, shop, watch movies, and check out what friends and family are up to onsocial media. While the internet has made life easier, we may not consider how our online activities can make personal information — such as ourSocial Security numbers(SSNs) orbank accountandcredit card numbers— vulnerable tocybercriminalson thedark web.
Fortunately, you can find out if your information is on thedark weband keep tabs on yoursensitive informationwith extensivedark web monitoring, offered through McAfee’sIdentity Protection services.
This article explains what thedark webis, how to find out if personal details have reached thedark web, and how to protect yoursensitive information.
What is thedark web?
Unlike thesurface webwe use for things like shopping andonline banking, thedark webispart of the internetthat’s not indexed bysearch engines. It can only be accessed with specialweb browsers. A few widely known networks includeTor, I2P, and Riffle.
Cybercriminalscan browse, sell, or trade ondark websiteswith confidence and complete anonymity. Because of its highly layered encryption system,hackerscan communicate without giving away their location,IP address, or identity.
How does data end up on thedark web?
Data can end up on thedark webin several ways, including throughdata breaches, using public Wi-Fi, visiting a nonsecure website, and leaving an offline paper trail.
A cybercriminalmay hack into company databases and takepersonal data, such asemail accountaddresses, passwords, andphone numbers. And while we all love to work at our favorite coffee shop, using an unsecured Wi-Fi network can leave our personal information in public view.
That’s why using a virtual private network (VPN) likeMcAfee SecureVPN, which comes with bank-grade encryption to scramble your data, can be a good idea. You’ll also only want to visit encryptedwebpageswhen browsing online — keep an eye out for URLs beginning with HTTPS rather than HTTP. The “S” means added security for you. Lastly, shred paper containing your personal information or lock it away until you can.
How to find out if your information is on thedark web
With identity monitoring through McAfee Identity Protection, you’ll receivenotificationsif we find your personal information on thedark web. Our extensivemonitoring servicekeeps tabs on up to 60 unique types of personal data and can notify you up to 10 months sooner than similar services. Plus, you get peace of mind with up to $1 million of ID theft coverage and hands-on restoration support to help reclaim your identity afteridentity theft.
Can you remove your information from thedark web?
While you can’t remove your information once it’s on thedark web, there are plenty of steps you can take to help protect yourself and prevent your data from falling into thewrong hands. You can:
- Notify thecredit bureaus:The three majorcredit bureaus(Experian,Equifax, andTransUnion) offer options to prevent fraudulent credit requests. If you’re looking to protect your credit data, request an option liketwo-factor authenticationon all credit pulls when notifying the bureaus of your concern.
- Change your account passwords:Keeping your password secure is crucial to the safety of your online data when it comes to things likeonline bankingandemail accounts. Stay away from personal names, dates, or obvious preferences when creating or updating your passwords and use apassword managerlikeMcAfee True Key, which auto-saves and enters your passwords.
- Review yourcredit report:Staying up to date with the changes reflected on yourcredit reportcan help you identifysuspicious activityorfraud alerts. Unexpected drops in your credit can be a sign of potentialillegal activity.
- Trackcredit cardstatement charges:Credit cardsare a large target forhackerslooking to commit acybercrime. Thankfully, there are ways to keep yourcredit carddata secure, starting with regular reviews of your statements to ensure no unexpected charges or usage.
- Scan your online devices for viruses:Keeping your device free of viruses can help preventhackersfrom taking your information in the first place. Start by downloadingantivirussoftware, like what’s included in McAfee Total Protection, to prevent opportunities for viruses to infect your device or collect your secure data.
6 tips to prevent your data from getting on thedark web
No one wants their information to end up on thedark web. Fortunately, you can do a few things to minimize your risk of exposure. Here are some tips you can use to keep your data safe.
Secure your data with identity protection software from McAfee
Identity protection software from McAfee can help keep your information out of the hands ofcybercriminals. Some features of McAfee identity protection include expert security support, award-winningantivirusprotection, apassword manager, and firewall protection. Choose the plan that works best for you and keep tabs on your personal information.
Sign up fortwo-factor authenticationon your devices
This extra layer of security double-checks your identity when signing into anonline account. You enter your password as usual and a unique six-digit, one-time code is sent to a trusted device via text. This added step can helpimprove the security of your personal information.
Use a unique password for each account
When creating or updating your account passwords, make sure to choose ones that are difficult to guess. Avoid using a pet’s name, your name, or other personal information that others can guess. It goes without saying, butdon’t share any of your passwords.
Consider what you share onsocial media
Shared content can tell a lot about someone. Have you ever shared the make and model of your first car, your favorite movie or band, or your high school graduation year? This information helps unsavory characters figure out online passwords and security questions.
Change permission settings for app
There are a lot of cool apps out there, and many are harmless. However, some may request access to your location, photos, contact list, and even microphone. Certain apps, especially those filled withmalware, can then collect your data and share it with others. Fortunately,Androiddevices andAppleiPhonesallow you to change your permission settings for apps.
Use caution with suspicious emails
With so many emails arriving in our inboxes, we may not always pay close attention to what we’re opening. However, scammers may usephishingemails in an attempt to access your personal information. Sometimes, these emails are obvious, but they can also look legit and appear as a trusted company, such as your bank orcredit cardcompany. If something seems amiss, such as a billing error or an invoice, log in through the company’s website rather than click links inside the email.
Discover how McAfee Total Protection keeps you safe online
No one wants their information on thedark web. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to keep yourpersonal information secure, including all-in-one protection from McAfee.
McAfee Total Protectioncomes with advanced identity monitoring, which provides faster and broader detection for your identity, plus premiumantivirus software, safe browsing, andSecureVPN.
With easy setup and extensive monitoring, you can maintain your digital identity and gain peace of mind.
