4 Tips to Protect Your Info for getting into Dark Web

 

If you have received a notification regarding a data breach from a company, you are not alone. A 2024 survey conducted by US News revealed that nearly half (44%) of participants reported being informed multiple times about breaches affecting their personal data. Unfortunately, the information compromised in a data breach typically ends up on the dark web, where it is exploited by hackers, scammers, and other malicious actors. Data breaches are not the sole means by which your information can fall into the hands of criminals. 

Engaging with phishing links, providing personal details in social media surveys, or having your device infected with malware can also result in your personal data being shared or sold on dark web platforms. I recently spoke with Dr. Darren Williams, the founder and CEO of BlackFog, a firm that focuses on data privacy and ransomware defense. He emphasized that while some of your data may be compromised on the dark web,

 it does not signify that you should abandon all hope. You can safeguard your remaining personal information by adjusting your online behavior and utilizing various security tools for your devices. Below are recommendations for reducing your online presence from Dr. Williams, along with my suggestions for tools that can help mitigate the consequences of future data breaches.

1. Understand How Your Data Is Used

Dr. Williams emphasized the necessity of comprehending how criminals exploit information acquired from the dark web. He has dedicated considerable time to studying the methods by which criminals utilize stolen personal data to execute account takeovers, identity theft, and various scams. According to him, contemporary AI tools significantly reduce the effort required for cybercrime.

"Two years ago, these criminals employed a 'pray and spray' strategy, targeting anyone they could," he explained. "Currently, entire sets of this information can be purchased for social engineering purposes."

The process involves an AI chatbot that analyzes breach documents from the dark web, compiling information packages known as 'fullz.' These packages include sensitive data such as banking credentials, medical records, names, physical addresses, phone numbers, and social security numbers. Criminals utilize these dossiers to impersonate family members, friends, or romantic partners in scams related to romance or financial deception.

Williams noted that scams aimed at specific individuals are infrequent, partly due to the laziness of cybercriminals. Instead, they typically leverage dark web data to target groups, aiming to ensnare numerous victims as swiftly as possible. 

2. See Your Digital Footprint With a Dark Web Scanner

Having understood how criminals may exploit your data, it is essential to ascertain what information they currently possess. To achieve this, you can utilize a dark web scanning tool provided by a personal data removal service . 

Numerous password managers also offer dark web monitoring as part of their paid subscriptions, which typically entails searching the dark web for any references to your email addresses, usernames, or passwords. Regrettably, once data is present on a dark web site, its removal is quite challenging. Even if such sites are taken down, there remains a significant likelihood that the information has been archived and may resurface on another dark web forum in the future.

3. Use a Data Removal Service

The subsequent step is to render yourself a less appealing target for cybercriminals. As Williams noted, 'I only need to outrun you, not the bear.' To enhance your security, it is advisable to minimize the amount of personal information available online. Williams emphasized that the most effective strategy to avoid cybercriminals is to limit the information you share on the internet. This principle extends beyond mere opinions on social media or unflattering photographs from college; 

it encompasses all forms of personal data. Once your information is transmitted from your device, it often resides in a database before being sold to data brokers as part of a larger collection. Consequently, your personal details can be purchased by anyone from these brokers. Even professionals find it challenging to extricate themselves from data broker websites, making it prudent to enlist the services of a personal data removal company. Although it is feasible to undertake data cleanup independently at no cost, the process is labor-intensive due to the multitude of data broker sites . 

4. Protect Your Devices With Strong Security Software and Practices

While certain malicious actors may utilize dark web information to infiltrate your online accounts, the most dangerous individuals aim to gain access to your computer or device, as it houses your valuable content, including private photographs, videos, and financial information. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check for and install security updates on your computers, mobile devices, and any other devices connected to your home network, such as smart appliances or AI assistants. Dr. Williams noted that during his consultations with businesses, he observed that many individuals inadvertently become vulnerabilities in an otherwise secure network due to minor conveniences. He shared instances where individuals disabled their local firewalls or antivirus software for various reasons, only to be perplexed when they discovered they had unwittingly exposed themselves to cyber threats. In addition to ensuring your firewall remains active ,

 here is a concise list of other essential cybersecurity practices to follow:

 Lock your online accounts with multi-factor authentication (MFA), which combines a password (something you know) with a code or message sent to your phone (something you possess) to enhance security against unauthorized access. 

Generate and securely store strong, unique passwords for your online accounts using a password manager. Ensure that antivirus software is installed on your computer and other devices, and keep it updated and operational in the backgroun d. 

Utilize a VPN on your devices and activate it when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Refrain from clicking on links in emails or text messages from unknown sources. Always apply security patches and updates to your devices, including smart home technology and alarm systems. 

Additionally, maintain up-to-date operating systems across all your devices, as older systems are more susceptible to exploits and receive less support from developers. Consider investing in identity theft protection software, such as Editors’ Choice Norton 360 With LifeLock, which offers VPN access alongside device-level security. Some security suites, like McAfee+, also provide similar features.

medium;"> I evaluate privacy solutions such as hardware security keys, password management systems, secure messaging applications, and ad-blocking software. Additionally, I investigate online fraud and provide guidance to families and individuals on maintaining internet safety. Prior to my tenure at PCMag, I contributed articles on technology and video games for CNN, Fanbyte, Mashable, The New York Times, and TechRadar. My experience also includes a role at CNN International, where I engaged in field production and reporting on sports that attract global audiences.