Privacy is a precious commodity for most people, but it sells for pretty cheap on the dark web.
According to WithcaseIn 2023, the social media pages you’ve spent years managing for your closest network could be up for sale for as little as $14 as your Facebook login details.
And this is just the beginning: from Reddit to LinkedIn, all access points can be purchased for $6 and $45 respectively.
People on the Dark Web (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
How does your information end up on the dark web?
Creating unique, complex passwords for all your online accounts isn’t just a kitschy tactic to get more bang for your buck. Password ManagerSimple passwords can be cracked or guessed by a dedicated hacker, and repeating the same password across multiple accounts puts all of those accounts at risk as well.
Frustratingly, even if you create complex, unique passwords for all your accounts and use a password manager, your information will still be exposed if the company you log into is compromised. Unfortunately, you rarely receive notification that your information has been exposed in a data breach.
Not only could your information be unknowingly available to the highest bidder on the dark web, but your devices could be hacked and Malware and viruses If installed, your login details and passwords may also be stolen and sold.
Read more: Was your personal data sold on this dark web marketplace?
Data on the Dark Web (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
What should I do if my information ends up on the dark web?
If you have been notified by notice or letter that your information has been compromised, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage and best prevent future issues.
1. Log out of all devices
Instagram is one example of a social media account that allows you to see where and on what devices your account is currently open. It also gives you the option to log out of all devices to prevent third parties or devices that are not yours from accessing your account. This is especially useful if your account is open on a device that you own, but may be infected with malware or a virus.
How to see your account’s recent login activity on Instagram
You can always view a list of devices that have recently logged into your Instagram account. If you don’t recognize a recent login, log out of that location or device to let us know it wasn’t you. To do this:
- click Profile icon Bottom right of the screen
- click Three horizontal lines On the top right
- Tap Account Center
- Scroll down and tap Passwords and Security
- Tap Where you are logged in To view recent login activity for this Account Center account:
- To log out of the device you’re currently logged in on, One of your accountsTap , scroll down and Select Device Log out.
- Select the device you want to log out from and tap it Log out.
2. Change your password
If you manage your passwords or store them to autofill in browsers like Safari or Chrome, they will be updated if they are leaked, weak, or reused. Having complex, unique passwords for each of your online accounts is important to keep your information safe online. A password manager can help you generate and manage your passwords. Here are the best password managers according to experts in 2024.
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3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
This step can be a pain when you’re just checking for updates or posting a short video, but it could be a lifesaver if someone finds your login details and is trying to guess your password. Two-factor authentication When turned on, you’ll receive notifications for any login or password reset requests, helping to protect your account.
4. Install powerful antivirus software
While you can’t control what companies do with your information, you can control what information leaves your personal devices by installing good antivirus software. Antivirus software can “catch” malware and viruses before they can get onto your device and steal your passwords and other personal information. We’ve handpicked the winners of the best antivirus protection of 2024 for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.
5. Disconnect from the internet
No service promises to delete all your data from the Internet, but if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of continually deleting information from hundreds of sites over a long period of time, a deletion service can be a useful tool. Check out our moving service recommendations here.
6. Get Identity Theft Protection
Many identity theft protection services offer dark web monitoring services. These services continuously monitor the dark web to see if any of your sensitive personal information, like your email address or social security number, has been leaked or is being sold on the dark web. Receiving these alerts immediately allows you to act faster and take the other steps mentioned above. They can also help you freeze your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further misuse by criminals. Check out these tips and best practices to protect yourself against identity theft.
Data on the Dark Web (Kurt “Cyberguy” Knutson)
Important points about the cart
In a digital age where personal information can be as fleeting as passwords, it’s a reminder that the things we value aren’t always locked away under lock and key. It’s unsettling to think that years of personal posts and connections could be reduced to mere transactions on the dark web. But knowledge is power, and being informed is the first step to strengthening your digital defenses. So keep your passwords complex, your logins secure, and your guard up.
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