What does it mean if my email is on the dark web?

If your personal information such as your email address is spotted on the dark web, it likely means that you have been affected by a data breach. Your personal data can be sold and used in a variety of ways: we’ve all heard the stories of identity thefts, online banking frauds, and much more.

How do I remove my personal information from the dark web?

Delete your social media accounts Visit each website, find the account settings, and look for the option to deactivate or remove the account. Depending on how much information you want to keep private, you can also delete your online banking and credit card accounts, and even your email accounts.

What if your information is on the dark web?

If your information is found on the dark web, here are recommended steps you can take: Place a credit freeze with each credit bureaus (Equifax, Transunion, and Experian) to help protect unwanted people from opening credit in your name. Be sure to obtain all three of your credit reports.

What should I do if my SSN is on the dark web?

Report any Social Security number theft. Report the theft of the Social Security number to the IRS (link is external), or you can call 1-800-908-4490.

Is your email address on the dark web?

While some might think an email address showing up on the dark web isn’t a big deal, that’s not the case, says Henry Bagdasarian, founder of Identity Management Institute, an organization that promotes identity risk awareness.

What is the Dark Web and why is it dangerous?

Just as frighteningly, the dark web is where personal information from Social Security Numbers and medical IDs to addresses and phone numbers, are traded back and forth. Some of that personal information ends up in the hands of identity thieves, while others is used to facilitate criminal activity.

How can I remove my personal information from the dark web?

The providers of these scans will then notify you if they find your personal information on the dark web. Even though there’s no way of removing your personal information from the dark web, once you know what information is exposed, you can take action to help protect yourself against identity theft.

What to do if your Social Security number is on the dark web?

If your driver’s license or passport is found, contact your Department of Motor Vehicles or the U.S. State Department, respectively. If your Social Security number is on the dark web, report it to the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service.