Should You Fear the Dark Web

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The Dark Web is where they sell identity files and other contraband—some of which are too repugnant to mention.

There are scads of articles about it online and in print not to mention TV commercials trying to sell you on letting a company check the Dark Web to see if your name is there.

Of course these commercials are built on fear that pervades public perception.

Do you know anything about the Dark Web? How reasonable is it to fear this hidden part of the internet?

Dark Web Defined

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Yes, it is a hidden network of websites that is not accessible by the usual search engines we all use: Google, Firefox, Safari, etc.

Those who use the Dark Web have special software that masks their IP addresses and identities.

That's how criminals get away with selling data they have stolen. Usually, this stolen data is sold in bundles, like thousands of credit card numbers.

Dark Web Best Sellers

As you might imagine, the personal information you don't want anyone else to know is what sells best from actual important numbers to information that can be used to gain access to those numbers.

• social security numbers
• diplomas
• website payment logins
• debit and credit card numbers
• the credit card verification numbers
• bank information
• driver's license numbers
• logins (user names and passcodes) for many different kinds of websites (because chances are you use them for more than one website)
• medical records
• passports.

What You Can Do

Short of never using the internet for anything important, what can you do to protect yourself?

1. Always be vigilant about your personal information.

Think about the simple things you do without thinking. For instance, if you're asked for a piece of personal information in a business office, do you rattle it off without thought? What you should do is write it down on a piece of paper and hand it to the person who requested it then get the paper back and destroy it.

I've been in doctor offices where elderly people recited their social security number to the receptionist. Medicare finally started issuing account numbers! Duh. Why did it take them so long to realize using a social security number as a Medicare account number was a bad idea?

2. Always check your bank, mortgage, credit card, and medical statements when they arrive to make sure they're correct. If you see discrepancies, check on it sooner rather than later.

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3. Change your passwords often. How often is often? Security professionals say every week. At least aim for every month and make it long and difficult.

Best practice is to create a master password that you can edit as needed for each new website and/or each time you change it.

4. When using your debit or credit card in a retail setting, keep your hand over the name and account number on the card. If you don't, someone may be shoulder surfing for information and get yours.

Takeaway Truth

Security practices are mostly a matter of common sense so use yours and protect your private information.