What is the dark web?
How did my information get onto the dark web?
How did this information get on the dark web? The two most common ways for this information to make it to the dark web are through data breaches or a malware infection. Data breaches happen all the time to online companies with which you probably have an account (Dropbox, Target, LinkedIn, etc.). When these data breaches occur, hackers sell this information on the dark web to other criminals that can be used for identity theft, etc.
Another way this information could get on the dark web is if your device has been infected with a special type of malware. Some malware has the ability to steal information off your device and then post it onto the dark web.
The biggest problem with your emails and passwords being in the hands of criminals is if you reuse a common password with multiple online accounts. This makes it easy for hackers to get into your other account. That’s why it's important for you to change any exposed passwords immediately and then use a different complex password for each individual online account. When resetting your password you want something complex. Right now one of the harder passwords to crack are phrases with numbers and symbols thrown in. For example, Th3D@rkWeb1sBad! fits the criteria.
Another way this information could get on the dark web is if your device has been infected with a special type of malware. Some malware has the ability to steal information off your device and then post it onto the dark web.
The biggest problem with your emails and passwords being in the hands of criminals is if you reuse a common password with multiple online accounts. This makes it easy for hackers to get into your other account. That’s why it's important for you to change any exposed passwords immediately and then use a different complex password for each individual online account. When resetting your password you want something complex. Right now one of the harder passwords to crack are phrases with numbers and symbols thrown in. For example, Th3D@rkWeb1sBad! fits the criteria.
How can I protect myself?
Multi-factor authentication is a good way to add another level of protection to your online accounts beyond just a complex password. Multi-factor authentication is when an online account requires a second type of proof that you are who you say you are before allowing you to log in. This type of authentication is similar to what banking websites use when they text you a temporary code to use during the log in process. There are also various apps that can be used for multi-factor authentication such as Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Duo. With multi-factor authentication enabled, even if a criminal knows your login information, they can’t finish the login process without the special code.
If you would like to know more or have any questions please feel free to reach out to us here at Nice Guy Technology.
If you would like to know more or have any questions please feel free to reach out to us here at Nice Guy Technology.
