Phone number, social security numbers (SSN), passwords, and usernames are just some of the things that can be found on the dark web. If you ever have a curiosity to explore and see for yourself, you can easily get compromised or land into legal trouble.
It is best to exercise caution and really ask yourself if it’s necessary to go poking around in that dangerous place of the internet.
It’s hard to say if your phone number is on the dark web. Not without some research at least. You will need to check logs, bills, devices, as well as employ a third-part monitoring tool.
Here are a few steps you can take to check if your phone number has been compromised:
- Check your phone bill for any suspicious charges or texts.
- Check your email for any suspicious messages or emails that may have been sent to your contacts.
- Check your online accounts for any unauthorized access or changes.
- Check your phone for any suspicious apps or malware.
If you suspect that your phone number has been compromised, you should contact your mobile service provider immediately and take steps to secure your phone and personal information, such as by changing your passwords and enabling two-factor authentication on your accounts.
This doesn’t mean that the damage has already been done however. Sometimes you won’t see any signs of compromise; attackers can be very so sophisticated and they can steal information and data without anyone finding out
It is possible that personal information, including phone numbers, could be found on the dark web. However, it is important to note that some of the information found on the dark web is unreliable and may have been obtained through illegal means. Additionally, it is important to protect your personal information and be cautious about sharing it online.
There are several ways that hackers can obtain and sell personal information, including phone numbers, on the dark web. Some common methods include:
- Phishing: Hackers may use phishing emails or texts to trick individuals into providing personal information, including phone numbers.
- Data breaches: Hackers may gain access to personal information stored on a company’s server by exploiting vulnerabilities in the system, this is called a data breach. When this happens, the hackers can steal the data dumps and sell it on the dark web.
- Social engineering: Hackers may use social engineering techniques, such as posing as a customer service representative or a government official, to obtain personal information.
- Malware: Hackers may use malware, such as spyware or keyloggers, to gain access to personal information stored on a device.
It’s important to note that once your personal information is on the dark web, it can be hard if not impossible to remove it. And also it’s important to be cautious about sharing personal information online, and to use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts, to keep your personal information as secure and private as possible.
There are several companies that offer dark web monitoring services, including alerts for phone numbers specifically. Some of these companies include:
- IDentity Guard: Offers a Dark Web Monitoring service, where they monitor the dark web for your personal information including phone number.
- Experian: Offers a service called Experian IdentityWorks, which includes dark web monitoring and alerts for phone numbers and other personal information.
- NortonLifeLock: Offers a service called Identity Theft Protection, which includes dark web monitoring and alerts for phone numbers and other personal information.
- McAfee: Offers a service called McAfee Identity Theft Protection, which includes dark web monitoring and alerts for phone numbers and other personal information.
- LifeLock: Offers a service called LifeLock Ultimate Plus, which includes dark web monitoring and alerts for phone numbers and other personal information.
These are just a few examples, and there are several other tools that offer similar services (like some password managers). It’s important to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your needs.
It’s important to note that these services are not a guarantee that your information will never be compromised, but they can give you an early warning to take action, if something suspicious is found on the dark web related to your personal information.
One thing you can also do is setup a virtual cell phone number. One way is to use a virtual phone service provider, such as Google Voice or Burner. These services allow you to select a phone number from a list of available numbers, and then forward calls and texts to your actual phone number.
Another option is to use a virtual SIM card service, which provides you with a temporary or disposable phone number that you can use for a specific period of time. These services often require you to have a unlocked phone and a stable internet connection to work.
Before signing up for a virtual phone number service, it’s a good idea to research the different options available and compare the costs and features to find the one that best meets your needs. The purpose of all of this is to have a number that isn’t connected to your real, every day use, phone number.
The idea is with a burner number, by the time it gets compromised it has already been deactivated and a new one assigned to you. Consider these security measures to protect your data and phone number from compromise. Be safe!
