Is Your Personal Data on the Dark Web?

Protect Yourself From the Dangers of the Dark Web

The Internet you use every day is a pretty dangerous place. But it is nothing when it comes to the dangers you face on the dark web. Learn how to protect yourself.  

Just below the surface of the same Internet, you use every day, is a network of sites known as the dark web. The dark web is only accessible by specialized browsers most people have never used. But don’t believe for one second that just because you have never been on a single dark web website yourself, that it means your private information isn’t there. It is, and it is for sale.

Anyone who ever had their information stolen in a data breach (and that is a lot of people) probably have personal data on the dark web selling for as little as a buck. That is why you need to protect yourself as best as you can. The first thing you need to do is to request a free dark web scan from Essential Solutions by sending them an email to determine how vulnerable you are currently. This will give you an idea of where you need to start strengthening your cybersecurity using the following tips.

Four Things You Need to Change Now to Protect Your Personal From the Dark Web

1. Don’t visit the dark web. It is tempting to see what all the fuss is about when it comes to the dark web. After all, it is not illegal to visit. However, regardless of the legality of poking your nose around, it would be a bad idea. Accessing the dark web requires a browser like TOR to get inside. But once you enter, the doorway is open, and won’t ever know what will want to come through to get you. So, kill your curiosity, and you will be much safer.
2. Never reuse your passwords for multiple sites. It is easy to forget a password, and that is why most of us reuse them for a variety of login credentials. It is a bad idea because reusing passwords not only gives a hacker who has gotten hold of your password at one site to free access to your accounts at other sites, but it makes it much easier for a cybercriminal to get your password in the first place. Why? Hobby sites built using free site-building software such as Wordpress or vBulletin are usually not as secure as commercial sites. If you use the same email and password on these sites, you are giving hackers a gift.
3. Use a strong password. Never use an easy to crack password similar to ‘123456’ or ‘Qwerty1’. Your passwords should be at least 11 characters long and contain a mix of capital and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers. If you can, use an auto-generated password or a biometric password for sites with your most confidential information. Remember to change your passwords periodically and to use brand-new ones rather than swap your existing passwords between sites.
4. Avoid storing highly confidential information on an internet-connected computer. No matter how much cybersecurity you have, it will never prevent an intelligent and motivated hacker from stealing — well, unless it is not accessible online. If you are someone who stores extremely sensitive information such as scientific research or business information, and you can’t risk someone stealing it, think about using a dedicated computer without internet connection as a foolproof protection method.

Are you a business along the I-10 corridor that needs assistance with their IT? Essential Solutions goes beyond just managed IT and helps companies take control of everything from creating their web presence to setting up and protecting entire networks. Please call 504-533-8323 to discuss your needs with an IT professional.