Did you know that the internet is composed of various layers, including the surface web, the deep web, and the dark web? The dark web sounds like a made-up place, made famous by TV shows and movies, but we can assure you that it is not. The dark web is known as a place where you can explore the internet with almost complete anonymity, but it is known to attract all types of crime that can negatively affect you. The financial experts at BHCU are here to share some of the dangers of the dark web, and what you can do to protect your identity.
What Is the Dark Web?
If you compare the internet to the ocean, the surface web is the surface—a place where almost all users reside, where we use Google, Facebook, and Instagram, to find information and communicate. The deep web is the next layer (often confused with the dark web), made up of government websites that are password protected and require permission to use. It’s referred to as deep because it’s only accessible to those who need to use it, like government officials. The last layer, the dark web, is only visible to those who have specific software to access it.
What Makes It Dangerous?
You may have guessed that the dark web invites a host of criminal activity because of the anonymity of it. Crimes like the selling of illegal firearms, narcotics, and the creation of malware are all common occurrences. If you’re wondering how the dangers of the dark web can affect you, you’re not alone. When a data breach of a large corporation occurs, all of that information withheld by that company can then get traded or sold. That is one of the ways important data such as credit card numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, passports, and bank account information begins to circulate across the dark web. That stolen data is then used to compromise your identity, money, and email accounts, and it can then wreak havoc on your computer with malware and viruses.
How BHCU Can Help Protect You
At BHCU, the safety of your financial identity is our number one priority, which is why we provide identity theft protection and recovery services. While we know it can seem like a daunting task to always be on guard protecting your identity, your financial advisors at BHCU are your proactive partner, providing 24/7 credit monitoring to alert you of theft and suspicious or criminal activity on your accounts. Our financial experts will even take the extra step of educating you about credit and debit card fraud, identity theft, and what happens when an important document has been lost or stolen. If this information is stolen from you, we know the negative consequences it can have on your ability to achieve financial independence. When you partner with us, you can rest assured you are in safe hands with our credit monitoring, identify fraud protection, and remediation services. If you suspect fraud, contact a BHCU representative immediately.
