The Dark Web is not a place you want your information to end up. Once it is there criminals trade and purchase pieces of it until one of them compiles enough material to commit fraud.  

At Scores Matter we give you the ability to monitor whether your information is on the Dark Web through our Dark Web Scan. But what if you could prevent it from ending up on the Dark Web in the first place?

In the current technological climate it is difficult to completely safeguard your information, but with the proper precautions, you can significantly lower the chance of criminals acquiring it.  At ScoresMatter we work to present our users with up to date tips and tools for keeping their data secure. Here are a few: 

How to Keep Your Personal Information off of the Dark Web

NEVER give out personal information to questionable entities 

Need we say any more on this one? If it seems dodgy, it probably is. 

Protect your Credit Card when making purchases 

Keep your credit card covered when using it. Remember that criminals can also access the information on your RFID enabled cards and identifications even when they are on your person. Make sure you are keeping your info secure with a Pocket Shield. 

Do NOT throw receipts in the trash 

Most companies don’t print your entire credit card number in your receipts anymore, but we still recommend shredding your receipts and other documents that may contain sensitive information.

Keep the amount of personal information in your wallet or handbag to a MINIMUM 

Losing a wallet or handbag is bad enough without the stress of having to worry about criminals posting your personal information for sale on the Dark Web.

Make sure to diversify your passwords

Having one password for everything may feel convenient but it could spell disaster in the wrong hands. 

Consider using multiple passwords. It avoids the chance of someone gaining access to all your information if they succeed in acquiring one of your passwords.

Consider using two-factor authentication (2FA)

 Using more than just a password as a security measure makes a big difference when protecting your information. By opting to use 2FA, you can add an extra layer of security.

Depending on the service this could mean having a text with a code sent to your phone that you enter in addition to your password. You may also be asked to use an app that will display a secure code for you to enter. 

Update your devices

Make sure to keep all your devices updated. Hackers will exploit any weakness they can find in your system.

Stick to what you know

Stick with sites and companies you have used before and are familiar with.

If you do decide to venture into a new site, do your homework and see if others have had issues with the sites services. 

Use secure sites

Try and use websites that have SSL (secure socket layer). The URL will start with https:// rather than just http://

Use a Credit Report service 

If you regularly check your credit report, you’ll soon notice if something looks unusual. This could be a sign someone has stolen your identity and is using it to apply for credit.

At ScoresMatter we offer your Credit report and Score along with tips on how to improve your credit. 

Scan The Dark Web

Even with all these precautions, there will always be factors out of your control. With companies such as British Airways, Facebook and Uber experiencing massive data breaches there is a lingering chance your information will end up on the Dark Web regardless of what precautions you take. For this reason, it is still important to monitor your information using our Dark Web Scan.

Protect the Digital You at ScoresMatter.