Byte Sized Computing

Local IT Service - Caring Relentlessly

Dominick Curatola

41 Purdy Avenue #611
Rye, NY 10580

914-921-2222

Home / FAQ / Contact

 

Copyright © 2023

The Dark Web – 3 Things You Need To Know

October 20, 2022 By Dominick

You’ve heard the term “Dark Web” before but what exactly is it? Are you at risk? What can you do if your information is leaked? Read on, I’ll tell you everything you need to know. It’s mysterious and dark. But you can protect yourself.


Dark web, identity theft, hackers, hacking

What Is The Dark Web?

The dark web is the World Wide Web content that exists on darknets, internet sites you cannot access through a normal browser.  You need to go through overlay networks that use the Internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. There is a lot of privacy and anonymity that comes with using the dark web compared to traditional websites which is what makes it so intriguing to certain individuals. 

On the “surface web” when you use browsers like Google Chrome, Safari, or Microsoft Edge, etc and you may be tracked. Hackers and certain individuals seek anonymity so they go into the Dark Web. The tracking there is not stored on one data base. That tracking is shared across thousands of computers across the web. Thereby it’s nearly impossible to track the source.

The dark web was originally  created and used by the United States Department of Defense. The idea was to communicate anonymously. The dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world. People can use the dark web for both legal and illegal purposes.


Dark web, identity theft, hackers, hacking

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

* indicates required

Is My Information On The Dark Web?

There are a few ways you can tell if your data is on the dark web. You can get a dark web scan with some credit bureaus like Experian. Additionally, if your data winds up on the dark web, you can find out by checking the “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) website. It’s a free service, and all you have to do is conduct a search using your email address or phone number.


What Can I Do About My Information Being On The Dark Web?

If a dark web scan reveals your information is available online: Here’s what to Do:

  1. Change Your Passwords immediately.
  2. Add Two-Step Authentication to Your Accounts where applicable.
  3. Try to Add SIM-Swapping Protection to Your Phone so a hacker cannot take control of your phone number and use the secure code to break into your account.
  4. Report the Theft of Your Personal and Account Information to your bank or any other important accounts.
  5. Freeze Your Credit on all three bureaus.
  6. Stay Proactive, if you are made aware of a breach, take action before anything happens. Have monthly reports of SSN alerts, many institutions offer this service at  little to no cost.

This is not to scare you. It’s not to steer you away from internet. I provide you the necessary information to keep you and your personal data safe and secure. Every day the government and institutions work to keep your data safe. Hackers however work twice as hard to continue to steal and leak your information. Being proactive and taking the time to make sure your information is safe is a small use of your time that will go a long way in the long run. 

If you need any help navigating protective measures, or, if you feel your data has been leaked and are not sure what to do about it, contact me for further assistance. 


Reach Dominick

Filed Under: Dark Web, Internet Privacy, Passwords, Security

Protect Your Internet Privacy In 4 Easy Steps

September 10, 2022 By Dominick

You’ve seen a lot of articles about internet privacy over the years. What can you actually do to protect yourself? We use the Internet more and more, your privacy is under constant threat from cybercriminals, governments, and corporations who want to gather your personal information and tailor specific ads. The ads based on your interests. Internet privacy laws are not the total solution. Play today at King Casino safely and securely.

This means it’s up to us to protect our privacy  and personal data on the Internet. Your internet privacy matters. Your privacy is constantly being attacked. This is regardless of your age. 

Ever wonder why you’re seeing ads for specific items you may have been researching prior? Coincidence? No! Companies track your behavior across websites to serve you with highly relevant advertisements.


Different Generations Regard Privacy Differently

Millennials grew up with the internet and a device in their pocket, it has come to be a myth that they go unbothered by internet privacy. CivicScience found that 67 percent of Millennials expressed a worry over hacking of their personal financial information. . Millennials are not far behind Gen-X and Baby boomers. Those two groups do express more concern over the matter. It is rare to see different generations express the same concerns. LOL. This makes Internet Privacy not something to take lightly. 


Many Major Companies Have Been Accused of Violating User Privacy

  1. Yahoo. Yahoo voluntarily scanned customer emails. They handing over the data to the NSA.
  2. Vizio. While people were watching their TVs Vizio went and shared that information with companies that served out targeted ads.
  3. CVS. In just four years, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found over 200 instances in which CVS violated federal patient Privacy Laws. Read about that here.
  4. Verizon. Verizon created the “supercookie” and tracked customers’ browsing history. A supercookie is unlike a normal cookie. It makes deleting cookies difficult. It’s very difficult to erase from one’s web browser. Verizon was fined more than a million dollars as a result.

Major companies have been exposed for breaching data privacy, this is the tip of the iceberg.


The History Of Privacy Violations

Amendments to the US Constitution afford privacy as a right for all Americans. The establishment of the FTC, the ruling of sealed mail, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Gramm Leach Bailey Act Privacy establish privacy as law.  

We live in a world of technology that shows no signs of slowing down so rather than going head to head against technological intrusions, we can simply put more effort towards recognizing the value of our data. Let’s ensure we will have a space where we can be ourselves and be left alone to enjoy the internet.


Wherever You Can, Opt Out of Interest-Based Advertising

Tech companies do offer instructions to say no to ads. Suppress tailored ads. Tailored ads are those aimed at your browsing or buying habits. They identify your interests. This will not eliminate ads, but the ads you see will not be targeted.


Protect your Privacy in 4 Easy Steps

FIRST: Block Ads on Google

Google, of course, is the predominate marketing and search site.

Protect Yourself on Google

SECOND: Control the ads you see on Facebook

Facebook is the largest online social media and social networking service. American company, Meta Platforms, owns Facebook.

Protect Yourself on Facebook

THIRD: Internet-based opt-out Policy on Twitter

Twitter is a microblogging and social networking service owned by American company Twitter, Inc., on which users post and interact with messages known as “tweets”.

Protect Yourself On Twitter

FOURTH: Control personalized ads on the App Store, Apple News, and more with Apple

Apple Inc. is an American multinational technology company. It specializes in consumer electronics, software and online services headquartered in Cupertino, California

Protect Yourself on Apple

If you need help, contact me. Together we can implement your privacy wishes.  

Contact Dominick

Filed Under: Internet Privacy, Security