THE data leak on the Dark Web by Serasa is a serious problem that exposes the personal information of millions of Brazilians to cybercriminals. This means that data such as CPF (Brazilian Social Security Number), full name, address, telephone number, and even financial information may be circulating on underground forums and being used for fraud, scams, and identity theft.

If you received an alert from Serasa about a leak on the Dark Web, it means your data has already been exposed in a hacker attack or compromised database. This could be due to security flaws in companies that store your information or breaches in platforms you've previously used.

How was your data leaked?

Serasa offers a service called “CPF Monitoring”, which alerts users when their data appears on the Dark Web. But in practice, leaks happen for different reasons:

1# Database Attacks

Hackers break into company systems and steal customer information. These databases can then be sold on the Dark Web to fraudsters.

2# Password and Credential Leak

If you use the same password on multiple sites and one of them suffers a breach, your data could be compromised.

3# Social Engineering and Phishing

Scams that trick users into providing personal information also contribute to breaches. A fake email asking for data confirmation can be enough to expose your credentials.

4# Data Sale by Companies

In some cases, companies sell customer information to third parties without consent. This can increase the risk of exposure on the Dark Web.

What to do if your data has been leaked?

If Serasa informs you that your data is on the Dark Web, it is essential to act quickly to minimize the damage.

1# Change Your Passwords Immediately

Use strong, unique passwords for each site. Tools like password managers can help.

2# Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

This feature adds an extra layer of security and prevents hackers from accessing your accounts even if they have your password.

3# Monitor Your Financial Data

Keep an eye out for suspicious activity at your bank or credit card. If you notice anything unusual, contact your financial institution.

4# Check Your CPF Regularly

Monitor your score and see if there are any records of unknown purchases or loans.

5# Avoid providing your personal information on questionable websites

Never provide your CPF, address or telephone number without being sure of the site's reliability.

How to protect yourself from future leaks?

While it's not possible to completely prevent companies from leaking your data, some measures can reduce the risks:

  • Use different emails and passwords for each service
  • Do not click on suspicious links sent by SMS or email.
  • Activate movement alerts in your bank
  • Monitor your digital identity regularly

Is Serasa safe?

Serasa is one of the largest credit analysis companies in Brazil, but it has already been involved in controversies over data exposure. Although it offers leak monitoring, it's always best to have your own security measures in place to protect your information.

If your data has been compromised, the best strategy is to act quickly to avoid fraud. The Dark Web is a dangerous environment, but with the right precautions, you can minimize risks and avoid losses.

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March 15, 2025