Monitor Your Personal Information

Important: Be cautious when sharing personal information with any service. Use only trusted, reputable tools, and avoid accessing the dark web directly without proper knowledge and security measures (e.g., Tor browser, VPN). Always verify the legitimacy of websites before entering sensitive data.

Tools to Check for Exposed Information

These free and paid services can help you check if your email, phone number, or other personal details have been exposed in data breaches or on the dark web.

Have I Been Pwned - Enter your email or phone number to check for known data breaches.
Experian Dark Web Scan - Free scan for email, phone, or Social Security number exposure.
Aura Dark Web Scanner - Free scan for email and password leaks.
Mozilla Monitor - Free and paid options to check for email breaches.
Google Dark Web Report - Available in select regions for consumer Google Accounts. Check via Google App > Account > Security > Dark Web Report.
Keeper Security Dark Web Scan - Free scan for email exposure.
Capital One CreditWise - Free dark web monitoring for email and SSN.

Steps to Protect Your Information

If you find your information has been exposed, or to prevent future leaks, take these actions:

Change Passwords: Update passwords for affected accounts. Use strong, unique passwords and consider a password manager like LastPass or 1Password.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add 2FA to all accounts (e.g., email, banking) for extra security. Learn more at Google 2-Step Verification.
Freeze Your Credit: Contact Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to freeze your credit, preventing unauthorized accounts.
Monitor Financial Accounts: Regularly check bank and credit card statements for suspicious activity.
Report Identity Theft: If you suspect fraud, report it at IdentityTheft.gov for a personalized recovery plan.
Use a VPN: Protect your data on public Wi-Fi with a VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Secure Your Devices: Run antivirus scans using software like Bitdefender or McAfee to detect malware.

Understanding the Risks

Your personal information (e.g., email, SSN, credit card details) can end up on the dark web through data breaches, phishing scams, malware, or unsecured Wi-Fi. Once exposed, it may be sold or used for identity theft, fraud, or phishing. The normal web may also expose information via public records, social media, or people-finder sites.

Sources:

Experian: What to Do if Your Information Is Found on the Dark Web
Aura: How to Find Out If Your Info Is on the Dark Web
Keeper Security: How Did My Personal Information Get on the Dark Web?

Additional Resources

Federal Trade Commission - Guidance on identity theft prevention and recovery.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau - Tips for protecting your credit.
USPS Informed Delivery - Monitor your mail to prevent theft (US only).

Disclaimer

This page provides tools and resources for you to check your own information. Always use caution when accessing the dark web or sharing personal details. Consult with a cybersecurity professional if you need personalized assistance.