How to Find Your Leaked Data on the Dark Web and What to Do Next?
The dark web, an enigmatic underworld of the internet, harbors a significant threat to our digital privacy – the sale of personal information leaked from various sources. In this comprehensive guide, we will show you how to find your leaked data on the dark web and also provide essential steps for fortifying your online defenses and preventing data leaks.
Let’s delve deeper into this critical issue. Discovering if your data has been compromised is the first step in securing your digital identity. There are several paid tools available online to find your data on the dark web but you can also use your Google account to do the same for free.
Finding your Leaked Data on the Dark Web Using Google Account
In this tutorial, we will show you how to find your leaked data on the dark web using your Google account without paying a penny. This works on both the computer and mobile phone. However, we will start with the computer part first.
A) Check your Leaked Data on the Dark web using the Computer
So, if you have your computer available, you can simply follow these steps and check your data that has been found on the dark web.
Step 1: Go to your Google Account
First, open google.com on your browser and make sure you are logged in. Next, tap on the profile icon and select Manage your Google account.
Step 2: Go to Security Settings and Run a Dark Web Scan
Now, click on the Security tab from the left, scroll down to the “See if your email address is on the dark web” section, and click Run a scan with Google One.
You will be redirected to the Google One web page. Here, click on the Run Scan button to start scanning for your data on the dark web.
Step 3: Check and Verify the Scan Results
It may take a while for Google One to find your leaked data on the dark web. After the scan is complete, you can click on the View All Results button to view the details of your data found on the dark web.
Click on any of the results to view the details of the leaked data.
Step 4: Data Source and Next Steps for your Leaked Data on the Dark Web
When you click on any of the dark web search results, you can see the source of the data leak. Besides that, you can also see what type of data has been leaked on the dark web. For some results, you may see the data leak source as a “Sensitive Source” because their names can’t be shown due to legal obligations.
If you scroll down on the same page, you will see what steps you can take to strengthen the security of your Google account to prevent data leaks in the future.
B) Find your Leaked Data on the Dark Web on the Phone
Just like the computer, you can also view your leaked data on the dark web using your mobile phone. These steps work on both Android and iOS if you use the Gmail app.
Step 1: Go to your Google Account Settings in Gmail App
You can use any of the Google apps on your phone to do this but, the Gmail app works best. So, we have used the Gmail app in this tutorial.
Now, launch the Gmail app on your phone (Android or iOS) and tap on the Profile icon. Then, tap on the Google Account button below your profile name.
Step 2: Go to Security to Run a Scan
Just like the computer version, scroll the top bar to the right and select the Security tab. On the Security tab, scroll down to the “See if your email address is on the dark web” section and tap on Run a scan with Google One to find your leaked data on the dark web.
Step 3: Run a Dark Web Scan with Google One to Find your Leaked Data
Now, just like the computer part, you will be redirected to the Google One web page. Here, tap on the Run Scan button.
Google One will start finding your leaked data on the dark web.
Step 4: View and Verify the Dark Web Scan Results
After the scan is finished, you can click on the View All Results button to check the search results. It will show you the search results for your leaked data on the dark web.
Step 5: View the Source of your Leaked Data on the Dark Web
When you click any of the search results, you can view the details of the data leak source and scroll down to view the suggested next steps.
C) Other Ways to Find Your Leaked Data on the Dark Web
Besides the above methods, you can discover your leaked data with trusted online tools like “Have I Been Pwned,” “BreachAlarm,” and others. You can look for the following services to look deeper to find your leaked data.
1. Leverage Data Breach Monitoring Services
These services allow you to search your email addresses and usernames against known data breaches. If a match is found, it means your data has been leaked in any of the data breaches. We suggest you change your passwords immediately.
2. Harness the Dark Web Monitoring Services
Prevention is always better than cure. Opt for professional dark web monitoring services that continuously scan hidden corners of the internet, including forums and marketplaces, for any signs of your personal information. These services offer real-time alerts, keeping you informed and safe.
3. Tap into the Power of Personal Information Search Engines
Specialized search engines like Shodan and Censys are capable of scouring the dark web for your leaked personal information. Configure alerts to receive notifications whenever your data surfaces, ensuring you remain one step ahead of cybercriminals.
D) Steps to Prevent Data Leak on the Dark Web
Prevention is always better than cure. So, we suggest you keep your privacy guarded beforehand and make sure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
1. Bolster Your Online Security
Protecting your data starts with fortifying your online security. Employ strong, unique passwords for each online account and consider adopting a reliable password manager. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, adding an extra layer of safeguarding against breaches.
2. Guard Your Personal Information
The less information you share online, the lower your risk of data exposure. Be discerning about the personal details you reveal on social media and other websites. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You can also check for the services linked to your Google and Facebook accounts and remove the unwanted ones.
3. Keep Software and Hardware Updated
Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software and hardware. Regularly update your operating systems (be it a computer or phone), applications, and antivirus software to reduce exposure to potential threats. Make sure to remove unwanted bloatware from your computer and phone (ads and push notifications) to enhance your data security against the data leak on the dark web.
4. Arm Yourself Against Phishing to Prevent Data Leak on the Dark Web
Educate yourself about phishing attacks, a common method used to steal personal data. Recognize the signs of phishing emails and websites, and never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.
5. Shield your Data against Leaks on the Dark Web using a VPN
Secure your internet connection with a VPN. It encrypts your online activities and conceals your IP address. A VPN acts as an impenetrable barrier, safeguarding your data from interception and prying eyes. It also allows you to browse blocked websites.
6. Regularly Back Up Your Data
Data breaches and ransomware attacks can be catastrophic. Safeguard your digital assets by regularly backing up your data. This ensures that even in the event of a breach, your valuable information remains intact. You can also download a backup of your Gmail account to make sure your emails are safe.
Keep Yourself Safe Against the Data Leaks on the Dark Web
The threat of personal data leaked on the dark web is a grim reality of the digital age. Finding your data on the dark web can be distressing. If you find your leaked data on the dark web, we suggest you be vigilant and take proactive measures to protect your digital identity. Prevention is the cornerstone of online security.
By using data breach monitoring services and adopting strong security practices, you can reduce the risk of your data appearing on the dark web, keeping your personal information secure in an increasingly interconnected world. We suggest you share this information within your circles to educate your friends and family. You may also subscribe to our newsletter below to get the latest updates via email.
