How Does Dark Web Monitoring Work? Is It Worth It? | 2023 Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever watched any documentary like Inside the Dark Web that features the Dark Web, you probably have a basic understanding of it. It is a hidden part of the internet that cannot be accessed through normal search engines.

It’s not illegal to access the Dark Web and some people may go there to evade government censorship and keep internet activities anonymous and private. However, there are criminals who buy and sell illegal goods and services on it, including stolen personal information.

So there is a good chance that your information, be it your password, or Social Security number (SSN), ends up on the Dark Web. In this article, we’ll explain how it could happen and how a Dark Web scanner and monitoring service can come in handy.

As we dive in, you’ll get answers to some frequently asked questions:

• How could your information get on the Dark Web and how to check if it does
• What is Dark Web Monitoring and how does it work
• How to know if Dark Web Monitoring is worth the money

1. How can personal information end up on the Dark Web

There are several ways that personal information can end up on the Dark Web.

One of the most common ways is through data breaches. When companies or organizations are hacked, the personal information of their customers or employees can be stolen and sold on the dark web. This information can include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and even Social Security numbers (SSNs).

(Also see 5 of the biggest data breaches ever. )

Another way that personal information can end up on the dark web is through phishing scams. Phishing scams are designed to trick people into giving away their personal information by posing as legitimate companies or organizations. For example, a phishing email might ask you to click on a link to update your account information, but in reality, the link takes you to a fake website where they can steal your information.

Using public Wi-Fi without a VPN can also put your data at risk. When your devices are connected to public Wi-Fi, your data may be intercepted by cybercriminals, who can then steal your personal information or login credentials and sell them on the Dark Web.

Finally, cybercriminals and fraudsters can also crawl any sort of personal information you share on social media, with which they may be able to access your accounts or steal your identity, which can end up on the Dark Web.

Now you’ve known the risks of having your data fall into the wrong hands, you may wonder if any of yours ends up on the Dark Web. Knowing how to check it can enable you to take proactive measures before it’s too late. Below we’ve outlined some methods.

2. How to check if your info is on the Dark Web

There are a few ways to check if your personal data has been compromised and is being sold on the Dark Web.

Method 1: Run a free Dark Web scan

To check if your personal information is compromised, the easiest and most effective way is to run a Dark Web scan with a scanner that will comb through data servers and when any activity related to your information is found, it will alert you. Below we’ve listed two free Dark Web scanners for you to try. They both require you to enter your email address to search for any matches. But you don’t need to worry about privacy as they offer you a 100% guarantee that there’s no spam in your inbox and no data selling.

Aura free Dark Web scan

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Combining a comprehensive identity and privacy protection service with local device protection, Aura is, in our opinion, one of the best all-in-one digital solutions for you. Its free Dark Web scanner allows you to discover leaked data associated with your email addresses. What you need to do is enter the email address you use most frequently to log into your online accounts and click View Results. Then it will scan breaches. If information tied to your email has been exposed on the Dark Web, you’ll get a report.

Identity Guard free Dark Web scan

Was your private data compromised?

Run a free scan on Identity Guard to check it out!

Free Checkup

Identity Guard(R), an award-winning identity theft protection you can count on, is a service that also offers a free Dark Web scan. All you need to do is enter the email address into the box and click Free Privacy Checkup. Then it will compare your information against lists of breached or stolen data found in data dumps. Once the scan is finished, you’ll receive a report showing you known exposed information as well as recommendations for protection.

Method 2: Check your email addresses and phone numbers

There are some websites that allow you to enter your email address or phone number and check if they have been part of any data breaches. And the most frequently visited website is Have I Been Pwned. All you have to do is enter your email address into the search box and hit Enter. Then it’ll show you if there is any breached account.

If your email address has been compromised, it means that your personal information may be available on the Dark Web.

Method 3: Monitor your bank and credit card statements

Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unusual transactions that you did not authorize. This could be a sign that your personal information has been compromised and is being used for fraudulent purposes.

What to do if your info is found on the Dark Web

If, unfortunately, your information like an email address or phone number, you should take some steps as follows to protect yourself:

• Change your passwords: If your passwords have been exposed, you should change them immediately. Use strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts.
• Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires you to enter a code or confirm the login attempt via an app or message, which is sent to your phone or other trusted devices.
• Monitor your credit reports: If your personal information has been exposed, it could be used to open credit accounts in your name. You can monitor your credit reports for any unauthorized activity by signing up for a free credit monitoring service.
• Contact your bank or credit card issuer: If your bank account or credit card information has been exposed, you should contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately to report the issue and take necessary action.

If your personal data is not on the Dark Web, you can now have some peace of mind but you should still take steps to protect your online privacy and security. This includes using strong, unique passwords for each account, being cautious about sharing personal information online and keeping your devices and software up to date with the latest security patches.

3. Dark Web Monitoring: how does it work and is it worth it

As you’ve learned from the above content, how easy it could be to have your information fall into the wrong hands and fraudsters or cybercriminals sell it on the Dark Web. While it’s undeniable that taking steps to protect your online privacy and security is essential, it’s still not foolproof to keep your data off the Dark Web. Here we would like to introduce Dark Web Monitoring.

What is Dark Web Monitoring

Dark Web Monitoring is a service that helps you keep track of whether your personal information (such as your name, email address, phone number, or credit card number) is being sold or traded on the Dark Web.

With dark web monitoring, you can sign up for a service that will regularly scan the dark web for any mentions of your personal information. If your information is found, you will receive an alert, allowing you to take action to protect yourself from identity theft or other forms of fraud.

Is Dark Web Monitoring worth it

Whether or not Dark Web Monitoring is worth it depends on your individual circumstances and concerns. This service can be especially helpful if you’re someone who uses online services frequently or has had personal information compromised in the past, then dark web monitoring could be beneficial for you.

For instance, if you have a large social media presence or frequently shop online, then there is a higher likelihood that your personal information could be compromised. In this case, investing in a dark web monitoring service can help you stay aware of any potential breaches and take action to protect yourself.

In addition, if you’re a parent and you’re worried about your child’s personal information being exposed on the dark web but you feel that you do not have the time or technical expertise to monitor your child’s online activity, then a Dark Web Monitoring service may be worth considering. These services can alert you if they find your child’s information exposed on the Dark Web, allowing you to take action to protect them.

That being said, Dark Web Monitoring services can be expensive. If you’re still hesitant about whether you should use any of them or not, take advantage of free trials. Aura is the one that offers a free trial, allowing you to get full access to their full plan features before you’re truly charged. In addition, they’re more than providing Dark Web Monitoring services. They combine credit monitoring, identity protection, and more to safeguard you from cybercriminals before it’s too late. Plus, if the worst should happen, you’re covered by a $1,000,000 insurance policy for eligible losses due to identity theft.

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Dark Web Scanner,
Dark Web Monitoring…
All-in-one digital safety for the whole family. Protect from identity theft, fraud, and online threats.

Aura is all-in-one protection for the whole family, powered by artificial intelligence. It constantly monitors the Dark Web (and other sources) for your personal information. If it finds anything that could put you at risk, it will send you a Dark Web alert, giving you the opportunity to protect your data as quickly as possible.

Final thoughts

As we individuals increasingly rely on digital technology to store and share sensitive information, we’re more prone to data breaches and phishing scams, which can result in making our personal data end up on the Dark Web.

However, it is the anonymity of the Dark Web that makes it difficult for law enforcement to track down and prosecute those criminals. Therefore, it is important to be vigilant about protecting your personal information and to take steps to minimize the risk of it ending up on the Dark Web.

By Sammi Liu

Greetings! I'm Sammi, and my journey as a content writer began right after graduation. While my initial academic focus was in Public Finance, I later pursued a major in English Literature. This diverse educational background has equipped me with a unique skill set that combines analytical thinking with a passion for creative expression.

My career path has led me to become a proficient content writer with a keen eye for research. Intensive training in Microsoft Office, coupled with a natural curiosity, has allowed me to incorporate design principles and advanced internet search techniques into my work seamlessly.

What truly sets me apart is my knack for research. I've dedicated time to mastering advanced internet search techniques, inspired by countless articles and video tutorials on the subject. This has transformed me into a seasoned researcher, skilled at uncovering reliable and valuable information.

In addition to my professional pursuits, I'm a tech enthusiast who stays current with the latest trends through YouTube. Listening to podcasts of various genres has been a hobby of mine, especially in every morning. I balance my professional life with an active one, enjoying badminton, table tennis, tennis, and yoga. On weekends, you'll find me lost in the pages of books in the local library or soaking in the beauty of nature on bike rides. I'm also passionate about culinary arts, frequently experimenting with recipes and crafting delightful beverages like smoothies.

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