Millions of People Don't Know That Their Information Has Been Published on the Dark Web. Google Has a Free Tool to Check

In March 2023, Google launched its Dark Web Report to help users find out whether their information had been leaked. Since then, the company has been expanding its access. This useful tool is currently available on the Google One page with limitations for users without a subscription. Later this month, it’ll be available for free in the Results about you section.

The dark web is a part of the deep web that isn’t indexed by search engines. It’s a space where users can hide their identity and location, enabling cybercriminals to profit by sharing information stolen from security breaches. Additionally, the dark web is a hub for illegal activities such as drug sales.

How to Use Google's Dark Web Report for Free

Data leaks are common in today’s interconnected world. It’s important to be aware of whether your data has been exposed on the dark web and take necessary precautions to protect yourself. However, unlike the main web, you can’t use a regular search engine to navigate the dark web, and accessing it requires specific technical knowledge and specialized software.

Google’s Dark Web Report is a valuable tool for identifying if your data has been compromised. It also lets you take proactive steps to minimize any potential impact. This service monitors the dark web and notifies you if it discovers personal information associated with you, such as names, usernames, email addresses, passwords, date of birth, phone numbers, or home addresses.

Even though the tool is scheduled to migrate to Results about you later this month, you can use it for free today to analyze your account. To do this, simply go to the Google One page from your computer or phone and click on Try now, even if you don’t have a subscription. Then, click on Run scan. You’ll then see the results of the scan.

If the tool doesn’t find any information about you on the dark web, it’ll let you know. However, if the scan returns positive results, you’ll see the message “Your info was found on the dark web,” followed by a summary of the search. To take action as soon as possible, click on View all results, and you’ll see the source of the leak on the left and the type of leaked information on the right.

As shown in the screenshots, the Dark Web Report provides details about leaked information. The service may also find additional information not related to the user. Many leaks originate from “combinations” of data that are published on the dark web. Some of the data may be obscured, but the visible portion can help you identify if it’s genuine, allowing you to take necessary action.

Google’s tool recommends taking several steps after detecting a leak, such as changing the password involved and setting up two-factor authentication. If your name or date of birth has been leaked, there may not be much you can do. However, it’s never too late to enhance your digital security practices, avoid reusing passwords, and fortify your digital environment to prevent future leaks.

Image | Screenshots

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