How to Check if Your Data is Breached on the Dark Web with Google
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. It is often used for illegal activities, such as selling stolen data. If your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, it could be for sale on the dark web.
Google offers a free service called Dark Web Report that can help you check if your data has been breached. To use the service, you need to have a Google One membership. Once you have a membership, you can follow these steps to check your data:
- Go to the Google One website: https://one.google.com/.
- Sign in to your Google account.
- Click on the "Dark Web Report" tab.
- Click on the "Start monitoring" button.
- Select the data you want to monitor, such as your email address, phone number, or Social Security number.
- Click on the "Allow" button.
Google will then scan the dark web for your data. If your data is found, you will receive an email notification. The notification will include information about the data breach, such as the date of the breach and the company that was hacked.
If your data is found on the dark web, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself:
- Change your passwords. This includes your passwords for your email, bank accounts, social media accounts, and any other online accounts that use the same password.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password.
- Be careful about what information you share online.Don't share your personal information, such as your Social Security number or credit card number, unless it is absolutely necessary.
By following these steps, you can help protect yourself from identity theft and other cybercrimes.
Here are some other things you can do to protect your data from being breached:
- Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help protect you from vulnerabilities.
- Be careful about what links you click on. Phishing emails and malicious websites are often used to steal personal information.
- Use a VPN when you are using public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it more difficult for hackers to steal your data.
By taking these precautions, you can help keep your data safe from being breached.