Dark Web Monitoring

Protect yourself by monitoring the dark web for your personal information and leaked data

Your Data Is Likely Already on the Dark Web

Data breaches have exposed billions of records. There's a high probability your email, passwords, or personal information are already circulating on dark web marketplaces and forums.

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where stolen data, credentials, and personal information are bought and sold. This guide explains what dark web monitoring is, why it matters, and how to protect yourself.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a portion of the internet not indexed by search engines, accessible only through special browsers like Tor. It hosts both legitimate privacy-focused services and illegal marketplaces where stolen data is traded.

What Gets Sold on the Dark Web:

  • • Email addresses and passwords
  • • Credit card numbers and CVVs
  • • Social Security numbers
  • • Bank account credentials
  • • Driver's license scans
  • • Medical records
  • • Cryptocurrency wallet keys
  • • Corporate login credentials
  • • Personal photos and videos
  • • Full identity packages

Why Dark Web Monitoring Matters

Early Warning System

Dark web monitoring alerts you when your data appears on dark web marketplaces, giving you time to take protective action before criminals exploit it.

  • Change passwords immediately after credential leaks
  • Freeze credit before identity thieves open fraudulent accounts
  • Alert financial institutions of compromised card numbers

Common Sources of Dark Web Data:

  • Data Breaches: Hacks of major companies (Facebook, LinkedIn, Equifax, etc.) expose millions of user records
  • Phishing Attacks: Credentials stolen through fake websites and emails
  • Malware: Keyloggers and info-stealers harvesting data from infected computers
  • Social Engineering: Scammers tricking people into revealing personal information
  • Insider Threats: Employees selling customer databases

How to Monitor the Dark Web

Option 1: Free Tools (Limited Coverage)

Have I Been Pwned (haveibeenpwned.com)

Check if your email appears in known data breaches. Free and reputable service by security researcher Troy Hunt.

Limitation: Only shows publicly disclosed breaches, not active dark web sales

Google Password Checkup

Chrome extension that alerts you if saved passwords were compromised in breaches.

Limitation: Only checks credentials saved in Google Password Manager

Firefox Monitor

Mozilla's breach monitoring service, powered by Have I Been Pwned data.

Option 2: Paid Monitoring Services

Professional dark web monitoring services actively scan dark web forums, marketplaces, and private channels for your data.

Credit Monitoring Services

Experian, LifeLock, Identity Guard—focus on financial data and SSN monitoring

Cost: $10-30/month

Comprehensive Privacy Services

Privly, DeleteMe, Privacy Bee—monitor dark web + data brokers + social media

Cost: $30-100/month

What to Do If Your Data is on the Dark Web

  1. 1
    Change Passwords Immediately

    Update passwords for all accounts using the compromised email/password. Use unique, strong passwords for each account.

  2. 2
    Enable Two-Factor Authentication

    Add 2FA to all critical accounts (email, banking, social media) to prevent unauthorized access even with leaked passwords.

  3. 3
    Freeze Your Credit

    Contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to freeze your credit reports. Free and prevents new accounts being opened in your name.

  4. 4
    Monitor Financial Accounts

    Check bank statements, credit card transactions, and credit reports monthly for unauthorized activity.

  5. 5
    File Identity Theft Report

    If fraud occurs, report to FTC at identitytheft.gov and file police report for legal protection.

Preventing Dark Web Exposure

  • Use unique passwords for every account—password managers make this easy
  • Enable 2FA on all accounts that support it
  • Be cautious with data sharing—minimize personal info given to companies
  • Use privacy-focused email aliases for online accounts
  • Regularly audit and delete old online accounts you no longer use

Privly's Dark Web Monitoring

Comprehensive Dark Web Scanning

We monitor dark web marketplaces, forums, Telegram channels, and private paste sites for your data 24/7

Instant Alerts

Get notified within hours when your email, passwords, SSN, or other PII appears on dark web

Guided Remediation

Step-by-step instructions on what to do when your data is compromised

Identity Theft Insurance

Professional plan includes $1M identity theft insurance and restoration services

Start Dark Web Monitoring

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