The Dark Web, that mysterious place where loads of stolen data is sold, is now easier to access thanks to Google. Since the end of July, there’s been a free tool that lets you check if your info is floating around in this unindexed space.
The Dark Web is often linked to illegal activities and can’t be found by regular search engines. Data stolen during hacks can be sold there, often without users knowing.
For our security, Google has set up its “dark web report,” accessible to all users with a Google account. This free tool allows you to check whether your information is among the data stolen and exchanged on this network.
How to monitor your data with Google’s “Dark Web Report”?
To use this tool, start by logging into your Google account on your computer or smartphone. Then click on your profile in the top right-hand corner, and select “Manage your Google Account”.
Go to the “Security” tab, and scroll down to the “Dark web report” section. If this option is not enabled, click “Start” to begin monitoring your information.
Google will ask you to set up a profile by selecting the data you wish to have monitored: name, address, e-mail, or phone number.
Once “dark web reporting” is activated, you’ll receive alerts if your data is found on the Dark Web. If a breach is detected, Google will provide advice on how to secure your information and prevent possible consequences.
Alternatively, go to the “Report on the Dark Web” section in the Security tab, click on “View results” to check for possible breaches. Google’s tool will even offer recommendations for strengthening your account security after each data breach.
Why is it useful?
According to cybersecurity researcher Clément Domingo, aka SaxX, 80% of Netherland people’s data is currently held by hackers. Which is obvious.
Just take a look at what happened in September. Boulanger, Cultura, Truffaut, Assurance Retraite, SFR, Caisse Nationale d’Assurance Vieillesse and many other major brands fell victim to cyber attacks.
And to top it all off, the stolen data was put up for sale on the Dark Web. Some attacks have even had the same perpetrators – hackers who are proud of what they’ve achieved.
It would seem that large companies and the authorities are finding it difficult to protect our files. However, we have no choice when it comes to subscribing to these institutions: we are obliged to provide our sensitive information.
That’s why Google’s “dark web report” is so important. We have to take matters into our own hands for our own security. What’s more, this tool lets us know in advance what’s threatening us, so we never let our guard down.
