Key Takeaways

  • The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet used by criminals.
  • Monitoring Services scan these forums for your email/passwords.
  • If found, they alert you so you can change your password instantly.
  • Many credit cards and password managers offer this for free.

When a company like Facebook or LinkedIn gets hacked, the data doesn't disappear. It ends up on the Dark Web, sold in bulk to identity thieves.

What is included in a breach?

Usually, a "combo list" contains:

How Monitoring Works

Security companies use automated bots to scrape Dark Web marketplaces (like the now-defunct Silk Road successors). They collect billions of stolen records into a massive database.

When you sign up for monitoring, they search this database for your email. If it pops up, they tell you exactly which password was leaked.

The "Credential Stuffing" Threat

Hackers know people reuse passwords. If your Netflix password leaks, they will try it on Amazon, PayPal, and Wells Fargo. This is why monitoring relates to all your accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I remove my info from the Dark Web?
No. Once it is out there, it is out there forever. You cannot ask a criminal to delete your data. The only fix is to change your passwords so the stolen data becomes useless.
How do I access the Dark Web?
You need the Tor Browser. It is not illegal to visit, but it is dangerous. It is rife with malware, scams, and disturbing content. We do not recommend it for casual users.

Check for leaks.
Run Breach Scan