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The dark web is a hidden part of the internet not easily accessible through your normal search engines and has become a hub for illegal activities, including the trade of personal information.
A compromised email address, often used as a gateway to access various online accounts, can put you at risk of identity theft, financial fraud, and other malicious activities. Dark web alert services can help you monitor and take control if your email address has been compromised and is being sold on the dark web.
Stay calm if your email has ended up on the dark web! You can take some methods to prevent your precious data from being used for illegal activities or financial fraud and can better protect your personal information in the future.
Why am I getting a dark web alert?
Dark web alerts inform you that your personal information, such as your email address or login credentials, has been compromised and is available for sale or use on the dark web.
Why does it happen?
- It could be that you have used the same email address or password across multiple websites, and one of those websites may have experienced a data breach.
- You might have fallen victim to a phishing scam, where attackers trick you into revealing your personal information or login credentials.
- Your computer or mobile device may have been infected with malware, which can capture your keystrokes and other sensitive information.
Learn more: Dark Web VS Deep Web
How did my information get on the dark web?
There are many ways in which your personal information may end up on the dark web, and it can be challenging to know the exact cause. Cybercriminals generally obtain personal information through data breaches, phishing scams, and other cyberattacks like sending malware.
Data breaches
It occurs when cybercriminals gain unauthorized access to a company’s database, which contains personal information such as email addresses, names, phone numbers, and passwords. When a data breach occurs, cybercriminals can sell the stolen information on the dark web to criminals who may use it to commit identity theft or other malicious activities.
Phishing scams
In this, attackers send emails or text messages that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as banks or online retailers. The emails or messages typically ask you to provide personal information, such as your login credentials or credit card number.
For example, a hacker may call a company pretending to be an IT technician and ask for employee email addresses. Hackers may also use your social media or online accounts to gather information about you, and once you provide the information, the attackers can use it to access your accounts or sell it on the dark web.
Malware
Malware is typically spread through infected email attachments or malicious websites, and it can capture keystrokes, passwords, and other sensitive information. This is the reason why you should be careful about clicking unknown links in an email.
Automated tools
Hackers can also use automated tools to scan the internet for publicly available email addresses. These tools can search websites, social media platforms, and other online resources to find email addresses. Hackers can then use this information to launch spam campaigns or other malicious activities. And, it’s that easy for a hacker to find any related information about you.
Learn more: How to access Dark Web safely?
Why do hackers want my email address?
Hackers may want your email address for a variety of reasons:
Gain access to your online account
Email addresses are often used as the primary login credential for many online services, such as social media platforms, email services, and e-commerce sites. If a hacker can access your email account, they can use it to reset passwords for other accounts, access sensitive information, and launch further attacks.
Steal your identity
By obtaining your email address, hackers can use it to create fake social media profiles, apply for credit cards or loans in your name, and commit other fraudulent activities. This can have serious consequences, including damage to your credit score and financial loss.
Launch spam campaigns
They may also use your email address to send phishing emails or other types of spam to other individuals. This can be particularly harmful if the emails contain malware or other types of malicious code.
Learn more: What’s inside a Dark Web Mystery Box?
What to do if you receive a dark web alert for a compromised email
If you receive a dark web alert for a compromised email address, there are several steps you should take to protect yourself and your personal information from being used by hackers.
Step 1: Change your password
- For this, choose a strong password with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, as this can make it easier for hackers to access your other accounts.
Step 2: Enable two-factor authentication
- Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification form, such as a code sent to your phone, to log in to your account.
- This can help prevent hackers from accessing your account even if they have your password.
Step 3: Check your other accounts with the same email address
- You need to ensure that your other accounts associated with your email ID are secure.
- If they are not secure, change the passwords for those accounts immediately and enable two-factor authentication where possible.
Step 4: Monitor your accounts and finances
- Watch for unauthorized transactions, changes to your account settings, or other signs that your personal information may have been compromised.
Step 5: Sign up for identity theft protection services
These services can help monitor your personal information for any signs of fraud and provide support in the event of an identity theft or data breach.
Step 6: Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
You can also use a VPN service with your accounts for added security to avoid future attacks. A VPN can easily hide your IP address from ISPs, prying eyes, or hackers who want to steal your information.
How to use PureVPN to have a secure connection
PureVPN is a reliable VPN service that can be used to secure your internet connection and protect your personal information from being compromised. Here are the steps to use PureVPN:
- Sign up for a PureVPN subscription and download the PureVPN app onto your device.
- Launch the PureVPN app and log in to your account.
- Connect to a PureVPN server.
- Once connected to the PureVPN server, your internet traffic will be encrypted and routed through the VPN server.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is possible to find your email on the dark web. Tools and services, such as Have I Been Pwned and dark web monitoring services can help you check if your email address has been compromised or is available on the dark web.
Yes, you should be worried if your information is on the dark web. The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where cybercriminals trade stolen information, such as usernames, passwords, and credit card numbers. If your information is on the dark web, it may be sold or used for fraud, such as identity theft or financial fraud.
If you Google the dark web, you will likely see search results that provide information and resources about the dark web. Though, it is important to note that you will need more than simply searching for information about the dark web to be able to access it.
Unfortunately, removing your email from the dark web is impossible once it has been compromised or exposed. But you can take steps to protect yourself against any suspicious activities done using your email address.
Wrapping up
We know that a dark web alert for a compromised email address can cause extreme stress, as it indicates that your personal information may have been exposed and could be used for fraud. But you can protect yourself by using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and monitoring your finances and other accounts for signs of suspicious activity.
Also, you can use a VPN service to add an extra layer of protection, and if you need any information regarding VPN, you can always reach us via our LiveChat option.
PureVPN
June 20, 2023
10 months ago
