Is your email address on the dark web? This guide will tell you how to know if your information is on the dark web if you can remove it, and what can be done to access it anonymously. Let’s discuss in detail what could be done to secure your personal information. 

How to know if your email address is on the dark web

According to Google, all internet users were once or twice leaked on the dark web, but no statistical evidence exists. Certain service providers claim to find out if you are found on the dark web or not.

But, it seems impossible to tell exactly what your information is on the dark web. If you have been using the dark web previously, you are more prone to such leakage. Here’s how you can get to know:

• Check for data breaches: You can check if your email address or other personal information has been involved in a known data breach by using a data breach notification service.
• Monitor your credit report: Check your credit report regularly for any suspicious activity or accounts you did not open.
• Use a dark web monitoring service: Some companies offer services that can scan the dark web for personal information and alert you if anything is found.
• Search for your personal information: You can search for your personal information, such as your email address, name, or Social Security number, on the dark web using a search engine like Onion Search Engine.

How can you remove the email address from the dark web?

Well, this might sound a bit gripping to your heart but removing an email address, or any of your data from the dark web is almost impossible. This is because the dark web is lawless and irregulated. 

But don’t worry. There are certain measures you can take to mitigate the contingent risks if any of your personal information is compromised on the dark web or anywhere else.

What to do if your email address is found on the dark web

Here are some steps you can take to protect your personal information:

• Change your passwords immediately. Make sure to use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Enable two-factor authentication
• Monitor your accounts by keeping an eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized logins or transactions.
• Password managers can help you generate strong, unique passwords for each account and store them securely.
• A credit monitoring service can inform you about identity theft, and a credit monitoring service can alert you to any suspicious activity on your credit report.
• Use a reliable VPN

Important Note: It’s important to remember that once your personal information has been posted on the dark web, it may be difficult or impossible to remove completely. Therefore, it’s best to take proactive steps to protect yourself and your personal information.

Risks when personal information is on the dark web

If your email address is on the dark web, it could potentially put you at risk for various types of cybercrimes and fraud, such as:

• Phishing scams: Scammers may use your email address to send phishing emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, such as your bank or a well-known company, to trick you into providing sensitive information.
• Identity theft: Hackers may use your email address to gain access to other personal information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and social security number, which they can use to commit identity theft.
• Spam and unwanted emails: Your email address may be sold to spammers, resulting in spam and unwanted emails in your inbox.
• Credential stuffing attacks: If your email address and password were compromised, hackers might attempt to use that information to gain access to your other accounts, especially if you’ve used the same password for multiple accounts.
• Blackmail and extortion: Cybercriminals may threaten to release sensitive information or embarrassing content obtained through your email address if you don’t pay them a ransom.

Using a VPN to secure internet browsing

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool used to access the internet to enhance the security of your data. VPNs carry several protocols, which include barring geo-locations, accessing restricted contents, IP duplication, and anonymous access. 

Using PureVPN can help you if your email address or any of the information is leaked to the dark web due to any circumstances. If you have a PureVPN subscription, it will:

• Encrypt your data traffic using DNS leak protection and internet kill switch features
• Secure your connection and hide your real IP address from prying eyes

Note: If your information is already on the dark web, you must be extra vigilant about phishing attacks, which are totally at your end if you click on suspicious links.

Preventive measures helpful to end up on the dark web

Some of the effective measures that could help you in the prevention of getting exposed to the dark web are:

• Avoid using public WiFi: Public WiFi is unsafe. Hackers have always used them for data breaches, man-in-the-middle attacks, and unlawful data collection. Such spots are easy to encrypt and intrude on. If you are using public WiFi, you must use a VPN.

• Creating separate email accounts: Your primary email accounts must not be used for recreational purposes, like gaming, the dark web, or live activities. Instead, you must use another email address for these activities.

• Using multi-factor authentication: Password alone is not enough for better security. Using multi-factor security is essential for a better security measure.

• Keeping password manager: Using password managers helps you assign complex passwords for each account so that you do not need to remember the password every time.
• Consider using a VPN: A VPN, such as PureVPN, will keep your data secure from theft, breach, and intruders. Its efficient encryption method will keep your data secure. Moreover, you will be anonymous on the internet whenever you are online. Here’s how to get extra security with PureVPN.

1. Choose a plan
2. Select your payment method
3. Download the app
4. Sign in with your credentials
5. Connect to the server you wish to connect to.
6. Congratulations! You are secure to go anonymous online.

Concluding thoughts

Talking about the dark web can give you goosebumps, especially if you have found that your personal information has been leaked on it. In this era of online presence, cyber crimes have risen dramatically. Being safe has become challenging, but you can do that with effort and wit. 

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