How Did My Personal Information Get on the Dark Web?
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By Farrukh Mushtaq
Farrukh Mushtaq
See author profileFarrukh Mushtaq, a digital marketer at PureSquare, possesses a keen interest in cybersecurity and enjoys writing about it. With several years of experience in the digital marketing industry, he brings expertise and passion to his work.
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26 March 2025
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12 mins read
Table of Content
Table of Contents
Discovering your personal information on the dark web can be alarming!
Common causes include data breaches, compromised accounts, phishing scams, and malware infections. The dark web facilitates the trade of stolen data among cybercriminals.
This guide will help you determine if your information has been compromised, understand the causes, and help you take actionable steps to secure your identity.
How to Know If Your Personal Information is on the Dark Web
One of the efficient ways to find out if your data is on the dark web is through a dark web scan. With a Dark Web Monitoring scan, you can know how vulnerable your data is. PureVPN now offers a Dark Web Exposure Scan for everyone, including non-users. To use it, simply:
- Enter your email address and receive instant results.
- If your email is found in a breach, you can take immediate action to mitigate risks.
Discover if Your Most Critical Identifiers Have Been Exposed on the Dark Web
Receive timely alerts and actionable insights with PurePrivacy's Dark Web Monitoring.
You need PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring to identify if your most critical identifiers are leaked on the dark web.
How Did My Information End Up on the Dark Web?
There are several ways that can lead to your data surfacing on the dark web:
- Data Breaches
Large-scale breaches at organizations you interact with expose your personally identifiable information, including names, addresses, credit card details, and Social Security numbers, and they are always in the possession of hackers to extract data.
- Compromised Accounts
Weak passwords, lack of Multi-Factor Authentication, phishing attacks, or malware infections can give cybercriminals unauthorized access to your accounts, and they can steal your data or use it to access other accounts.
- Phishing Scams
Deceptive emails or messages that often impersonate trusted entities aim to get your sensitive data. This data is later sold on the dark web forums.
- Unsecured Public WiFi
Connecting to public WiFi networks without proper security measures exposes your data to interception by cybercriminals to install malware or steal login credentials.
Can I Remove My Data From the Dark Web?
Unfortunately, removing your data once it is exposed on the dark web is not possible. However, you can mitigate the risks.
- Immediately Change Compromised Passwords
Prioritize updating passwords for affected accounts. You can use a password manager with dark web monitoring, such as PureVPN, to identify compromised credentials and generate strong, unique passwords.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Everywhere
Implement MFA on all accounts so that you have a second verification step, even if your password is compromised.
- Freeze Your Credit
Prevent identity theft by freezing your credit, preventing unauthorized access to your credit report, and restricting new account openings.
- Run a Comprehensive Antivirus Scan
Use reputable antivirus software to scan your devices for malware and remove any threats. Regular scans provide ongoing protection against data-stealing software.
- Enable Dark Web Monitoring
PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring provides continuous surveillance of your data on the dark web, detecting breaches that involve your most sensitive identifiers and associated data.
Here's how you can use Dark Web Monitoring:
- Sign up for PureMax.
- Download and install the PureVPN app.
- Log into your account and click Dark Web Monitoring.
- Select Add Assets to Monitor and enter your email address, SSN/NIN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number in the respective fields.
- Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity, and you’re done.
- Follow the recommended measures if your personal data is part of a breach to protect yourself from further harm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Should I be worried if my info is on the dark web?
Yes, you should be concerned. While it doesn't guarantee immediate identity theft, it increases your risk. The dark web is a marketplace for cybercriminals. Your information can be bought and sold, leading to various malicious activities.
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Has my personal information been leaked?
If you have been a part of data breaches, have accidentally provided your information on a call or message, or if your device was infected with a virus, then your information might have leaked. Plus, look for signs like password reset emails, fake calls, or any unauthorized transactions in your name, and act swiftly to protect your data.
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What does it mean to have your information sold on the dark web?
It means that you are at risk, and your data is now a commodity for cybercriminals. They can use it to resell, commit fraud, and create profiles for identity theft.
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How much does a Dark Web Scan cost?
You can get a dark web exposure scan for free. Just go to the PureVPN Dark Web Monitoring page and enter your email address to learn about the breach details. For in-depth reports and tracking other identifiers, you will have to subscribe to PureMax.
Track Your Data to Prevent Dark Web Exposure
Your data is vulnerable even when you are using the surface web. Tracking cookies, data brokers, social media trackers, and people with malicious intent are always in search of PII. It is better to manage your data with PureVPN’s next-generation security features today!
