How to Remove Your Information from the Dark Web in 2025

Removing your data once it has been shared on the dark web is impossible! But we know that discovering that your personal information is on the dark web can be alarming! 

Cybercriminals trade stolen data, putting your identity, finances, and privacy at risk. But do not panic; there are steps you can take to regain control.

The blog covers how to check if your information has been exposed and how to protect yourself from future breaches.

How to Check if Your Information is On the Dark Web?

PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring offers real-time surveillance of the dark web, detecting breaches that involve your most sensitive data.

Whether it is your email address, Social Security Number, or other critical identifiers, you will receive instant alerts before cybercriminals can exploit your information.

• Continuously scan the dark web for any signs of compromised data.
• Notify you immediately when your information appears in a breach, enabling swift action.
• Delivers expert recommendations to help you mitigate risks.

Enable Dark Web Monitoring on PureVPN

1. Download and install the PureVPN app on your device.
2. Sign in to your PurePrivacy account.
3. Go to the Dark Web Monitoring section.

4. Click Add Assets to Monitor and enter your Social Security number, email, or other sensitive details.
5. Verify your information with a confirmation code sent to your email or phone.

6. If a breach is detected, follow the security recommendations to protect your identity.
7. Mark breaches as resolved once you’ve secured your accounts.

Can You Remove Your Data From the Dark Web?

Completely removing your data from the dark web is, unfortunately, not possible.

Once personal information is leaked and shared among cybercriminals, it can be copied, sold, and redistributed multiple times. While you can take steps to

• secure your accounts, 
• monitor for future breaches, and 
• minimize the risk of further exposure, the data itself cannot be fully erased.

Be cautious of any service or individual claiming they can completely remove your information from the dark web; this is often a scam. Instead, focus on keeping your data secure.

6 Things To Do If Your Information Is Leaked On the Dark Web?

If your information is found on the dark web, immediate action is required to minimize any risks. Follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Confirm the Breach

Use PureVPN dark web monitoring to verify which of your details have been exposed. Check for compromised emails, passwords, financial information, or personal identifiers.

2. Change Passwords Immediately

If your login credentials are leaked, change them right away. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

3. Monitor Financial Accounts

Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for unauthorized transactions. Consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze to prevent identity theft.

4. Report Identity Theft

If your Social Security Number, driver’s license, or other critical identifiers are compromised, report it to relevant authorities such as the FTC, your bank, or credit bureaus.

5. Watch Out for Phishing and Scams

Cybercriminals may use your leaked information for phishing attacks. Be cautious of suspicious emails, phone calls, or messages requesting personal details.

6. Use Identity Theft Protection Services

Consider signing up for identity monitoring services that can alert you to any misuse of your data and provide assistance in case of fraud.

Can You Prevent Your Data From Ending Up on the Dark Web?

Since removing your information from the dark web is nearly impossible, you can limit what data can be exposed in the first place. Here’s what you can do:

1. Avoid Storing Sensitive Data in Online Accounts

Use guest checkout options instead of creating accounts when shopping online. You can prevent storing your personal and financial details by doing so, reducing the risk of exposure if their database is compromised.

2. Minimize the Information You Share

Try to share the limited details when signing up for online services. Avoid sharing sensitive data like phone numbers, addresses, or financial information unless necessary.

3. Use Alternative or Disposable Information

When a website requires personal details you're hesitant to share, consider using:

• An alternate email address to prevent spam and phishing attempts.
• A virtual phone number instead of your real one.
• Use fake or slightly altered non-critical details.

4. Strengthen Your Email and Social Media Privacy

Cyber intruders often gather personal details from public profiles. To reduce your exposure:

• Tighten your privacy settings on social media to limit what’s visible to strangers.
• Avoid sharing geo-tagged posts, birthdays, or other identifiable details publicly.
• Use unique email names for different services to track and limit data leaks.

5. Use Advanced Security Tools

Protect your devices and online accounts with a password manager, VPN, antivirus and anti-malware software, and PureVPN dark monitoring alerts.

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.

Check if your email is on the dark web.

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6. Stay Cautious of Phishing and Scams

Hackers often trick you through phishing emails, fake login pages, or scam messages. Always:

• Verify URLs before clicking on links in emails or texts.
• Ignore unknown requests for passwords, PINs, or personal data.
• Enable multi-factor authentication.

Can Data Brokers Leak My Data to the Dark Web?

Yes, data brokers can indirectly contribute to your personal information ending up on the dark web.

Since brokers store huge amounts of sensitive data, they are attractive targets for hackers. If a broker is breached, exposed information can be sold on the dark web. Some brokers may sell data which could be sold to underground forums.

Plus, many of them work with minimal transparency, making it difficult to know who has gained access to your information.

You must opt out of data brokers by using PureVPN, which automatically sends recurring requests to 200+ data brokers to prevent your data from being shared without your authorization.

Use Dark Web Monitoring to Get Alerts About Information Leaks

Your personal information is a target for hackers and scammers, that will ruin your online identity and finances.

Imagine losing your hard-earned money, your reputation, and your peace of mind to a cybercriminal.

With PureVPN, you can scan the Dark Web 24/7 and receive alert notifications whenever someone posts your private information (Email Address, Phone Number, Credit Card Number, SSN, Passport Number). Get instant Dark Web Alerts and the power to stop data breaches dead in their tracks.

Get Dark Web Alerts

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• How do I find out if my data is on the dark web?

  

  If you have received any notification from the company’s official communication platform about the breach, have noticed any unusual financial activity, or if you are using a dark web monitoring service that has notified you about the breach, then your data might be on the dark web.

• How to prevent info from the dark web?

  

  You must:
  Use strong, unique passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication.
  Avoid providing unnecessary personal details to websites, apps, or online services.
  Opt out of data brokers to reduce your exposure to leaks and breaches.
  Use PureVPN, a password manager, and encrypted email services to help protect your data.
  Monitor accounts regularly to detect suspicious activity early.

• What is the best way to remove information from the dark web/internet?

  

  Unfortunately, completely removing your data from the dark web is not possible once it has been leaked, but you can:
  Change compromised passwords immediately.
  Opt out of data broker sites to prevent further exposure.
  Monitor for future breaches and take preventive measures to secure your accounts.
  Freeze your credit.

• What do you do when your information has been compromised on the dark web?

  

  If your data has been found on the dark web, take immediate action:
  Change all affected passwords and MFA.
  Monitor your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions and set up fraud alerts.
  Freeze or lock your credit if sensitive details like your Social Security Number or banking information have been exposed.
  Watch for phishing attempts.
  Use ID theft protection services.

Wrap Up

Managing your privacy is a need today. If your sensitive data is leaked, it might become an asset for cyber intruders, who would exploit it for their gains. You must stay alert and take steps to prevent your information from being leaked to the dark web.