What Are Dark Web Scans and Why You Need it?

  • By Farrukh Mushtaq

    Farrukh Mushtaq

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    Farrukh 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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  • 17 March 2025
  • 15 mins read

How do you find out if your data is at risk and has been leaked on the dark web? Dark web scans search the hidden corners of the internet for any trace of your compromised data, giving you a chance to act before it’s too late. 

If your information is exposed, it can be used for identity theft, fraud, or even criminal activities in your name. By using dark web scans, you can identify and mitigate these risks promptly.

In this blog, we will cover everything you must know about dark web scans and why it is important for your online privacy.

What is the Dark Web, and How is it a Risk to Your Privacy?

The dark web is the hidden part of the internet, accessible only through specialized browsers like Tor. It is a place where users can stay anonymous, but this also makes it a hotspot for cybercriminals. 

Stolen data, hacked accounts, counterfeit identities, and even full personal profiles—including passport numbers, Social Security Numbers, and banking details—are bought and sold in dark web marketplaces and forums.

So, why is this a direct threat to your privacy? Because once your information lands on the dark web, it’s no longer in your control. Cybercriminals can exploit your identity for fraud, use your details to access financial accounts, or even impersonate you in illegal transactions. 

What are Dark Web Scans?

A dark web scan is a security tool that checks underground forums, data dumps, and hacker marketplaces on the dark web for leaked personal information. 

It helps individuals and businesses detect whether their emails, passwords, Social Security Numbers, financial details, or other sensitive data have been compromised in data breaches.

However, these scans cannot catch all instances of data exposure, and should be used as part of a broader approach to security.

How Does a Dark Web Scan Work?

PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring provides continuous surveillance of the hidden layers of the dark web, detecting breaches that involve your most sensitive identifiers and associated data. 

Whether it’s your email address, Social Security Number, or other critical information, you receive timely alerts to act before cybercriminals can exploit your data.

Key Benefits:

  • 24/7 Monitoring: Constant scanning of the dark web to identify data breaches.
  • Instant Alerts: Immediate notifications when your personal information is found in a breach.
  • Actionable Insights: Expert recommendations to help you mitigate risks and strengthen your security posture.

How to Use Dark Web Exposure Scan for FREE

With Dark Web Monitoring, you can extend your security beyond the surface web and take full control of your data. Plus, PureVPN now offers a Dark Web Exposure Scan for everyone, including non-users. To use it. simply:

  1. Enter your email address and receive instant results. 
  2. 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.

Check if your email is on the dark web.

Please enter a valid email.

To identify if your most critical identifiers are leaked on the dark web, PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring is what you need.

How to Use PureVPN's Dark Web Monitoring 

Here's how you can use Dark Web Monitoring:

  1. Sign up for PureMax.
  2. Download and install the PureVPN app.
  3. Log into your account and click Dark Web Monitoring.
How to Use PureVPN's Dark Web Monitoring 
  1. Select Add Assets to Monitor and enter your email address, SSN/NIN, credit card number, passport number, and phone number in the respective fields.
  1. Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity, and you’re done.
Enter the code sent to your registered number to verify your identity, and you’re done
  1. Follow the recommended measures if your personal data is part of a breach to protect yourself from further harm.
Follow the recommended measures if your personal data is part of a breach

Why Do You Need a Dark Web Scan?

A Dark Web Scan is essential for identifying whether your personal information has been compromised in data breaches and is being traded on underground forums. 

Here’s why you should consider running a scan:

1. Detect Leaked Credentials

Your email address, passwords, and other sensitive information may have been exposed in a data breach without your knowledge. A dark web scan helps you know if your credentials are at risk.

2. Prevent Identity Theft

Stolen personal details, such as Social Security Numbers, banking information, and phone numbers, can be used for fraudulent activities like loan applications, tax fraud, or even criminal impersonation.

3. Secure Your Online Accounts

If your login credentials are exposed, hackers can attempt credential stuffing, trying the same passwords across multiple sites to gain unauthorized access to your accounts. A scan alerts you to breaches so you can change passwords immediately.

Why Do You Need a Dark Web Scan

4. Reduce the Risk of Phishing Attacks

Cybercriminals use exposed email addresses and personal data to launch targeted phishing scams, tricking you into revealing even more information. Knowing your data is leaked helps you stay vigilant.

5. Protect Your Financial Assets

Leaked financial data, including credit card numbers and banking details, can lead to unauthorized transactions or account takeovers. Early detection allows you to act fast by securing your accounts and notifying financial institutions.

Protect Your Financial Assets

6. Stay Ahead of Cybercriminals

Hackers and fraudsters constantly trade and sell stolen information on the dark web. Dark web scans help you stay proactive, allowing you to secure your data before it’s exploited.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How does PureVPN ensure my information is protected once I share it for monitoring?

    Plus

    The information you provide, such as your passport and credit card numbers, is encrypted before transmission to PureVPN’s servers. Once received, it is securely stored using SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) to ensure maximum protection.

  • How much does a Dark Web Scan cost?

    Plus

    Just go to the PureVPN Dark Web Monitoring page and enter your email address to know about the breach details for free. However, for in-depth reports and tracking other identifiers, you will have to subscribe to PureMax.

  • Is dark web monitoring free?

    Plus

    No. Dark web monitoring is not offered for free. It is better to avoid platforms that offer the service without any cost, as they might exploit your data by tempting you.

  • Is it safe to use dark web monitoring?

    Plus

    Absolutely! Reliable dark web monitoring tools, such as PureVPN, are safe and must be used to prevent your data from being misused if leaked on the dark web marketplace.

Try a Reliable Dark Web Scan Today to Manage Your Data

Protecting your data goes beyond just strong passwords and antivirus software. The dark web remains a hub for stolen information, where cybercriminals trade sensitive data for malicious purposes. 

PureVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring provides a proactive way that continuously scans hidden marketplaces and alerts you to breaches before your information is exploited.