Monitoring your leaked data online can be a daunting task, prompting the rise of services dedicated to scanning the dark web for your information. Some, like the well-known Have I Been Pwned, offer free checks, while others require payment or are bundled with antivirus software.
Google has also entered this arena with dark web monitoring, previously available only to Google One subscribers.
However, starting later this month, Google will make its dark web reports accessible to all eligible users through the Results About You dashboard in select countries.
Previously, free users could only see where their personal contact details appeared online, while Google One members received additional insights, such as whether their social security numbers had surfaced on the dark web.
For more precise and immediate results, users can manually specify which details to monitor. Earlier this year, for instance, a family member received a warning about their social security number being exposed in an AT&T leak, despite not having it in their profile.
Concerned about Google monitoring your data? You have the option to delete your monitoring profile from the Edit monitoring profile page, which stops the reports. To resume, you’ll need to create a new profile.
Remaining vigilant about data breaches and leaks is crucial for online safety, even though it can be exhausting. Simplify your efforts by using strong passwords, two-factor authentication, a reliable password manager, and ensuring your antivirus software is always up to date.
