What Is A Dark Web Scan And Does It Actually Work?

1. What Is A “Dark Web Scan” And Does It What Is A “Dark Web Scan” And Does It Actually Work? Actually Work? A dark web scan, also termed darknet monitoring, can be defined as a cybersecurity service that enables you to have explicit knowledge of whether your email has been compromised and if any data is available on the dark web. The scanning procedure excavates through the more extensive databases containing social security numbers (SSNs), passwords, stolen usernames and credit card numbers for sale. How Does Dark Web Scan Works? What a dark web scan does is a scanning tool put to use that scours through the darknet and spots stolen personal information. If found, it alerts the victim regarding the information found, following which the victim can take appropriate and immediate steps to mitigate the damage. Against a general set of stolen information spotted on the dark web, such as log-in credentials, the scan will recommend the victims to change the account passwords and thereby implement even stronger passwords. But, if the scan finds information regarding your credit cards or any financial cards, it recommends you to put a credit freeze on your profiles. Is Free Dark Web Monitoring Actually Effective? Many companies do offer free dark web monitoring. But that includes scanning of most basic and personal information such as phone numbers, email address, passwords and SSNs. If you want to have knowledge about your complete scan, you have to pay a charge for the same.

2. Talking of the free dark web scans, they are not completely free (except for some that does not solve the purpose). One of the most reached out software or website when referring to the dark web monitoring has to be Experian. Basically, Experian is a company that offers the complete suite for credit scoring as well as reporting tools for businesses, banks and consumers. Now, Experian has shifted to offering its concerned customers with a tool to check if their personal data is available in any corners of the dark web. The dark web scanning tool utilizes email addresses and various other personal information cross-referencing multiple databases to locate any trace of personal information breaches. Different types of personal data can be spotted online. Thus, the scanning tool utilizes a broad variety of bank information, identification, tax information and card numbers. Also, it needs to be noted that the dark web market makes use of multiple masking tools in the bid to keep the criminal identities secured as they trade the identities of their victims. Usually, the first time registered users get a free 30 day trial of the Experian dark web monitoring tool after which they have to pay a fee of $10 per month. But, the best part is in the monthly subscription, the users get service for customer support, monitoring, alerts and insurance till $1 million in case your identity gets stolen. Experian enables you to have your dark web scan getting its job done in just 48 hours. There are various kinds of personal information that can be available on the dark web, such as: Credit card and debit card account numbers Driver’s licenses Fake diplomas Log-in information for payment services such as Zelle or PayPal Log-in information for subscription services, like Netflix or Blue Apron Medical records Passports Phone numbers Social Security numbers What Should Be My Further Steps On Spotting Compromised Data? If you have spotted that your personal information has been compromised, you need to minimize the damage at the earliest. For that you have to follow certain points: The first and the foremost is that you must change your passwords immediately. You must not use the same passwords over and over again and in multiple websites. You must make sure to input passwords that are complicated to guess. You should immediately notify your financial service providers. This includes the credit card companies and the banks. You may have to cancel the existing accounts and create fresh ones depending on the extension of the damage.

3. You must frequently monitor your credit card statements. You need to be aware of any unknown transactions taking place from your account which you never did. In that case you need to block the credit limit (freezing credit card) or block the card consulting the card company. However, there are challenges with retrieving information from the dark web. You may be happy if the darknet scan bears negative results. But, a negative result does not ensure that your personal data has not been compromised. It is not possible for the deep web scanning process to cover the entire darknet. Another reason for receiving a negative result could be that your compromised data through a data breach had not been published on any dark web website.