How can I see if my data is exposed on the Dark Web?
There are a few options to check if your organisations data has been exposed following a third-party data breach.
Cyber21 provides real-time data breach monitoring for their customers.
🔍 How to Check If Your Data Is on the Dark Web?
Cyber criminals often sell or leak stolen personal and business data on the Dark Web after data breaches. Here’s how you can check if your data has been exposed and what to do about it.
1️⃣ Use Dark Web Monitoring Services
Many security services scan Dark Web marketplaces for leaked credentials:
✅ Have I Been Pwned? (https://haveibeenpwned.com) – Free tool to check if your email or password has been exposed.
✅ Google Password Checkup – Google alerts you if your saved passwords are compromised.
✅ Microsoft Defender for Individuals – Monitors Dark Web data leaks (for Microsoft 365 users).
✅ ID Theft Protection Services – Services like Experian, LifeLock, Norton 360, and Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection offer Dark Web monitoring.
2️⃣ Check with Your Security Provider
If you use enterprise security solutions, they may offer Dark Web scanning:
🔹 Microsoft Defender for Business
🔹 IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence
🔹 Kaspersky Threat Intelligence Portal
Some cyber insurance providers also offer Dark Web monitoring as part of their service.
3️⃣ Use a Dark Web Scanner (With Caution!)
🔹 Some security firms offer specialized Dark Web scanning tools.
🔹 Avoid manually searching the Dark Web (Tor network) – it's risky and illegal in some areas.
🔹 Criminal forums and markets require access credentials, making it difficult to verify leaked data without third-party services.
4️⃣ What to Do If Your Data Is Found on the Dark Web?
🔐 Secure Your Accounts:
✅ Change passwords immediately – Use strong & unique passwords.
✅ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of security.
✅ Use a Password Manager – Helps create and store strong passwords securely.
🚨 Protect Financial & Personal Data:
✅ Monitor your bank statements for suspicious activity.
✅ Freeze or monitor your credit report if sensitive data (e.g., SSN, NI number) is exposed.
✅ Alert IT security teams if business credentials are compromised.
🛡️ Improve Long-Term Security:
✅ Regularly update passwords for critical accounts.
✅ Watch out for phishing attacks – Leaked emails/passwords can lead to scams.
✅ Consider Cyber Insurance – Helps mitigate damage from identity theft & cyberattacks.
🚀 Stay Proactive & Monitor Your Data!
🔹 Enable real-time Dark Web monitoring through security providers.
🔹 Regularly audit and update your passwords.
🔹 Be cautious with online accounts – Only share sensitive data on trusted platforms.
Checking and acting fast can prevent identity theft, fraud, and business security breaches!