What is dark web monitoring and do you need it?

Dark web monitoring helps you stay ahead of data leaks by keeping watch over your personal info. Depending on the tool, you can get alerts when your name, address, login details, payment info, ID numbers, or other sensitive data appear in dark web communities.

Below, we’ll go over how it works, why it matters, and the types of data that end up exposed. We’ll also look at how leaks happen in the first place, some high-profile examples, and whether dark web monitoring is safe and worth paying for. Toward the end, we’ll also cover how to stay protected and what to do if your info’s already out there.

What is dark web monitoring, and how does it work?

Dark web monitoring tools check parts of the internet where stolen data is shared or sold. If your personal info shows up on the dark web, the service alerts you so you can lock things down while there’s still time.

These tools rely on bots, or crawlers, that scan dark web forums, trading sites, and private message boards. Once they gather info, they look for your tracked details (e.g., email, phone number) and notify you the moment something shows up.

Unlike one-time scans, monitoring continues to run in the background. That gives you a better chance to catch leaks early and take action.

Related: Deep web vs dark web: What’s the difference?

Why do you need dark web monitoring?

Dark web monitoring is a useful tool in case any of your data is leaked online, whether it’s your logins, payment details, or personal documents. It’s basically an early warning system that gives you a chance to react before a leak turns into bigger issues, such as:

• Potential account takeovers: If your login info is leaked, someone could lock you out of your accounts, steal your data, or cause further data breaches if it’s a company account.
• Increased risk of convincing phishing scams: Leaked data helps scammers make fake messages look real. After all, you’re more likely to click links or share info if it sounds personal or familiar.
• Malware and ransomware: Attackers can use your exposed info to target you or your company with malicious software that locks files or steals more sensitive data.
• Using stolen data for identity fraud: Criminals can open accounts, apply for loans, or file false claims in your name, which can hurt your credit and take months to clean up.
• Trade secrets sold to competitors: If you run a business, leaked internal files or plans can be copied or sold, giving rivals an edge or damaging your future projects.
• Steep fines and loss of public trust: A data leak can lead to hefty penalties and legal trouble, especially if customer info is involved. You may also lose clients who no longer trust you to keep their data safe.

The rise of AI-powered scams makes it even more important to keep your data from falling into the wrong hands, since attackers can now generate convincing fake messages, voices, or documents in seconds.

What kind of data is usually leaked on the dark web?

Hackers often leak different types of personal and business data on the dark web, including:

• Emails, usernames, and passwords
• Names, IDs, contact details, addresses, and other personal data
• Private messages, voice recordings, emails, or chat logs
• Biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial scans
• Banking and credit card details, or other financial records
• Sensitive medical and insurance information
• Company secrets, internal files, and employee info

How does your personal info end up on the dark web?

Your personal data can show up on the dark web in more ways than you’d think. Here are some of the most common ways it gets exposed, stolen, or shared without your knowledge:

• It gets leaked in a data breach: You could be doing everything correctly, but if a service you use gets hacked, your data can still end up on the dark web. Once attackers break in, they often dump or sell everything they steal.
• You reuse passwords: If one site is breached and you use the same password elsewhere, attackers can use credential stuffing attacks to break into your other accounts and steal more data.
• Scammers steal it through phishing: Fake emails, messages, or login pages can trick you into handing over passwords or personal details. Once you enter that info, scammers grab it and pass it around online, where it can spread fast.
• You share too much online: Details you post on social media or public profiles can be scraped and bundled with other leaks. Even simple things like your birthday or phone number can help attackers build a full profile of you.
• It gets logged by malware: Malicious software on an infected phone or computer can record what you type, watch what you do, or copy files from your device.
• Hackers intercept it on public Wi-Fi: When you connect to open networks—say, at coffee shops, airports, or hotels—someone nearby can use man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks to capture what you send.

Once criminals gather enough details about you, they bundle it all into what’s known as “fullz.” These data sets are sold on dark web forums, markets, or Telegram groups, because they give buyers everything they need to impersonate you, open accounts, or commit fraud under your name. The more complete the package, the higher the price.

Notable examples of dark web leaks

Dark web leaks can snowball fast, and once your data ends up there, you lose control over who sees it. The cases below show how quickly exposed information can spread and the damage it can cause when it lands in the wrong places.

May 2024 Ticketmaster/Live Nation data breach

Hackers claimed to have stolen the personal data of 560 million customers after breaking into a third-party cloud platform tied to Ticketmaster. The breach allegedly exposed names, addresses, phone numbers, and limited card details.

ShinyHunters, the group behind the breach, tried to sell the data for half a million dollars on known dark web forums. The leak brought on a class-action lawsuit, government investigations, and long-term fallout for Live Nation-Ticketmaster, showing that one breach can easily lead to even more trouble.

March 2024 AT&T data leak and June 2025 reappearance

In March 2024, AT&T confirmed that personal data tied to over 70 million current and former customers had surfaced online. The leaked info included names, phone numbers, email and physical addresses, and even SSN numbers, all found circulating on dark web forums.

In June 2025, the same data resurfaced; this time repackaged to make it easier for criminals to search and exploit. Many victims claimed they had to freeze their credit with the three major bureaus and monitor their accounts closely—well over a year since the initial incident. As you can see, dark web leaks can have pretty long-lasting effects.

Is dark web monitoring worth it? Cost vs value

If you’re wondering whether dark web monitoring is worth paying for, the short answer is: it can be. First off, you’re not just paying for alerts—you’re buying time to act before criminals use your data to cause even greater damage.

The cost of using dark web monitoring also depends on what the service offers. Some only scan for basic info like emails, and alert you if they’ve been detected on sketchy websites.

For instance, VPN providers like NordVPN have built-in dark web monitoring at no extra cost, letting you monitor up to five emails. Upgrading to Dark Web Monitor Pro™ increases the limit to eight, and adds the ability to check for two credit cards and two national IDs/SSNs.

Meanwhile, other services can track your credit activity or come bundled with identity theft insurance, which can up the price. For businesses, the bill grows with each employee and system you include, since larger teams need more oversight.

Even so, steady monitoring usually costs less than fixing the trouble that comes from a leak. Recovering from identity theft can drain your time and money, whether you’re fixing credit damage or filing reports. For businesses, a breach can lead to legal trouble, customer backlash, and serious long-term losses.

Is dark web monitoring safe to use?

When you sign up for dark web monitoring, you’ll need to give some personal info, such as your email, phone number, or even ID/SSN numbers. That might feel risky at first glance, but it’s necessary so the service knows what to look for.

The good news is that these tools don’t need access to your actual accounts. They’re not reading your emails or tracking what you do. Instead, they just check if your info shows up in known leaks posted on forums or shady marketplaces.

Reliable services also protect what you give them. They use encryption to keep your data safe and only access it when needed to alert you. As long as you’re using a trusted provider, the whole process remains safe and private.

How to stay safe against dark web threats

Dark web monitoring is handy, but it’s smarter to prevent your data from ending up there in the first place. Here’s how to stay one step ahead of leaks, scams, and data theft—whether you’re just protecting yourself or running a business and handling customer data.

Keeping your personal info off the dark web

These tips and low-effort habits should cut down on what hackers can learn about you:

• Create strong passwords for each login: Remember that reusing passwords leaves you vulnerable to credential stuffing. Use a password manager to generate and store your credentials securely, so you don’t have to keep track of them all.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA): Even if your logins get sold off, there’s not much criminals can do if you use an authenticator app as an extra security layer.
• Only share what’s necessary: The more you post about yourself online, the easier it is for someone to build a full profile of you. Think twice before sharing birthdays, addresses, or other sensitive details.
• Review app permissions: Some apps ask for access they don’t need, like a game requesting access to your contacts. Check your phone and browser settings and turn off anything that seems excessive or unrelated to the app’s purpose.
• Learn to recognize phishing scams: If a message seems odd or too urgent, don’t rush to respond. Always check who sent it and avoid clicking strange links or giving out personal info.
• Download a reliable antivirus: A good antivirus app helps catch malware before it can steal your data. Keep it updated and run regular scans to stay protected.
• Install a secure VPN: When you use public Wi-Fi, a VPN can keep your traffic private and stop others from snooping or stealing your info.
• Update your apps and OS regularly: Old software can leave gaps that attackers exploit. Keep your phone, computer, and apps up to date to patch known issues.
• Keep an eye on your accounts: Check your bank activity, credit reports, and any suspicious logins. Spotting things early can help you stop a bigger problem.

Protecting your business from data leaks

These practices should reduce the chances of hackers getting their hands on company data:

• Train your team to recognize threats: Phishing, social engineering, and fake login pages can trick anyone. Make sure your team knows what to look for and how to report anything suspicious before things get out of hand.
• Control access based on roles and needs: Use identity access management tools, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based access to limit what each person can reach. This keeps the damage contained if an account gets hacked.
• Don’t skip software updates: Outdated systems are easy targets for attackers. Always install updates for your operating system, apps, and security tools.
• Cover all devices, not just desktops: Phones, laptops, and tablets can all be entry points. Use basic protections like device encryption, lock screens, and remote wipe tools, especially for anything with customer data on it.
• Limit use of personal devices: If employees use personal phones or laptops for work, make sure there are clear rules in place. Without proper security, those devices can create major blind spots.
• Audit your tools and accounts: Unused apps, forgotten logins, or overly broad permissions tend to pile up over time. Make a habit of clearing out what you no longer use to reduce weak spots.
• Have a plan ready before something goes wrong: Treat data breaches as a “when,” not an “if.” Ensure your team knows who to contact, what to shut down, and how to notify anyone affected. Fast action makes a big difference.
• Back up your data regularly: Keep encrypted backups in a secure location, both on- and off-site or in the cloud. That way, if files are stolen, locked by ransomware, or lost during a breach, you can recover without paying up.

What to do if your data is found on the dark web

Finding your info on the dark web doesn’t always mean you’ve been hacked. However, it does mean you need to act fast. Here’s what you should do right away:

• Update your passwords right away: Change passwords for any accounts tied to the leaked info. Start with your main email, banking accounts, and anything else important. Remember to turn on 2FA where possible.
• Watch for unusual charges or logins: Keep an eye on your bank accounts, credit cards, and account activity. If you see logins you don’t recognize or charges you didn’t make, report them right away.
• Lock down your credit temporarily: Place a fraud alert or freeze on your credit file. This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name and gives you time to monitor for any signs of identity theft.
• Run a full antivirus check on your devices: Malware could be part of the reason your data was leaked. Use a trusted antivirus app to scan your phone, computer, and any other device you’ve used recently.
• Be cautious of unexpected emails or messages: Fraudsters may use your leaked info to write scams that sound believable. Don’t click on strange links or share personal details unless you’re sure the request is legit.

What is dark web monitoring? FAQs