How to find out if my information is on the dark web
The dark web is full of marketplaces stocked with stolen data.
A set of hacked credit card details, including the CVV code, sells for around $15.
A Wells Fargo banking login goes for just $150.
That’s a bit cheap, isn’t it?
Prices are this low mainly because there’s an abundance of stolen data to sell.
It’s nearly certain that some of your data has already been published on the dark web.
Given that, it’d be worth checking whether it’s just an old address or bank logins, right?
In short, here’s how you can check if your data is on the dark web:
- Option 1: Search for your data on the Have I Been Pwned website.
- Option 2: Keep an eye out for data breach warning signs.
- Option 3: Check if your antivirus or VPN offers a dark web scanner.
- Option 4: Sign up for a dark web monitoring service.
We recommend combining Options 1 and 2 for the best results at the lowest cost.
But ultimately, the choice is yours to make.
Before you search the dark web for your information
Let’s start with a bitter blow:
You can’t really scan the dark web.
There’s no existing system capable of searching the whole dark web for any data, let alone doing it automatically for thousands of individuals—as some services give the impression of doing.
At best, you can browse through data dumps—mass uploads of breached data—that are typically found on dark web forums, sites, or messaging apps like Telegram.
This is essentially what all data scanning services do, regardless of how expensive they are—sifting through these massive data dumps in search of your information.
In other words, there’s no dark web scanning—there’s only database scanning.
If you’re interested in learning more, we’ll delve deeper into this topic later in the article.
For now, let’s see your options:
Tools to search for personal information on the dark web
No tool can provide 100% coverage of the dark web.
In fact, most of them barely scratch the surface.
However, even analyzing just the surface level can make a difference.
Seeing your records on a data breach list may finally push you to change that old password—potentially preventing someone from cleaning out your bank account.
1. Search for your data on “Have I Been Pwned”
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Free to use for all users • Covers 300+ data dump sites and is constantly expanding • Easy and intuitive to use • Has the option to set automated data breach alerts • Transparent and run by independent developers • Is mission-focused rather than profit-focused | • Scanning is limited to email addresses only • Provides information about breaches but doesn’t instruct on what to do afterward |
Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) is likely the most popular data breach scanner out there.
And it might just be the most reliable and effective one, too.
It doesn’t scan the dark web per se. Instead, it sifts through lists of leaked personal information on the dark web—called data dumps—searching for your information.
If your data has been leaked, it’s likely being traded on the dark web, too.
HIBP helps you find out exactly what information of yours got leaked.
And the best part?
Have I Been Pwned is free and easy to use—no technical knowledge necessary.
Run a search on Have I Been Pwned
How does it work?
Just type in your email and see if it comes up with any matches—that’s it.
If there are matches, you’ll see a list of data breaches that include your email address, along with the specific information that got leaked.
If there aren’t any matches—don’t celebrate just yet.
This could mean your data hasn’t been leaked, but it could also mean the breach went unnoticed or that your data is being traded through private channels.
In short, HIBP checks if your information has ever been listed in any of the leaked datasets—which is essentially what commercial dark web scanners do, too—only HIBP does it free of charge.
2. Look out for warning signs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Doesn’t require any additional tools • Improves your privacy habits and awareness • Allows you to spot dangers before it’s too late • May prevent identity theft even if your data has been compromised | • Requires continuous effort • You need to stay vigilant and alert • Doesn’t indicate if your data is on the dark web—only if someone is attempting to misuse it |
If someone buys your data on the dark web, it’s most likely to run a scam or commit identity theft.
But these threats don’t come out of the blue. There are always warning signs.
Instead of making the titanic effort to monitor the dark web, you can simply keep a careful eye on your online accounts.
In fact, it’s wise to act as if your data is already on the dark web (because it probably is).
Here’s some advice from the FBI (and us):
- Monitor your bank and credit transactions regularly.
- Freeze your credit report to prevent new credit accounts from being opened in your name.
- Update your passwords or, better yet, use a password manager.
- When changing your password, choose a strong one—at least 12 characters long.
- Be cautious with any links you receive via email or SMS.
You can’t control what’s on the dark web, but you can definitely take charge of your privacy hygiene.
For more details and specific actions, see our guide on how to check if someone is using your identity.
3. Check if your antivirus or VPN includes a dark web scanner
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • You may already have access to it • Performs regular scans of known data dumps without your intervention • Typically allows you to scan for more data points than just an email address | • The scanning capabilities are similar to those of HIBP • If you aren’t already subscribed, you’ll need to purchase a subscription • Raises privacy concerns, as commercial tools often lack transparency in their policies • It’s usually just a secondary feature of the main service, receiving less attention and development resources |
If you’re using mainstream, commercial antivirus or VPN software, there’s a good chance you have the option to run dark web scans already included.
The feature might be labeled differently, so look for terms like “data breaches,” “alerts,” or “scanning.” The phrase “dark web” might not be mentioned.
Typically, these built-in antivirus scanners offer a bit more functionality than a simple search on HIBP.
You might be able to check not only your email address but also your Social Security number or credit card details.
However, keep in mind that these tools rely on the same sources as HIBP most of the time.
Popular antivirus and VPN software offering dark web monitoring:
- Nord VPN (Dark Web Monitor)
- Surfshark VPN (Alert)
- Norton Security (Dark Web Monitoring)
- Avast (Breach Guard)
- AVG (Breach Guard)
4. Sign up for a dark web monitoring service
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| • Easy and intuitive to use—in most cases it’s entirely automated • Performs regular scans of known data dumps without your intervention • Typically allows you to scan for more data points than just an email address • In addition to scanning, it usually also offers security features • Some additionally offer insurance options | • The scanning capabilities are similar to those of HIBP • You need to purchase a subscription first • Raises privacy concerns, as commercial tools are often not transparent with their policies |
If you want to avoid performing the search yourself and would prefer to invest in a professional service, check out dark web monitoring services.
You’ve got plenty of options.
These dedicated dark web scanners come in all shapes and sizes but essentially offer similar functionalities.
Most of these services function nearly identically to HIBP or your antivirus’ built-in tools—scanning data dumps for your records.
Some may monitor actual dark web marketplaces—but if any data is shared publicly on the dark web, it’s usually already been listed in these data dumps beforehand.
The biggest advantage of using these services over doing it manually is the automation of the process.
You sign up, subscribe, and everything else is handled for you, on a regular basis.
But don’t expect these services to reach deeper into the dark web than other tools.
Dark web scans or scams?
Dark web scanning and monitoring sounds like a seriously tough task, right?
Well, yes and no.
If dark web scanning were done right and as thoroughly as these services suggest, it would indeed be a very tough job.
However, the reality is that dark web scanners are essentially just tools that scan accessible lists of leaked personal details and other sensitive info—that is, data dumps.
These lists are usually on the dark web, but it’s far from what you’d call dark web scanning.
So far, there isn’t much to suggest that any of the professional dark web monitoring services do more than just scan these lists.
On a brighter note, there are tools like Have I Been Pwned. They monitor over 300 data dump sites and publish any new leaks they find—entirely for free.
FAQ
What to do if you find your info on the dark web?
You can’t do anything about your information being on the dark web. However, you can protect yourself from the potential consequences. Start with learning how to secure your email address and what to do if your Social Security number has been exposed on the dark web.
Can I check if my data is on the dark web?
You can’t really check if your data is being used on the dark web, but you can find out if it’s been compromised in a data breach. Some tools let you perform a free scan of leaked records to see if your sensitive data is listed among them.
Where can I check to see if my information is on the dark web?
To check if your information may be on the dark web, first verify that it’s been leaked. You can use free scanning tools like Have I Been Pwned or subscribe to a professional service that conducts these scans for you.
Can you check if your email is on the dark web?
To check if your email is on the dark web, check if it’s been compromised in any data breaches. If the result is positive, it’s almost certain that your email is listed somewhere on the dark web. You can run this check with Have I Been Pwned.
How can the dark web be monitored?
The dark web cannot be monitored. It’s an unregulated network of unindexed websites, part of which is accessible only through special browsers. Since there is no indexing (like Google does), it’s impossible to determine the exact number of websites on the darknet, let alone monitor them.
