You can check if your data is on the Dark Web for free with Google, but is that enough to be safe?

In recent months, the Dark Web has continued to make headlines. Between fantasy and reality, it's not always easy to navigate, especially when you're not a cybersecurity expert. For several days, Google has offered all its users a free tool dedicated to monitoring the Dark Web. How does it work? How to configure it? But above all, is it really relevant compared to award-winning security suites that also offer this service?

What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web refers to a part of the Internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, such as Google. It constitutes an area of ​​the deep Internet, accessible only via specific software, such as the Tor browser. This network allows users to browse anonymously, which is both a protection for privacy and a breeding ground for illegal activities.

The Dark Web is home to a variety of content, from chat rooms and shopping sites to file-sharing platforms. Illicit activities are often found there, such as the trade in drugs, weapons or stolen data. However, it also serves as a haven for political dissidents, journalists and activists who seek to communicate without fear of censorship or repression.

So, if your personal data circulates there, it is very likely that it has been previously stolen, that it is for sale on the Dark Web and used for malicious purposes, phishing campaigns or attempts at theft. identify.

Accessible from the security settings of your Google account, this Dark Web monitoring tool has already been around for a year, reserved for Google One subscribers. This generalization of the tool to all users was announced this summer, and is now effective.

Google examines platforms used by cybercriminals on the Dark Web for possible stolen personal data, such as phone numbers and addresses. You will then be alerted if personal information linked to your account is exchanged on the Dark Web, allowing you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself.

Go to your Google account settings in the Security section. You can, by the way, carry out a security check-up if it has been a while since you have verified your account. Don’t hesitate to look at the different protection options available while you scroll, to activate secure browsing…

You then reach the Dark Web Report section. Click Start to begin configuring the tool. Your email address is monitored by default, and you can specify other information to monitor such as your email address, phone number, address and date of birth. It is possible to monitor up to 10 email addresses and 3 phone numbers from the same Google account.

Once the analysis is complete, Google displays the results and tells you what elements were detected, also advising you on what steps to take to further secure your data.

If my data is detected, what should I do?

If Google gives you the bad news, there are several steps you should take.

If it is your email address that has been stolen and identified on the Dark Web, you can enable two-factor authentication and change your password to a strong, unique password.

Also go to your browser's password manager and run a Password Check-up which will tell you if any passwords have been hacked, if others are reused for several online accounts, or if you use insecure passwords.

The tool is relatively well put together because direct links redirect you directly to the site where the password is compromised, or even, where possible, directly to the link which allows you to activate the password change command. pass.

Then, it is recommended to check your bank accounts, possibly alert your advisor (if you have one) or activate a module that alerts you as soon as an online transaction is made to block it immediately.

Are there more effective solutions?

If you're still wary of what Google can do with your data, or if you're afraid that if it's free it's necessarily less effective, there are other, more comprehensive security solutions. Indeed, some security suites not only integrate an antivirus, a firewall, a VPN, parental controls and a password manager. But they can also offer other very interesting features such as Dark Web Monitoring, anti-tracking, protection of your emails, etc.

Norton 360 Deluxe

Norton 360 Deluxe is one of those comprehensive security suites that gives you peace of mind. Your devices are protected in real time, your personal data is safe, your children's digital activity is monitored and you have no fear about the confidentiality of your data when you browse the Internet. And the icing on the cake, Norton 360 Deluxe offers the Dark Web Monitoring tool.

Norton 360 Deluxe goes further than Google's free tool by offering you the ability to monitor other important information, often linked to identity theft. Emails and telephone numbers are sensitive data, but your bank card or insurance numbers, or even your online player identifier (gamertag), can also be useful to scammers. With permanent monitoring of the Dark Web, you are alerted immediately if your personal information is circulating there so that you can take rapid action.

Avast Premium Security

Even though it does not have a specific Dark Web monitoring module, Avast Premium Security includes an alert system in the event of leaked identifiers or hacked passwords associated with your email account. Indeed, your email account is certainly the most important element, because if you do not set up a robust security system, and hackers manage to hack your email, they will be able to access other online accounts, thanks to the forgotten password system.

Avast Premium Security obviously offers other essential protection tools such as an antivirus, a webcam protection system, an application for monitoring your email with detection of phishing emails, scams, spam and infected attachments, etc.