Why you need a dark web monitor [Werbung]

The dark web is a part of the internet that is only accessible with the help of special software. The dark web is particularly popular among criminals, who can anonymously exchange data there. Fortunately, there is a way you can protect yourself and check that your credentials are out in the dark corners of the internet.

NordVPN recently launched the DarkWeb Monitor released – a security tool that you can access via the iOS app.

The more time we spend surfing the Internet and registering for websites that don’t necessarily look trustworthy, the greater the risk that our data will fall into the wrong hands. But the websites of trustworthy companies are also repeatedly the victims of attacks in which user data is stolen – this was the case for example at Equifax, Marriott, Yahoo and DoorDash. Knowing whether your login credentials have reached the dark web will help you act early and better protect your identity on the internet.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a part of the Internet that can only be accessed using special software such as Tor – users and operators of dark web websites always remain anonymous and are difficult to track.

The dark web is notorious for its illegal offers – from contract killers to counterfeit banknotes. At the same time, however, it is also an important tool for political activists who fight against oppression and censorship.

So the dark web is not necessarily a bad place – but a lot of illegal things happen there.

How do I get my data into the dark web?

Personal information is a popular commodity sold through dark web markets and hacking forums. They can be used by scammers and identity thieves, which can quickly turn into a true cybersecurity nightmare.

Registering with your own e-mail address on a website or for an online service is not a bad thing – but things get problematic if the website is hacked and your data falls into the wrong hands. It can also happen that dodgy websites sell their user data in order to earn a little money on the side. There are many ways your data can get into the dark web if you’re not careful.

What does a Dark Web Monitor do?

With a Dark Web Monitor you can take the first step towards security.

Of the NordVPN Dark Web Monitor was the first tool of its kind that I used. The tool scans the dark web and notifies you if it finds your data. That way, you can take immediate action to protect yourself.

You can use the Dark Web Monitor in the settings of the iOS app from NordVPN activate. The tool uses the email address you used to register for NordVPN. The scan runs continuously. If the Dark Web Monitor finds your email address on the Dark Web, it will let you know and tell you which service was hacked. Then it’s up to you to take action.

What can I do when my data has landed on the dark web?

Don’t panic – it is possible that only your email address can be found on the dark web. The greatest risk here is that you will become a victim of phishing attacks. But there is also the chance that someone could have unauthorized access to your accounts.

In this case you should change your passwords. The best way to do this is to use a password manager, with which you can easily save all your passwords. If you use the same password on several websites, you should set new passwords as soon as possible.

One tool that can help you with this is this Password manager NordPass.

The best thing to do is to review and protect all accounts that have access to your finances.

Develop clever surfing habits

This includes, for example, the use of a VPN – because insecure Internet connections also pose a risk. The Dark Web Monitor is part of the offer of NordVPN – a service that I’ve been using for six years (before the start of this advertorial series). More about my experience with NordVPN can be found here.

Do you want to access the dark web?

If you’re curious and want to browse the dark web yourself, you’ll need a VPN.

On the one hand, a VPN is useful if browsers with access to the dark web (e.g. Tor) are blocked in your country. You can also prevent your ISP or anyone else from discovering that you are using Tor.

It is not illegal to surf the dark web – but due to its bad reputation, it can attract unnecessary attention. In the US, for example, it was decided in 2016 that the use of Tor is already sufficient to justify the seizure and search of equipment.

Try the Dark Web Monitor today

You can use the NordVPN App for iOS to access the tool. Grab your smartphone, open the app, go to the settings and then activate the Dark Web Monitor. At the moment, Nord has one Cyber ​​Monday offer where you can get 2 years for 75.65 plus 3 free months!

Android users will have to be patient – I heard that the Dark Web Monitor but will be available soon!