Google’s Dark Web Report is set to become available for free to all Google Account holders, and it’s a tool that everyone should take advantage of. Previously exclusive to Google One subscribers, this security feature scans the dark web for personal information, such as name, address, phone number, email address, and Social Security Number (for U.S. users). It alerts users if their credentials have been compromised in past data leaks.
While the exact release date for the free version of Dark Web Report hasn’t been specified, it is expected to roll out sometime this month. Currently, a basic version of the tool is already available for anyone to use. However, the full Dark Web Report still requires a paid Google One account, although it’s not recommended to sign up for it solely for this feature since it will soon be free.
To use the Dark Web Report, users can visit a Google One page that initiates a scan of the dark web. By clicking the “Run scan” button, users can check if their Gmail address appears on the dark web. If the scan reveals that their information has been found on the dark web, it means that their email address has been included in a data breach. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean that their email or Google account credentials have been leaked. The leaked email address might have been associated with another account on a different website or service.
Once the full Dark Web Report becomes free, users will be able to set up their dark web monitoring profile by providing their name, date of birth, and Gmail address. They can also add additional information like their physical address, other email addresses, and phone number. Google will then provide search results related to this data in dark web data breaches.
When users receive their Dark Web Report results, they should take appropriate action based on the type of information that has been leaked. If passwords have been leaked, they should change them immediately and consider using a password manager. For leaked email addresses, especially those linked to sensitive accounts, it’s advisable to create a separate email address for sensitive use only. As for other leaked information like address and date of birth, unfortunately, once it’s out there, there’s not much that can be done.
To access the free version of the full Dark Web Report, users can visit myaccount.google.com, which will likely reflect the change in late July. The functionality of Dark Web Report will be integrated into Google’s “Results about you” section, a service that allows users to control the information about them that is searchable online. This integration will provide users with more control over their online presence and allow them to be notified of any breaches involving their data.
In conclusion, Google’s Dark Web Report is a valuable tool for protecting personal information online. By scanning the dark web for compromised credentials, users can take proactive steps to secure their accounts and mitigate potential risks. With the upcoming release of the free version, it will be accessible to a wider audience, allowing more individuals to benefit from enhanced security measures.
