Top 10 Dark Web Monitoring Tools and Services
In the digital age, contemporary hackers use active malware to steal browser session cookies and API keys, requiring modern tools to monitor. Access to AI tools has further increased the risk of cybercrime. However, there are proactive steps you can take to protect your privacy and monitor whether your information has been shared on the dark web after a data breach.
Reviewing the Top 10 Dark Web Monitoring Tools and Services
Whether you’re using a dark web monitoring tool or service for yourself, your family, or your business, multiple options are available to help you protect your privacy. This ranking is based on a neutral comparison of services, not paid endorsements.
1. Have I Been Pwned
Have I Been Pwned is a strong free option for checking whether an email address appears in known data breaches and signing up for future breach alerts. The tool has tracked over 1,000 breached websites and more than 17 billion breached accounts. It also offers a Pwned Passwords tool that helps users and services check whether passwords have appeared in known breaches.
2. Mozilla Monitor
Mozilla Monitor is a consumer-friendly breach monitoring tool that helps people check whether their personal information appears in known data breaches. When exposed information is found, it provides suggested steps users can take to fix the issue, reduce their exposure, and better protect their online accounts. The company has helped people protect sensitive data in nearly 230 countries.
3. Breachsense
Breachsense is a program that finds leaked credentials and data across the dark web. It has indexed nearly 60 billion leaked credentials and tracked over 26,000 ransomware victims by monitoring third-party breaches, stealer logs from major infostealer families, leaked session cookies, and data sold on criminal marketplaces. Businesses can enter their domains to see how many employees and customers are exposed.
4. Norton 360 with LifeLock
Norton 360 with LifeLock may appeal to users who want dark web monitoring bundled with identity theft protection, device security, and malware protection. The service offers AI-powered detection for advanced scams. It protects against data exposure and credit card theft and, depending on the plan, may include reimbursement options for financial losses from identity theft.
5. SpyCloud
SpyCloud derives its automated account takeover protection from dark web scans. The tool uncovers hidden identity risks from malware, phishing attacks, data breaches, and more, and automatically stops session hijacking, account takeover, ransomware, and fraud. SpyCloud aims to help users earlier in the attack lifecycle by identifying threats early, neutralizing them, and investigating further. You can check your organization’s darknet exposure for free by entering your email.
6. Flashpoint
Flashpoint leverages a large database of previously stolen or leaked credentials sourced from open-source leaks, infostealer malware logs, and illicit marketplaces. The cyber threat intelligence platform has access to over 3.6 petabytes of intelligence from adversary spaces, combining analyst experience and integrated AI to protect people, businesses, and assets.
7. Experian IdentityWorks
Experian IdentityWorks may be useful for users who want identity protection closely tied to credit monitoring, credit alerts, and credit report activity. Experian also offers a free one-time dark web scan for certain information, such as SSNs, email addresses, or phone numbers.
8. Mandiant and Google Threat Intelligence
Mandiant Cybersecurity Consulting through Google combines Mandiant’s incident response findings, VirusTotal’s malware corpus, and signals from Google’s own infrastructure. This tool is more focused on businesses, offering cybersecurity consulting and incident response support for large-scale data breaches.
9. McAfee+
McAfee+ may be a good fit for users who want dark web monitoring bundled with antivirus, VPN, scam protection, identity monitoring, and restoration support. McAfee+ plans include automatic alerts for scams, data breach detection, and 24/7 identity theft monitoring. The service also offers plans that provide personalized protection for up to six family members, including children.
10. Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection
Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection may be useful for users who want monitoring across the public web and dark web, along with alerts when personal data may be at risk. Bitdefender scans the dark web for compromised accounts, passwords, and other sensitive information whose exposure could lead to identity theft. It also provides tools to prevent account compromises.
Top 10 Dark Web Monitoring Tools & Services To Compare
| Tool/Service | Best For | Free/Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Have I Been Pwned | Individuals | Free |
| Mozilla Monitor | Individuals | Free and paid options |
| Breachsense | Businesses | Paid |
| Norton 360 with LifeLock | Families | Paid |
| SpyCloud | Individuals and businesses | Free and paid options |
| Flashpoint | Businesses | Paid |
| Experian IdentityWorks | Individuals | Free and paid options |
| Mandiant and Google Threat Intelligence | Businesses | Paid |
| McAfee+ | Families | Paid |
| Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection | Individuals | Paid |
Free Dark Web Monitoring Tools vs. Paid Identity Protection Services
Free dark web monitoring tools may be enough for users who want to check exposed emails, receive basic breach alerts, and take their own protective steps. Paid services, however, may be more useful when a person’s Social Security number, bank account information, medical records, children’s information, or multiple personal identifiers have been exposed. Paid services can also be more useful for families seeking comprehensive identity theft protection for all members, as well as for businesses seeking protection for their employees.
Are Free Dark Web Monitoring Tools Safe?
Reputable free tools for dark web monitoring can be useful, but it’s important to avoid unknown sites that ask for excessive personal information.
What Features Should You Look for in a Dark Web Monitoring Service?
When searching for a dark web monitoring service for yourself, your family, or your business, look for several key features, such as breach alerts, password monitoring, financial monitoring, and credit freeze guidance.
Clear Breach Alerts
Data breach alerts should identify what information was found, where it may have appeared, and what the user should do next.
Password and Credential Monitoring
Breached password monitoring is important, as reused passwords can lead to account takeover or credential stuffing attacks. Services that monitor which passwords have made it to the dark web can notify you of which credentials need to be changed.
Social Security Number and Financial Monitoring
Users whose Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, or payment information were exposed in a data breach may need stronger protection than users whose email address alone was leaked. This is also true for businesses, which may need to protect sensitive employee information.
Credit Monitoring and Credit Freeze Guidance
Credit monitoring can alert users to suspicious credit activity, but a credit freeze may be a stronger prevention step when sensitive identifiers are exposed. The Federal Trade Commission says credit freezes and fraud alerts can help make it harder for scammers to open new credit accounts in someone’s name.
What Should You Do If a Dark Web Monitoring Tool Finds Your Information?
If you receive an alert from a dark web monitoring tool that your information has been found on the dark web, take the following steps to protect your personal data and identity.
- Change exposed passwords immediately: Change any exposed passwords and avoid reusing that password across other accounts.
- Enable multi-factor authentication: Enable multi-factor authentication to help protect your accounts further, even if a password was exposed or changed.
- Freeze your credit if sensitive information was exposed: A credit freeze may be appropriate if your Social Security number, bank information, date of birth, or other sensitive identifier was exposed.
- Monitor financial, medical, and online accounts: Review bank accounts, credit cards, credit reports, insurance claims, medical bills, and online account activity for unusual behavior or transactions.
- Save alerts, screenshots, and breach notices: Document the breach and its notification in case of fraud. This can serve as evidence if you later wish to take legal action.