How to protect your online identity using Google's research on the dark web

 How to protect your online identity using Google's research on the dark web

Did you know that Google has the ability to search the dark web for your personal data and alert you if it does? To prevent identity theft, learn how to utilise this tool.

In addition to indexing the whole web to provide you with results, Google is also leveraging its power to shield you from the dark web. The business has finally introduced "dark web report" in India after debuting it in the US back in March. The tool looks for any existence of your personal information on the dark web, and if it does, it gives you a notification with advice on what to do next.

The dark web is the seedier side of the internet, and accessing it requires specialised browsers. Others utilise it for destructive and unlawful acts, while some use it for legitimate and private purposes. The selling of stolen information is one of the common occurrences on the dark web, and you may be a victim without even realising it. Because of this, Google's functionality may be quite helpful.

Your email address, phone number, home address, and date of birth are just a few examples of the various sorts of data you may add to the feature for Google to scan or monitor.

Similar to another Google function that notifies you if your personal information appears in standard search results, this one is more focused on the shadier aspects of the internet.

Everyone may use the tool, but Google One subscribers get additional privileges. Non-subscribers only receive a one-time scan, while you may monitor more information and receive real-time warnings.

How to perform a scan (for non-paying users)

You may take these easy steps to check if your data is protected from the dark web:

Please visit one.google.com.

- Select Try now next to "Dark web report."

-- Select "Run scan."

How to activate surveillance of the dark web (for Google One members)

You must be a Google One member if you wish to monitor your data and be alerted to any breaches. Google One registration is available through the Google One app or one.google.com.

Following these steps after becoming a subscription will allow you to set up dark web monitoring:

Dispatch the Google One website.

- Enter the Dark Web Report area and select "Set up."

- Select the information you wish to keep an eye on, such as your name, birthdate, and phone number, on the next page.

- Make a Monitoring Profile on the next page. A residence address, up to 10 additional email addresses, and phone numbers are also options.

- To initiate the first scan, click "Done." A thorough report of any data breaches that Google has discovered will be sent to you.