Want the best dark web monitoring service in 2024? Read on, as we got you covered!
Who doesn’t use the web? Nowadays, it seems everyone is online. However, not everything goes down on the surface of the internet, of which you’re aware. There’s the dark web, where many malicious activities happen.
I often find myself exploring various online spaces and knowing the risks and uncertainties. If you’re not careful, you could have your data in the hands of hackers and other criminals on the dark web. You sure don’t want that; that’s why it’s ideal to get the best dark web monitoring service.
The question is, “How do you make the decision?” Well, I reviewed the top options available online to filter the best ones. During my review, I considered the following:
- Dark web coverage
- Alert mechanism
- Easy of use
- Monitoring frequency
- Data protection and security
- Actionable insights
As a result, you can count on my recommendations to be nothing but reliable. Let’s get into knowing these trusted dark web monitoring services.
Table of Contents
5 Best Dark Web Monitoring Service 2024
What Are The Best Dark Web Monitoring Services in 2024?
Below are the top 15 best dark web monitoring services as per my detailed expert review:
1. Surfshark Alert
In my experience using Surfshark Alert, I've found it to be the best dark web monitoring service for maintaining online security, and I believe it can also benefit you. The continuous breach monitoring feature operates 24/7. Hence, it provides a constant layer of protection and peace of mind.
With real-time alerts for credit card and ID breaches, Surfshark Alert offers timely warnings about potential financial risks. You'll appreciate the proactive approach of receiving instant notifications if your data appears on the dark web. Particularly, that’ll help you secure your online accounts effectively.
Regular reports on personal data security simplify understanding and managing potential risks. However, the tool's ability to check password vulnerability is one feature I loved the most. It prompts you to reassess and enhance your online security measures when needed.
Furthermore, the alert system for personal identification numbers adds an extra defense against identity theft on the dark web. Meanwhile, credit card protection with alerts ensures you stay informed about your financial data.
It's worth noting that Surfshark Alert is part of Surfshark One, an integrated cybersecurity bundle. This comprehensive solution provides a user-friendly tool for safeguarding your digital presence across various aspects.
2. OmniWatch
With up to $2 million in insurance coverage, OmniWatch ensures financial protection for individuals. The notable amount covers legal fees and compensates for lost wages resulting from identity theft incidents – like dark web breaches.
One standout aspect during my review was OmniWatch's active dark web monitoring. The platform promptly alerted me to the potential exposure of credit information in unsafe online spaces.
Additionally, the Identity Risk Score provided me with a comprehensive overview of potential risks. From my experience, I believe it’ll help anyone make informed decisions about their security.
Now, in the unfortunate event of identity compromise on the dark web, OmniWatch won’t leave you stranded. The 24/7 availability of US-based identity resolution experts comes into play.
This hands-on assistance, including support through paperwork and recovery processes, positions OmniWatch as reliable in addressing identity theft concerns. With all its comprehensive features, OmniWatch is undoubtedly one of the best dark web monitoring services.
3. McAfee Identity
With McAfee Identity, it's all about safeguarding your personal information. The dark web monitoring service provides 24/7 watch for email addresses and bank accounts. Additionally, you can get up to $1 million in identity theft coverage.
One thing I found most impressive is the early detection feature. You can receive notifications up to 10 months sooner than what similar services offer. This early heads-up is crucial in preventing potential identity theft.
Furthermore, setting up and monitoring your accounts is a breeze with the 1-click setup. It's user-friendly, making the process easily accessible. I found this aspect particularly beneficial while testing the service.
Also, McAfee Identity takes monitoring to the next level by keeping tabs on up to 60 unique types of personal information. This extensive coverage ensures no stone is left unturned when protecting your identity from dark web breaches.
If you're looking for additional security options, McAfee+ Ultimate has you covered. It's an all-in-one package with award-winning antivirus protection, a firewall, a password manager, a file shredder, a secure VPN, and more. A subscription gives you a comprehensive solution for enhancing your overall cybersecurity.
4. Incogni
Here’s one of the best dark web monitoring services from Surfshark you can trust. Incogni is more of a data removal tool for People Search websites. However, you can still count on it to safeguard your information from the dark web.
You should understand that cybercriminals often target specific details like your name, date of birth, and social security number. They can get these from data brokers, which they then sell on the dark web. Incogni takes a detailed approach by removing your data from such potential breach points.
Notably, Incogni doesn't just focus on specific data brokers. It covers a broad range. These include:
- risk mitigation platforms
- recruitment sites
- people search databases
- financial information aggregators
- marketing data brokers
By automating the removal process, Incogni saves you valuable time and effort.
Getting started with Incogni is a straightforward process. You create an account, specify whose personal data you want to safeguard, and grant Incogni the necessary permissions. Afterward, simply relax.
The service takes care of the entire process with data brokers and keeps you informed about the progress in real time. This hands-off yet vigilant approach makes Incogni a practical choice to secure your digital identity and minimize the risk of dark web breaches.
5. DeleteMe
Here’s a straightforward best dark web monitoring service for reclaiming control over personal information scattered across data aggregator websites.
The service specifically targets platforms like True People Search that often appear prominently on search engines. However, DeleteMe is still one of the best dark web monitoring services.
To use the platform, you submit your personal information. DeleteMe then utilizes this data to match and subsequently delete your information from over 500 websites — including those on the dark web. What stands out is the manual operation involved.
In other words, actual DeleteMe employees perform the deletion one after the other. That ensures a meticulous and efficient removal process.
The timeline for your data to be entirely off the dark web and other sites is about seven days from the submission date. From my standpoint, it’s a reasonable turnaround if you seek a swift and effective solution to safeguard their online privacy.
6. Norton LifeLock ID
Next on my list of the best dark web monitoring services is Norton LifeLock ID. To start with, I must say that the sign-up process was straightforward. All it took was providing my email address, and within minutes, I was enrolled and ready to go.
What sets Norton LifeLock ID apart is its vigilant monitoring of the dark web and private forums. The tool actively searches for your personal information, and if spotted, you'll receive prompt notifications. Without a doubt, that’s a crucial layer of defense against potential identity threats.
Furthermore, the service keeps you informed about large-scale breaches. As a result, you can always take proactive measures to safeguard your personal information.
If you become a victim of identity theft, Norton LifeLock ID provides a lifeline with 24/7 access to Identity Restoration Specialists. These dedicated professionals guide you through the necessary steps and calls to resolve your case.
It's worth noting that the features may vary based on your chosen plan, but Norton LifeLock ID has gained the trust of millions. That shows it’s reliable.
As you subscribe, you get a 60-day money-back guarantee for annual plans. Plus, the round-the-clock customer support ensures you're never alone in managing and securing your digital identity.
7. Dashlane
While popular as a password manager, Dashlane still features one of the best dark web monitoring services. In my experience with Dashlane, I found a powerful suite of tools to fortify your digital security.
Dashlane actively monitors threats to provide early warnings and practical strategies to stay safe online. The standout feature, known as Dark Web Insights, will inform you about relevant hacks and breaches.
At the same time, Dashlane prioritizes improving password hygiene. So, even if you pay for the dark web service, you still get the Password Generator tool for creating strong, unique passwords.
Additionally, it provides easy fixes for breached passwords, ensuring swift updates and continuous protection. You can count on the service’s best-in-class security, evident in its use of bank-grade encryption technology.
From my tests, I believe Dashlane's zero-knowledge architecture deserves a mention. It ensures your passwords remain exclusively in your hands. In other words, even Dashlane doesn't have access to your data.
Finally, Dashlane provides a seamless exit process. If you choose to part ways, exporting your data is hassle-free, and Dashlane will erase your details from their database.
8. 1Password
This is another popular password manager service, but 1Password is on a mission to ensure no one fears the dark web. Hence, the service has a tool for monitoring known data breaches. If you subscribe, your valuable information remains secure, thanks to the Watchtower.
1Password's Watchtower analyzes reported data breaches to check if your data is compromised. It's intricately connected to Have I Been Pwned (HIBP), an extensive tool cataloging breaches. If your data surfaces on HIBP, Watchtower swiftly notifies you.
Another impressive feature was the immediate alert system. Upon detecting a potential breach, 1Password sends a direct alert, empowering you to change the compromised password before cybercriminals can exploit it. This proactive approach ensures that your accounts stay one step ahead of malicious intent.
The Watchtower connection with HIBP provides a comprehensive overview of exposed data. Additionally, if your information is flagged, 1Password assists in generating a robust new password. So, the compromised one becomes useless to hackers.
9. RoboForm
Based on my tests, I rank Roboform among the best dark web monitoring services. However, the disclaimer is that you can only access the feature using Windows. All the same, it’s reliable.
The dark web monitoring leverages the extensive “Have I Been Pwned” (HIBP) data repository. If you’re unfamiliar with HIBP, it’s a service that catalogs passwords exposed in data breaches. To access it, you’ll visit the Security Centre within the Roboform app.
Notably, the center checks whether your passwords have appeared on the dark web. It also securely scans your passwords for weaknesses, duplicates, or compromises.
You’ll instantly get alerts if any are discovered in documented breaches. This swift notification empowers you to take immediate action and strengthens your defenses against potential threats.
Furthermore, RoboForm goes the extra mile by offering secure backups of your account data. Whether locally or in the cloud, this feature ensures that your information is safeguarded and easily restorable from any device.
Additionally, RoboForm provides priority 24/7 support, offering live chat and phone assistance.
10. NordPass
Developed by the cybersecurity experts behind the world-renowned NordVPN, NordPass is more than a password manager. Consider it a robust solution designed to facilitate a secure online experience.
Among the features it employs to achieve that is a breach monitoring service. From my tests, it’s also reliable for dark web scanning.
How the Breach Monitoring feature works is simple. It lets you scan chosen email addresses and receive prompt notifications in case of any data breaches.
Impressively, it runs seamlessly in the background, meaning Breach Monitoring stands vigilant 24/7. You won’t miss any timely alerts.
I also consider NordPass one of the best dark web monitoring services due to its notification system. You can get updates through in-app notifications and emails.
Additionally, NordPass doesn't just stop at breach alerts. The tool also equips you with an online Data Breach Scanner. You can count on it to verify if your accounts have been compromised, allowing you to fortify their security and take necessary precautions.
11. Kaspersky Password Manager
Using Kaspersky Premium, I found that the software offers two reliable tools for dark web monitoring and data protection. It’s one of the best dark web monitoring services to use if you’re a business.
First, you get the Data Leak Checker. This tool meticulously reviews your emails for potential compromises and can identify any leaked personal data.
Additionally, the Identity Theft Check analyzes phone numbers linked to your email addresses.
With this option, you can ensure that no potential leaks of personal information go unnoticed. It may not directly involve dark web monitoring, but it serves as a comprehensive defense against dark web threats.
When you combine these features with Kaspersky Premium's suite of security tools, you get complete protection against the varying threats of the dark web.
So, based on my experience, opting for Kaspersky Premium enhances your ability to maintain online privacy and data security. Yes, it’s more recommended for businesses, but you can also count on it if you’re an individual safeguarding personal information.
12. F-Secure ID Protection
F-Secure boasts a wide range of cybersecurity tools, including a VPN and antivirus. If you want the best dark web monitoring service for protecting your information on the dark web, you can still count on it. Remarkably, the feature you’ll pay attention to is ID protection.
This best dark web monitoring service offers a comprehensive approach that lets you monitor a range of sensitive data.
Through your account, you can track your email addresses, usernames, social security numbers, and credit card details. That’s not all. It’s also possible to monitor your phone numbers, bank account information, passport numbers, and driver's license details.
Additionally, the software experts provide unique advice for each type of exposed personal information. That’ll undoubtedly empower you to take specific actions to safeguard your digital identity.
So, with F-Secure ID Protection, you not only gain insights into potential threats on the dark web. You also receive personalized guidance for securing various aspects of your online presence.
13. Avira Password Manager
We’ve had many password managers on this list of the best dark web monitoring services, and here’s yet another. But you won’t be using the Avira Password Manager itself. Instead, you’ll turn to the Identity Assistant tool.
The Avira Identity Assistant feature seamlessly integrates once you set up your account. It offers continuous monitoring using an advanced algorithm to detect potential exposure of your data on the dark web.
I found it to be highly effective during my tests, and one reason is that the Avira Identity Assistant employs cutting-edge surveillance technology.
Notably, the software actively scans various online spaces. Spaces here refer to websites, marketplaces, private forums, social networks, and the dark web, of course. The constant search aims to identify any traces of your personal information being traded or sold online.
Like many other tools on this list, if your information is detected, you receive immediate email notifications.
Indeed, the early alert system will update you to take swift and appropriate action. Subsequently, you’ll reinforce your defense against potential cyber threats on the dark web.
14. Panda Passwords
From my review, I've found Panda Passwords to be a reliable defender against dark web threats.
The Dark Web Scanner, in particular, is one tool that thoroughly checks if your email address or passwords have been compromised. Then, it prompts you to take necessary actions promptly.
Perhaps you want ongoing monitoring. If that’s the case, you can turn to Panda Dome's Dark Web Monitor. This option is paid but available in all plans, and it allows regular checks on your accounts.
Notably, it goes a step further by sending email alerts if your data surfaces in new security breaches. That means the tool’s functionality covers not only the dark web but all of the internet.
Beyond just identification, Panda Passwords provides a solution with its free Password Generator. With this tool, you get to create solid and personalized passwords. At the end of the day, you get to enhance your overall cybersecurity.
15. LastPass
The last on this list of the best dark web monitoring services is LastPass. Rhetoric aside, the feature is notably reliable. You’ll find it integrated into the LastPass Security Dashboard.
How does it work? Well, it’s not much different from many other platforms mentioned previously. LastPass dark web monitoring scans your email addresses against a comprehensive database of breached credentials.
If it detects any compromise, the system promptly notifies you to take immediate action. More often than not, the software will recommend that you change your passwords.
You can access the feature if you have a LastPass Premium, Families, or Business account. As mentioned previously, dark web monitoring is seamlessly integrated into the broader LastPass Security Dashboard.
Notably, the comprehensive dashboard not only alerts you to potential compromises. It’ll also provide insights into password hygiene, identifying weak, reused, and at-risk passwords.
Best Dark Web Monitoring Services: Frequently Asked Questions
What is dark web monitoring?
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines. It often harbors illegal activity and marketplaces where stolen data, including personal information, can be bought and sold. Dark web monitoring is a service that scans these dark web sites and marketplaces to see if your personal information, such as your email address, social security number, or credit card details, has been leaked or compromised.
READ ALSO: How To Sign Up For OmniWatch Identity Protection Plans
What does dark web monitoring mean?
Essentially, dark web monitoring means proactively watching the dark web for any signs of your personal information appearing there. This allows you to take quick action, such as changing your passwords or notifying relevant authorities, if your data is found on the dark web.
What is dark web surveillance?
Dark web surveillance is a broader term that can encompass various activities, including government monitoring, law enforcement investigations, and even private companies tracking individuals. While dark web monitoring focuses specifically on protecting your personal information, some forms of dark web surveillance might have broader purposes.
Is it possible to monitor the entire dark web?
Due to the nature of the dark web, it's impossible to completely and comprehensively monitor every single corner. However, dark web monitoring services utilize sophisticated techniques and resources to scan a significant portion of the accessible dark web, focusing on known marketplaces and forums where data breaches are often publicized.
By regularly monitoring these areas and comparing them to your personal information, these services can significantly increase your chances of catching any leaks or compromises early on.
Is dark web monitoring worth it?
Deciding on dark web monitoring boils down to two key factors: your risk profile and comfort level.
High-risk individuals: If you handle sensitive data like financial information, medical records, or government credentials, or if you've experienced data breaches in the past, early detection of leaks on the dark web is crucial. Dark web monitoring can be a valuable tool in such cases, offering a safety net and allowing for swift action to minimize damage.
Lower-risk individuals: For those with less sensitive data and minimal online exposure, the value of dark web monitoring might be less clear-cut. While it can still provide peace of mind and early warnings, the potential for false positives and the cost might not outweigh the benefits.
Comfort level: Ultimately, the decision hinges on your personal comfort level with potential data leaks and the reassurance you seek. If the thought of your information circulating on the dark web causes significant anxiety, proactive monitoring might provide valuable peace of mind, even for those with a lower risk profile.
Remember, dark web monitoring is not a magic bullet. It's just one layer in your overall cybersecurity strategy. Maintaining strong passwords, practicing safe online habits, and staying informed about threats remain essential for comprehensive protection.
Conclusion
With the best dark web monitoring services listed above, you have many options to hand-pick the best dark web monitoring service to protect your data.
However, based on our analysis, Surfshark Alert stands out as a particularly the best dark web monitoring service.
It offers comprehensive dark web monitoring at a competitive price, along with a user-friendly interface and helpful customer support. Additionally, its integration with Surfshark VPN adds another layer of protection for your online privacy.
If you're looking for a reliable and affordable way to monitor the dark web for your personal information, Surfshark Alert is an excellent choice.
Rest assured that you’ll get quality regardless of which you pick. Yes, you should trust the tool to safeguard your personal information. However, at the same time, also be careful with your online activities.
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About the Author:
Gina Lynch is a VPN expert and online privacy advocate who stands for the right to online freedom. She is highly knowledgeable in the field of cybersecurity, with years of experience in researching and writing about the topic. Gina is a strong advocate of digital privacy and strives to educate the public on the importance of keeping their data secure and private. She has become a trusted expert in the field and continues to share her knowledge and advice to help others protect their online identities.
Meet Angela Daniel, an esteemed cybersecurity expert and the Associate Editor at SecureBlitz. With a profound understanding of the digital security landscape, Angela is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with readers. Her insightful articles delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-evolving realm of online safety.
Angela's expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering.