What Do I Do If MY Password Appears in a Data Leak?

“I just got this notification on my phone after trying to log in to my Snapchat, and I have got 44 compromised passwords.”   

If you are using the same password for all your accounts (like Apple, Snapchat, Google, Facebook), you’re putting yourself at a huge risk. 

Data breaches happen all the time, and if your password has been leaked, it’s time to take action. 

Don’t wait until it’s too late!  

What is the Dark Web?

A hidden portion of the internet that isn't accessible by common search engines is called the "Dark Web." 

It resembles a secret underground network where people can interact and transact business. 

Although it has legal applications, the Dark Web is also well known for being the breeding ground for illicit activities. 

You need specialized software to access the Dark Web and mask your location and identity.

How to Find Your Password on the Dark Web

You can use specific online applications to determine whether your password has been hacked and exposed on the dark web. 

You can look up your password or personal information in a database provided by some legit online services. This application will inform you about the event if your information was compromised in a data breach.

What Security Measures Should You Take When You Find Your Password on the Dark Web?

You must concentrate on the crucial steps you need to take to improve your online security and get your passwords recovered after being exposed to the dark web.

Change Your Passwords Right Away

Start by changing your bank and email account passwords to something strong and original. Don't use information that can be guessed, such as birthdays or words frequently used in context (like your organization's name).

Setup Two-Factor Authentication

For extra security, use 2FA using hardware tokens, authenticator applications, or SMS-based codes. This additional security layer considerably lowers the possibility of unauthorized access.

Inspect and Preserve Other Accounts

Update every online account with a secure and unique password.

Get a Password Manager

Use password managers to make distinct passwords easier. By creating strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts and safely storing them, these tools can lower the possibility of password reuse.

Examine the Financial Statements

Make sure to closely monitor your financial statements for any instances of unapproved transactions. 

Configure transaction alerts to receive real-time notifications and notify your bank immediately of suspicious activity.

Get Informed about Social Engineering

To prevent being a victim again, familiarize yourself with popular strategies like social engineering and phishing emails. 

Always confirm the legitimacy of websites before entering critical information, and be wary of unsolicited communications.

Use Updated Softwares

Update your software and operating system regularly to protect yourself against known vulnerabilities. Turn on automatic updates whenever possible to ensure you have the most recent security patches.

Stay Vigilant for Data Breaches

Sign up for breach notification services to get timely notifications about possible compromises.

Restrict Sharing of Personal Information

Use caution while disclosing information online to lower your chance of identity theft. Avoid excessive disclosure of personal information on social media platforms and modify privacy settings to restrict who can see your data.

How Does Your Password Get on the Dark Web?

One of the following factors could have prompted the compromising of your account password:

Data Breaches

When hackers obtain access to a firm or individual systems, user information, including passwords, may be exposed.

Phishing Attacks

Hackers may send phishing emails or construct phony websites to fool people into disclosing their login information.

Malware Infections

Your device may be infected with malicious software that records keystrokes, including passwords.

Protect Your Data from Malicious Actors With PurePrivacy

PurePrivacy offers a comprehensive suite of tools to help you protect your online privacy, including Dark Web Monitoring, which works as a useful preventative security solution. 

• Use Dark Web Monitoring to monitor the dark web for your personal information.
• Use Remove My Data to remove your information from data brokers and harmful websites.
• Use Social Privacy Manager to modify robust security settings for your social accounts.
• Use Tracker Blocker to stop unwanted and intrusive ads from accessing your personal online space.

Scan the Dark Web for Any Leaks 

It constantly searches the dark web for personal information to notify you of possible breaches and allow you to take prompt action to protect your data.

Remove Your Data from Data Brokers

PurePrivacy can help lower your risk of identity theft and data breaches by assisting you in removing your personal data from data broker databases.

Adjust Social Privacy Settings

To control how much personal information you reveal online, adjust your privacy settings on well-known social media platforms.

Block Website Cookies and Trackers

Use a tracker blocker to help maintain your privacy from internet spyware and monitoring cookies.

Wrapping Up!

Finding your password on the dark web can be daunting especially if you are using that password on multiple accounts. 

The best course of action is to use different passwords for different accounts

And just in case a data breach happens, other accounts won’t be impacted. 
However, you can avoid future breaches and illegal access to your personal information by taking proactive measures using applications like PurePrivacy with a VPN.