Dark web information refers to personal data stolen in a data breach. This includes passwords, credit card numbers, Aadhaar details, and social media credentials. Criminals list this data for sale on hidden online marketplaces. Most victims never know their data circulates on the dark web. They discover it only after experiencing financial fraud or identity theft. Here is how to find out and what to do.
What Is the Dark Web and How Is It Different from the Deep Web?
The deep web is the portion of the internet not indexed by standard search engines like Google or Bing. It includes private databases, banking portals, email inboxes, and subscription services. This is legitimate content that simply requires a login to access. It accounts for approximately 90% of total internet content.
The dark web is a small, encrypted subset of the deep web. It is accessible only through specialised tools like the Tor (The Onion Router) browser. It uses encryption and routing technology to make websites and users nearly untraceable. While it has legitimate uses — such as privacy protection for journalists — it is also a major marketplace for stolen personal data. This includes illicit goods and cybercrime services.
What Personal Information Is Sold on the Dark Web?
- Credit and debit card numbers — Including CVV codes, expiry dates, and billing addresses, enabling fraudulent transactions.
- Login credentials — Usernames and passwords for email, social media, net banking, and payment apps like Paytm and Google Pay.
- Identity documents — Aadhaar numbers, PAN card details, driving licence data, and passport numbers used for identity fraud.
- Subscription account access — Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other paid service logins that are resold cheaply.
- Medical records — Health data is highly valuable for insurance fraud and blackmail.
How to Check If Your Information Is on the Dark Web?
Method 1: Dark Web Monitoring Services
Specifically, dark web surveillance services continuously scan over 700,000 dark web pages, forums, and marketplaces. They look for your email address, phone number, and other personal identifiers. When the service finds your data, you receive an alert with details about what appeared and where. Many identity protection services include this as a feature.
Method 2: Breach Check Tools
Additionally, free services like Have I Been Pwned (haveibeenpwned.com) let you enter your email address. You can then see whether it has appeared in any known data breaches. This is a quick first step to gauge your exposure.
Method 3: Professional Dark Web Investigation
Furthermore, for businesses or individuals with significant data exposure concerns, a certified digital forensics professional can conduct a targeted dark web investigation. This helps determine the extent of compromise and trace the source of the leak. For expert assistance, contact cyber expert Anuraag Singh.
What Are the Cyber Threats from Dark Web Exposure?
- First, malware and ransomware — The dark web is the primary distribution network for commercial malware kits, including spyware, ransomware, and adware that target individuals and businesses.
- Furthermore, cyber espionage — State actors and criminal groups use dark web infrastructure to conduct targeted attacks against government and corporate networks to steal confidential data.
- Moreover, identity theft and financial fraud — Criminals use stolen credentials to take over bank accounts, apply for loans, and make fraudulent purchases. Read our guide on how to prevent identity theft in India.
- Additionally, scams — Dark web marketplaces sell fake government IDs, compromised passports, and stolen corporate data used in impersonation and business email compromise attacks. See our guide on CEO fraud and business email compromise.
What to Do If Your Data Is Found on the Dark Web?
- First, change all exposed passwords immediately — Start with email and banking accounts, then update all other services that share those credentials.
- Second, enable two-factor authentication — Add 2FA to all critical accounts to prevent unauthorised logins even if passwords are compromised.
- Also, notify your bank — Inform your bank if financial account details were exposed and request enhanced monitoring or new card numbers.
- Furthermore, place a fraud alert — Contact CIBIL to add a fraud alert to your credit file so lenders verify your identity before approving new credit.
- File a cyber crime complaint — Report the breach at cybercrime.gov.in or call the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930.
