What's the dark web? - Google One Help (2024)

FAQs

What's the dark web? - Google One Help? ›

The dark web is a part of the internet that lets people hide their identity and location from other people and from law enforcement. As a result, the dark web can be used to sell stolen personal info.

With a Google One membership, you can set up a profile to monitor the dark web so you can learn if your info is found in breaches. You can check for data on the dark web that might be associated with your email address or other info you add to your monitoring profile.

The dark web refers to sites that are not indexed and only accessible via specialized web browsers. Significantly smaller than the tiny surface web, the dark web is considered a part of the deep web.

Once your data is out and about on the dark web, it's out there for good. The only thing you can do now is damage control and risk mitigation. *Incidentally, there's no central regular internet control agency you can ask to delete your data online.

Google One is a subscription that gives you more storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

How to Find Out if Your Information is on the Dark Web. All you need is a service that automatically checks the Dark Web for you. Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection scans the Dark Web to find if your personal information was exposed. It also helps you take action to protect your data.

If cybercriminals get a hold of your phone number via the dark web, they can use it to: Send scam messages, make scam calls, or even blackmail you. Try to take control of your mobile device. Steal even more information about you.

Google One is a consumer subscription plan that gives you more storage across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos, plus extra Google benefits and features.

Should I be worried if my information is on the dark web? ›

Being notified that your information has been found in a data breach or on the dark web, as its name suggests, shouldn't be taken lightly. It's likely not an occasion to full-on panic, but it probably suggests some next steps.

Here's what can happen if your personal information is leaked on the Dark Web: Your identity could be stolen via leaked data. With just a few pieces of stolen personal data, identity thieves can steal your identity and use it to access your finances, apply for government benefits, or even create fake IDs in your name.

Extra online protection

With VPN by Google One, you can extend Google's world-class security to encrypt your online activity — no matter what app or browser you're using.

Different dark web results provide specific recommendations to protect your personal info. Guidance varies by country or region. If your Gmail address is found on the dark web, you can set up 2-factor authentication to protect your account. This adds another layer of security when you sign in to your devices.

There are some benefits to the dark web.

The dark web can help protect users' privacy in ways the surface web often fails to do. For example, users evading government censorship can share information about what is happening in their country.