You might think that in five minutes your accounts will be at zero, the whole country will think that you have killed someone and you are wanted and that a thousand more bad things will happen to you if your data or your email falls into the dark web. Luckily, it’s not that big of a deal, although we shouldn’t lose respect for a guy on the Internet who the general public is not used to. So, if you have found your email on the dark web, it is best to do this to avoid problems.
When you discover that your email is circulating on the dark web, it’s normal to feel uneasy. However, beyond the initial surprise, the important thing is to act quickly to prevent your data from being used with bad intentions. Here I give you some key tips so you can protect yourself.
What does it mean if your email is on the dark web?
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that cannot be accessed conventionally. There, many illegal things are traded, including personal data such as emails, passwords and card numbers. If you find your email on the dark web, it means that it has been leaked in a security breach and is now available to be used by cybercriminals.
Although this may sound serious, don’t panic. It is a problem that you can manage if you take immediate action.
Change your passwords immediately
The first thing you should do is change the passwords associated with the affected account. Use a unique, strong password that you haven’t used before. Here are some tips for creating a reliable password:
- Use at least 12 characters.
- Mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols.
- Avoid common or easy-to-guess words.
If you have many accounts and find it difficult to remember them all, a password manager can help you securely store your credentials.
Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA)
In addition to changing your passwords, it’s crucial that you enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts that allow it. With MFA, you’ll need a second step to access your accounts, such as a code sent to your phone or a biometric scan. This adds an extra layer of security, which will make it harder for an attacker to access your accounts even if they have your password.
Check your bank accounts
Although it doesn’t always happen, exposing your email on the dark web could facilitate attacks on your financial accounts. Therefore, it is a good idea to check your bank accounts and any other accounts where you have sensitive information. If you see any strange transactions or suspicious activity, contact your bank immediately to block the affected account or card.
Scan your device for malware
It is important to ensure that your device is not compromised. Cybercriminals often try to install malware on their victims’ computers to steal more data. Run a full scan with a good antivirus program to detect possible threats. If you find something, follow the program’s instructions to remove the malware immediately.
Be alert to phishing emails
After the breach, you may start receiving fraudulent emails that try to trick you into revealing more personal information. These messages often have an urgent tone or pretend to be from legitimate companies. Never click on suspicious links or download email attachments you didn’t expect.
Use tools to monitor the dark web
Although you can’t delete your email from the dark web, you can monitor whether your data is still vulnerable. There are tools like Google One or password managers like NordPass that alert you if your email is found in new leaks. These tools not only warn you, but also offer recommendations to stay protected.
If you find your email on the dark web, the key is to act quickly to protect your information. Change your passwords, enable multi-factor authentication, and stay vigilant against potential fraud. It is not an ideal situation, but by following these steps you can mitigate the risks and avoid major problems in the future. Always stay alert and take care of your online security.
