Knowing or finding out that your email address is on the dark web and has been compromised is a scary thought and you must understand what that means and what actions to take in case you ever find yourself in that exact situation.
You’ll start to notice that your email may be receiving more phishing emails or spoof campaigns that use urgent phrasing to get you to not think and click on a suspicious-looking link.
It’s incredibly important that you are aware of what it can look like to have your email be exposed to the dark web and what to do next.
Why it’s important to act early
Make sure you are aware of some of the more severe situations that can unravel when email addresses have been exposed to the dark web.
In some cases, hackers can use the exposed email address as leverage for blackmail. Cybercriminals often claim to have sensitive data or material and use that as a way to scam and manipulate people.
If you’ve ever used your email on online checkout to receive receipts after using a credit or debit to purchase something, it’s entirely possible that anybody who gets hold of your email, can also get access to your credit or debit card information.
The worst-case scenario when your email is compromised is identity theft, where criminals use leaked personal details to open accounts, apply for credit, impersonate you online, etc.
This is why taking action is critical.
How to check if your email address is on the dark web
While there is no way of checking if your email is on the dark web specifically, suspicious activity, unauthorised access, or phishing emails mean that it is likely that your email has been exposed and is on the dark web.
Unfortunately, once your email appears on the dark web, it cannot be erased.
That sounds scary but don’t panic, there are steps that you can take to minimise the risk and secure your data as much as possible.
What to do if your details are on the dark web
It is important to update your passwords for all linked accounts at your earliest convenience.
Utilising multi-factor authentication apps, such as Google or Microsoft Authenticator, can help prevent unauthorised access.
Remember to review your online banking for any suspicious activity, including unusual transactions or account activities.
To further protect your devices, ensure that you have antivirus and anti-malware software installed to detect and prevent any potential threats.
How to protect your email and online accounts
The key to your email being protected is preventing access to cybercriminals, here are a few key things to remember:
- Unsecured public networks such as coffee shops or restaurants can expose your data to cyber threats.
- Avoid sharing your email on online surveys, platforms that look suspicious or untrustworthy, and questionable websites.
- Password manager tools like 1Password can securely store and encrypt your passwords
Should I change my email if it’s on the dark web?
Changing your email address completely is a good way to ensure that you protect yourself from potential spam or phishing attempts.
However, If you choose not to change your email, that is also a valid option. It’s just important to remember that you take the protection and security steps to ensure that your email address does not become exposed further.
The final takeaway
It can feel overwhelming believing that your email is on the dark web, especially if you’ve been receiving a lot of phishing emails or other suspicious activity.
The key point to remember is that you have the control over how you respond and take action once you find out that information.
By using security measures like MFA and password managers, and staying cautious about where you share your email, you can easily reduce the risk of cyber threats.
Cyber-attacks happen to those who are unaware or unprepared. Stay one step ahead by taking action and keeping your online self as secure as possible.
