Unlike the use that many people give it, The Internet is much more than social networks and some news page. There is a wide network known as the dark web where your personal data can be leaked and Google wants to protect the user. That's why it introduced a reporting tool that detects if your personal data is on the dark web and advises you how to protect yourself.
The digital world of the Internet is made up of millions of pieces of data, and deep inside there may be sensitive information. For this reason, it is important to perform a scan on the dark web from time to time. In this way it is possible to detect if our name or identification number or any other sensitive information has been leaked.
Personal data on the dark web and traditional browsing
La Most Internet users browse what is called the “clear web.” or “surface web”. There all the content is indexed by search engines, and includes social networks, online stores and news pages. The content is, for the most part, innocuous. It does not present any type of risk.
La deep web instead, it is a deeper web. Its content is not indexed in traditional browsers and may include temporary content as well as private data. Even darker information is shared, which is stored on the dark web and where personal data is part of the content that is bought and sold. The dark web is where different services are offered outside the law, and Google wants to provide greater security against these dangers.
That's why Google's new tool is an analysis system that searches for your personal data on the dark web and notifies you if it finds it. Once it is detected that your personal information was leaked, the tool itself gives you some tips to increase your protection. The new tool is part of Google One services, and has a free version and a paid version.
How is personal data leaked to the dark web?
In most occasions, We use personal or sensitive data on clear web web pages. Imagine that you enter your credit card number in an online store, or your ID number when registering for a plane ticket. If the website has security gaps, your data ends up being leaked and joins the lists of the dark web. There, people who want to have access to your accounts can pay for your information or for random lists where your data appears.
A very common case is that of leaks that online gaming services or e-commerce companies have suffered in the past. When its security measures are breached, the user runs the risk of their information falling into the hands of hackers or computer hackers.
How to scan the deep web with Google One?
If you have a Gmail account but you don't have Google One subscription, you can scan the dark web with free mode. It will search for your email account and if it is found among the information being sold, you will receive a complete report. To use the analysis tool without an account, simply log in to Google One, choose the dark web report option and click Try now.
The report shows the different security breaches that are associated with our email. Then, it remains to take measures to protect our accounts. After putting together the report, Google Assistant also proposes protection tips, aiming to shield data and prevent it from falling into the hands of hackers.
If the proposal interests you but you want one greater scanning depth, you can request the payment report. It is more complete and also enables real-time monitoring of personal data. Google offers this more complete analysis starting with a Google One subscription that costs 1,99 euros per month. It is a very low price if we think about an analysis tool and protection measures. It scans the deep web in search of your sensitive information, and once it is found in case it has been leaked, it offers you alternatives to secure these accounts.
Conclusion
All the computer system vulnerabilities They were born at the same time as the technology itself. There will always be risks when using services on the Internet and purchasing with our credit or debit card. It is not about generating alarm, but about taking some precautions. Google One trusts in the quality of its tool, which is why it also offers a free trial version that only filters your email. With the Google One subscription you can opt for other data, from the phone number to your postal address, social security number or many other sensitive alternatives.