Finding out that your personal information has been exposed on the dark web can be unsettling. However, with the right steps, you can minimize the risk and secure your data. PrivacyHawk provides actionable alerts to help you respond promptly and protect your privacy. Here’s what to do if you receive a Dark Web Alert as a Platinum user.
Steps to Take If Your Data Is Found
Review the Details of the Alert:
Open the PrivacyHawk app and check the type of information that was exposed (e.g., email, passwords, or account details).
The alert will provide guidance on which accounts or data points may be at risk.
Change Your Passwords Immediately:
If passwords were compromised, update them as soon as possible.
Use strong, unique passwords for each account, and consider using a password manager for convenience.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
Add an extra layer of security to affected accounts by enabling 2FA. This makes it much harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
Monitor Related Accounts:
If your email or other sensitive data was exposed, keep an eye on accounts linked to that information. Look for unusual activity or login attempts.
Be Cautious of Phishing Attempts:
Scammers may try to exploit the leaked data by sending phishing emails or texts. Avoid clicking on links or providing personal information in response to unsolicited messages.
Update Security Questions and PINs:
If security questions or PINs are tied to compromised information, update them to prevent unauthorized access.
How PrivacyHawk Helps
While it’s not possible to remove information from the dark web, PrivacyHawk helps reduce future exposure through:
Data Broker Removal: Prevent your data from being sold by data brokers and people-searching sires to third parties, reducing the chance of future breaches.
Reduce My Digital Footprint: Clean up your digital footprint and reduce the amount of companies that might be storing your personal data.
Tips for Staying Secure
Use a Password Manager: Store and generate secure passwords easily.
Regularly Review Your Alerts: Keep track of new alerts in the PrivacyHawk app to address potential risks promptly.
Limit Your Online Exposure: Use PrivacyHawk’s tools to minimize the number of companies holding your personal data.
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance responding to a Dark Web Alert, contact us at [email protected]. We’re here to guide you through the process.