Google Is Bringing Dark Web Reports To All For Free

One of the biggest challenges faced in today’s digital age is that of protecting the privacy and sensitive information of users from data breaches.

Even though consumers try their best to protect their personal data, cybercriminals are constantly trying to breach their systems and gain access through ransomware attacks, various types of malware AKA malicious software or other cyber-attack tactics, to extract valuable personal information.

This information is then collected and sold on the dark web, a place on the internet that requires specific software, configurations and access to be viewed. Essentially, it is encrypted and not indexed by conventional search engines.

However, Tech giant Google offered its users a service that scoured the dark web to search for leaked information through a paid membership.

Now, the company has provided an update regarding the feature that’s set to bring the service to a host of new people.

So, what’s changing with Google’s dark web reports? Let’s explore!

What Changes Is Google Making To Its Dark Web Reports Service?

“Dark web report will no longer be available in Google One in late July,” read a pop-up banner that flashed across the screen for users opening their Google One application.
The pop-up message sported another line that read, “To continue using the dark web report, learn more in the help article.”
As per a blog post published and updated on its website, Google’s dark web reports service will now be made available to all users with a consumer Google Account.
As part of the move, the company will integrate its dark web report with its “Results About You” feature, which allows users to find out if personal contact information such as their home address, phone number or email address shows up in search results.
The two features will be offered as a combined solution to help users protect their online presence.
The transition will begin in late July, post which access to Google’s dark web report will no longer need a Google One membership, a prerequisite for the service prior to the change.

TechDogs-"An Image Of A Screenshot Of The Pop-up Banner On The Google One App"

Source

What Does Google’s Dark Web Reports Service Offer?

Currently, Google Dark Web Reports allows users to check for data and monitor the dark web to learn of breaches through its Google One membership.
Users can leverage the service through a subscription, to scope out leaked information on the dark web, spanning their name, address, phone number, email, username, password, social security number (SSN, only for accounts with US billing methods).
As per the page explaining how the service works, “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.”
Information found in breach results appear in redacted form.
Currently, Google’s dark web reports service is available in 46 countries.
The countries in which Google’s dark web reports are currently available include Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bangladesh, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Senegal, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, UK, USA, Venezuela and Vietnam.
However, the types of personal information scanned may vary based on country or region.

The move follows a previous announcement from Google that centered around the company discontinuing its VPN by Google One feature, which went into effect from June 20, 2024.

As per the same blog post updating users about the dark web reports change, the discontinuation of VPN by Google One came as the company’s focus is to “provide the most in-demand features.”

As such, there is no replacement in line for its VPN service.

Do you think Google’s move to offer its dark web reports service will draw more users to the platform? Do you think other search engine companies should consider making similar moves?

Let us know in the comments below!

First published on Fri, Jul 12, 2024

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Cyber AttackCyber ThreatCyber CrimeInternet SecurityCyber Security Dark Web Google Google One Privacy Dark Web Report Free Cybercriminal Malicious Ransomware Google Account Data Protection Personal Information PII

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