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A virtual private network is typically something you might associate with online privacy, server location variation and IP address masking. Traditionally, they have worked in these cybersecurity areas, offering geo-location switching, personal identity protection and more.
Now, some also include dark web monitoring tools as part of the package. But are they something that you need to consider when hunting for the best VPN to suit your needs?
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not accessed by traditional search engines. It requires special software, like Tor, to access it.
The dark web isn't illegal in and of itself — in fact it offers anonymity for activists, journalists and privacy advocates.
However, it is also a place that's ideally suited to the trade of stolen data, hacked accounts and illegal services.
This hidden and anonymized space makes tracking very difficult, leaving it with a mix of legitimate privacy users and criminals. If your data was stolen, for example, this is likely where it would get traded.
What threats are there to me on the dark web?
Visiting the dark web isn't a threat as such. Rather, it's a domain that is often used by cybercriminals to sell victims' personal information without their knowledge.
From shady hacking collectives and illegal marketplaces, to identity thieves and fraudsters, all sorts of risks lurk in the dark depths of the web.
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Data breaches at scale often get traded here with hacked information up for grabs, including email addresses, password, bank details, home addresses, phone numbers, passports, login credentials, streaming accounts and more.
These are often bundled up and sold to identity thieves and fraudsters where they can be used for account takeovers, phishing scams, loan applications in your name, or targeted social engineering attacks.
This can all be avoided with strong passwords and two-factor authentication. But in the instances where it's not stopped, the problem becomes even knowing you're data has been robbed and up for grabs in the first place.
What do dark web monitoring tools do?
Specialist dark web monitoring tools have been developed to let you know if your data has been compromised and is being traded online.
The tool that features with certain Norton VPN packages, for example, scan the dark web for your information and immediately let you know if that should appear anywhere without your permission.
These tools work as follows:
- First, you register your key details like email address, phone number, bank cards and other sensitive data that may be distributed in a data heist.
- The dark web monitoring service then scans breach databases and dark web sources for matches.
- You receive alerts if your data is detected.
- You’re then guided on next steps, such as changing passwords, freezing credit, or contacting your bank.
These tools won't remove your data from the dark web, but will alert you to a breach and the next appropriate steps you can take.
Norton takes a layered approach — helping to avoid as much threat as possible — as its VPN encrypts your connection to reduce the risk of data interception. Then the dark web monitoring tool watches for breaches that may have happened elsewhere, to ensure you are staying secure.
Do I really need a VPN with dark web monitoring tools?
Not everybody may feel the need to have a dark web monitoring tool as part of their VPN suite.
While it can provide a level of reassurance as you can know your data isn't being traded, less at-risk individuals may not worry about this in the first place.
Specific examples of those potentially more at risk include those who:
- use many online services and reuse login details;
- shop or bank frequently online;
- have previously been affected by a data breach; and
- want consolidated security tools in one dashboard.
So, while a dark web monitor won't prevent a data breach, it can help to shorten the time between exposure and action, which can significantly limit financial or reputational damage.
It's also worth noting that many antivirus packages already offer dark web monitoring. So before you upgrade your VPN, be sure to check you're not already covered as part of your current setup. Norton 360, for example, often bundles this feature, so you may not need it as part of your VPN.
Should I get a separate dark web monitoring tool?
Standalone dark web monitoring services do exist, both free and paid. Free versions typically monitor a single email address, while paid services expand coverage and add identity theft support.
However, if you’re already considering a VPN subscription, it can be cost-effective to choose a provider that bundles monitoring into a broader security plan.
With Norton VPN's plans, for example, dark web monitoring is included if you go for its Plus or Ultimate tiers. The incremental cost increase is relatively small and much better value when compared to subscribing to multiple separate tools.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
