Google is set to add free dark web monitoring to Gmail. This feature was previously reserved for Google One subscribers in the U.S.
At the I/O Conference on Wednesday, Google said its “dark web report” feature will be rolled out to Gmail accounts in the U.S. in the coming weeks and will eventually be released in “select international markets.”
This feature allows Gmail users “to run scans to see if your Gmail address appears on the dark web and receive guidance on what actions to take to protect yourself,” the company explained in a blog post.
Gmail Dark Web Monitoring
Google’s dark web monitoring tool was first announced on March 8 for users with Google One plans — the company’s premium cloud storage service. The feature allows users to scan for leaked personal data, including email addresses, names, physical addresses, phone numbers, and Social Security Numbers.
There’s a huge market for stolen data on the dark web. Often, victims don’t know their data has been stolen until they’re victims of identity theft or threat actors use their data for other criminal schemes.
Dark web monitoring tools alert individuals when their personal data appears on underground forums and recommend measures to mitigate the effects of the breach.
It’s unclear if dark web reports for Gmail will allow users to scan for other leaked data apart from email addresses. Free dark web monitoring tools, like Have I Been Pwned, are generally limited compared to premium solutions. Our in-depth guide to dark web monitoring contains more information about how to safeguard your data and the best dark web monitoring tools.
While it can save you a lot of money and headache, dark web monitoring is damage control. Our cybersecurity experts recommend taking pre-emptive measures to secure your data, including creating strong passwords and using a VPN to obfuscate your internet traffic and location.
Google’s New Security Features
While Google’s new generative AI stole the headlines this week, the company unveiled other key security features for its products, including expanding its Content Safety API to look out for child abuse material in video content.
Google also announced “Safe Browsing API,” which is designed to help stop scams before they happen and “identify compromised sites.” This feature is expected to block about 25 percent of phishing attempts on Chrome and Android each month.
Furthermore, Google is adding Spam view to Google Drive to simplify file separation and review, helping users detect and identify more spam content.
Other changes to boost the security and privacy of Google products include improved data control on Android 14, Google Play, and Maps.
If you missed it, here’s a quick overview of Google’s 2023 I/O keynote.
