Dark Web Monitoring detects if your personal information has appeared in known breaches or exposed datasets. When a breach is found, it appears in the breach list alongside recommended steps to protect your identity.
Dark Web Monitoring is replacing Identity Protection. Dark Web Monitoring provides broader identity-monitoring than Account Privacy. It continuously monitors multiple sources for exposed personal information and gives more context if anything is found, including breach details, threat-level insights, recommended actions and an Identity Protection Score that helps them understand their overall exposure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dark Web Monitoring’s features?
- Monitoring up to 10 email addresses and 5 phone numbers
- Continuous scanning of dark web and breach sources
- Timely exposure alerts
- Detailed breach reports showing what was exposed and where
- Step-by-step remediation guidance
- An Identity Protection Score from 0–100 to help you understand your exposure and track progress
What is the Dark Web?
The Dark Web is a hidden part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specialized software to access. It is often used anonymously and can be a marketplace for stolen data.
What is a digital identity and why is it important?
Your digital identity is the collection of personal information tied to you online, such as email addresses, login credentials, phone numbers, and other identifying details.
If exposed, this information could potentially be used for account takeovers, fraud, phishing attacks, or identity theft.
What is a digital footprint?
Your digital footprint is the trail of data you leave behind when using websites, apps and online services. This can include account registrations, purchases, social media activity and more.
What is a data breach?
A data breach occurs when a company or service you use is hacked or accidentally exposes customer information. This data may then be sold or shared online, including on the Dark Web.
How does Dark Web Monitoring find my breached data?
Dark Web Monitoring uses advanced monitoring technology, powered by Bitdefender, to scan breach databases, underground forums, dark web marketplaces, and other online sources.
If your monitored information appears in a verified breach source, you are notified.
How do you match the information I provide with breach data?
Dark Web Monitoring securely compares the email addresses and phone numbers you enter with verified breach data using privacy-protecting technologies. Your raw data is not publicly exposed during this process.
How frequently is new breach data analyzed?
Dark Web Monitoring continuously analyzes newly aggregated and verified breach data from Dark Web marketplaces, underground communities, and other sources.
What happens if a threat or exposure is detected?
You'll receive an alert in the NETGEAR Armor app. Depending on the exposure, the alert may include:
- The breach source and date, if known
- The type of information exposed
- A threat-level indicator
- Clear recommendations, such as changing passwords or enabling multi-factor authentication
How can I update or change the information I provided?
You can add, remove, or update the email addresses and phone numbers you monitor directly within the NETGEAR Armor app.
How long is my personal data stored?
Your monitored information is securely stored for the purpose of providing Dark Web Monitoring services. Data handling follows applicable privacy and security standards.
Can Armor remove my information from the Dark Web?
No. Dark Web Monitoring alerts you when your information is found, but it cannot erase information from external sites, breach databases, or criminal marketplaces.
Early detection can, however, help you take steps to secure your accounts and reduce the risk of exposed information being misused.
Does Dark Web Monitoring include credit monitoring or credit scores?
No. Dark Web Monitoring focuses on detecting exposed personal information online. It does not provide credit monitoring, credit reports, or credit scores.
The Identity Protection Score within Dark Web Monitoring is not a credit score. It helps you understand your level of identity exposure.