The 7 Best Dark Web Monitoring Services Right Now

What Do Dark Web Monitoring Services Do?

Dark Web monitoring services scan websites and marketplaces hosted in the hidden corners of the internet, searching for personal information that has been stolen in data leaks. 

Unlike information contained on the visible web that can be found with search engines, the Dark Web can only be accessed via a specialized browser called Tor — making Dark Web monitoring tools essential for uncovering data found in places where you could be at risk of hacks and identity theft.

In April 2024, hackers published a dataset of over 2.9 billion rows of personal data on American citizens that was leaked from National Public Data. The Dark Web data included full names, addresses, and even Social Security numbers (SSNs) [*]. 

While most Dark Web monitoring services are designed for businesses that may want to scan for cybersecurity vulnerabilities or stolen intellectual property, it’s just as important for individuals to know if their data has been leaked. 

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Key takeaways

• The number of data breach victims in the first half of 2024 increased by 490% compared to the previous year [*].
• Dark Web monitoring services warn you when your leaked personal data appears on Dark Web marketplaces and websites — but not all services monitor the same number of sites.
• Aura is a top pick for Dark Web monitoring, tracking over 100 pieces of personal data across billions of data points on the Dark Web.

What To Look For in a Dark Web Monitoring Service

When it comes to protecting your personal information from online risks, there are some core features to consider. Here’s what to look for when comparing Dark Web monitoring service providers:

• Wide coverage. Platforms should scan a wide range of Dark Web sources, including illicit forums and marketplaces that are known for selling stolen information. The broader the coverage, the higher the chance of detecting early warnings of compromised data.
• Extensive watchlist. Look for a service that monitors the most sensitive types of personal information — such as email addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and Social Security numbers (SSNs). 
• Actionable alerts. The best Dark Web monitoring services provide near real-time alerts, stating clear details of the breach and what you can do to secure your data and accounts.
• Added support. Leading services often include extras like identity theft insurance, credit monitoring, and expert customer assistance with fraud remediation. 

The 7 Best Dark Web Monitoring Services for Individuals

While most Dark Web monitoring services offer similar features, you should be aware of their nuances and differences. 

Let’s take a closer look at the best options currently available.

1. Aura

Aura is an award-winning identity theft protection solution that includes comprehensive Dark Web monitoring services. With Aura’s Privacy plan, you get affordable access to digital security tools — including antivirus software, a virtual private network (VPN), and a password manager — plus identity and sensitive information monitoring across the Dark Web, data breaches, public records, and more. 

While relatively new compared to other providers, Aura has already been rated #1 by Money.com, Forbes, TechRadar, and others.

Best plan & average cost: Aura Privacy Plans at $19.99/year (the equivalent of just over $1/month).

Our verdict: Aura’s all-in-one approach to online safety and affordable pricing makes it a top choice for reducing Dark Web threats and digital risks. The combination of award-winning identity theft protection, Dark Web monitoring, and digital security tools help customers deter threat actors and cybercrime.

2. Identity Guard

Founded in 1996, Identity Guard is an established name in identity theft protection, providing Dark Web monitoring services that scan hidden websites, secret chat rooms, and underground forums for traces of users’ personal data.

Identity Guard also offers an all-in-one solution for online identity protection, although it provides fewer digital security tools than Aura does. 

Best plan & average cost: Identity Guard Value — $7.50/month (billed annually).

Identity Guard’s lowest-priced plan is light on credit monitoring and online security, but it includes the essentials — such as Dark Web monitoring, data breach notifications, U.S.-based support, and up to $1 million in identity theft insurance. 

Our verdict: Identity Guard is best for those looking for a simple tool for Dark Web monitoring and already use other services for digital security and credit monitoring.

3. Norton 360

Norton is one of the most established names in antivirus and security software — and Norton 360 is its security suite that includes Dark Web monitoring services.

When you first sign up for Norton™ 360, the software immediately starts monitoring the Dark Web for your email address. You can add more data points for Norton to monitor, including your driver's license number,  bank account number, and mother's maiden name.

Best plan & average cost: Norton 360 Deluxe — $49.99/year (first year only — the price increases to $119.99 in your second year).

Norton has many plans and a complicated pricing structure, including low introductory rates that renew at significantly higher prices after your first year. As of August 2024, the best value plan is Norton 360 Deluxe. For a reduced price of $49.99, you get Dark Web monitoring along with digital security tools for up to five devices.

Our verdict: Norton is an established company with industry-leading antivirus software. But when it comes to all-in-one protection, its Dark Web monitoring services are let down by the complex pricing structure and lack of fraud resolution support.

💡 Related: Aura vs. Norton LifeLock: Which Service Is Better For You? →

4. Experian IdentityWorks

Experian is one of the three major credit bureaus. Its identity theft protection platform, Experian IdentityWorks, is designed to protect against threats such as fraud and identity theft. 

The company has a proprietary, patented Dark Web technology called Experian CyberAgent® that scans for compromised confidential data. This surveillance tool proactively scans and detects identity theft across the globe in different languages.

Best plan & average cost: Experian IdentityWorks Premium — $24.99/month.

Experian IdentityWorks offers Dark Web surveillance alerts starting with its Premium plan. While it’s one of the most expensive offerings on this list, IdentityWorks also includes three-bureau credit monitoring and scores, monthly privacy scans, and up to $1 million in insurance.

Our verdict: Experian is excellent for credit monitoring; and its technology provides comprehensive global scanning capabilities in Dark Web monitoring — but you’ll pay more than you would for other comparable options. Still, if you trust the Experian brand and are concerned about global credit monitoring, it could be a good option for you.

5. IdentityForce

IdentityForce is another all-in-one ID protection platform that provides Dark Web monitoring services. 

One thing that sets IdentityForce apart from other services is that it provides a “Personalized Action Plan” for each data breach or instance in which your information is found on the Dark Web — however, the company doesn’t provide much more information about what’s included with that plan or how it will help support you along the way.

Best plan & average cost: UltraSecure+Credit — $34.90/month (billed monthly).

IdentityForce shines when you combine its credit and identity protection plans — but you’ll pay more for it than you would for almost any other comparable service. If you’re looking for a family plan, there are better services available.

Our verdict: IdentityForce offers robust features for protecting customers from the threats of the Dark Web. However, it’s not as well-rounded as competing providers. The lower-cost plan quickly loses its appeal when you have to spend more to add credit monitoring or if you need to protect several children.

💡 Related: Aura vs. IdentityForce: What You Need To Know Before You Buy →

6. Firefox Monitor

Firefox Monitor is a free Dark Web monitoring service provided by Mozilla. It works as an extension of the Firefox web browser, providing alerts when your username or password data appear in databases of known breaches. The service relies entirely on free, open-source breach data.

Best plan & average cost: N/A.

Firefox Monitor is a free, open-source plug-in that you can add to the Mozilla Firefox browser. There is no paid premium tier and no way to add additional services.

Our verdict: If all you want is a quick, free way to use Dark Web monitoring services, Firefox Monitor could be perfect. However, the limited surveillance capabilities may provide a false sense of security, leaving you vulnerable to cyberattacks. This option is a quick diagnosis tool at best and should be paired with a more advanced, paid fraud protection provider. 

7. IDX

Since 2003, IDX has been helping victims of data breaches by offering identity and privacy protection tools. Its patented CyberScan™️ technology claims to continuously monitor over 14 billion data points across the web, Dark Web sites, chat channels, and more [*].

Best plan & average cost: IDX Privacy — $11.66/month (billed annually).

For a slightly higher cost, IDX’s mid-level protection plan offers the best value for your money — with Dark Web monitoring, data broker opt outs, U.S.-based identity recovery support, and up to $1 million in insurance. If you want to add credit monitoring or protect family members, you’ll need to upgrade and pay more.

Our verdict: IDX is a reliable company with top-tier Dark Web monitoring services — but you must pay a premium to get all the benefits. If you don't mind spending more, it's worth considering.

Do You Need To Pay For Dark Web Monitoring Tools?

Free Dark Web scanners quickly check email addresses or phone numbers against recent data breaches, but that’s about it. In contrast, Dark Web monitoring services track more sensitive data in more places, keeping you safer and more secure online. 

Here’s how free Dark Web scanners and Dark Web monitoring services compare:

While free scanners offer a snapshot of your exposure to threats, continuous Dark Web monitoring services give you comprehensive surveillance and proactive features to help keep your personal information secure.

📚 Related: What Is Dark Web Monitoring and Do You Need It? →

Can You Remove Your Personal Information From the Dark Web?

No. Accessing the Dark Web on your own to remove personal information is both risky and ineffective. Even if you manage to take down a listing, there's no way to know who already accessed your data or where else it might have been shared.

A more significant concern is that the Dark Web is unregulated and sites often contain dangerous malware. 

The best way to respond to hackers selling your information on the Dark Web is to know exactly what information was compromised. This insight allows you to update your passwords and tighten your security before hackers can exploit your accounts.

How To Keep Your Information Off of the Dark Web

Dark Web monitoring services can only warn you after your data has already been leaked. While this is beneficial, it can’t prevent scammers from accessing, sharing, or using your data. 

It’s up to you to limit how much of your personally identifiable information (PII) is online. The less information you share, the safer you will be from hackers, scammers, and identity thieves.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect your online privacy:

• Secure online accounts by using strong passwords and 2FA. Create unique, complex passwords for every account. Aim for a 13-character combination of numbers, symbols, uppercase, and lowercase letters. Also, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible with an authenticator app (such as Authy) rather than via SMS for receiving authentication codes. 
• Use antivirus software and Safe Browsing tools. These will help prevent you from visiting fake websites or accidentally downloading malware.
• Use email aliases and fake information when signing up for online services. Protect your primary email addresses by using aliases when creating new accounts, joining newsletters, or receiving promotional messages.
• Tighten your social media privacy settings. By removing personal information from social media and restricting who can view your profile and content, you make it harder for malicious actors to target you with phishing scams. 
• Delete old accounts, apps, and browser extensions. Old, forgotten profiles — like social media accounts, blogs, apps, and e-commerce sites — can be hacked without your knowledge. Look for old accounts that you don't use anymore, and delete your data.
• Remove personal information from data broker lists, search results, and people finder sites. Reducing your digital footprint prevents people from finding out more about you. You can start with a data removal request from Google. In the long term, automated content removal services give you more protection and peace of mind. 

Unfortunately, even if you do everything you can to protect your sensitive information, it’s nearly impossible to keep your data off of the Dark Web. While you can’t remove it, Dark Web monitoring services can give you a critical headstart against cybercriminals before they use your stolen data against you.