How Your Email Can End Up on the Dark Web

Email has long been a convenient way to stay connected, offering the perfect balance between personal communication and maintaining boundaries. However, as time has gone on, many people, myself included, have entrusted our email addresses to various companies, only to have those businesses mishandle our personal information. Data breaches have become alarmingly common, and it is not unusual for email addresses to be posted on dark web forums, often making us targets for cybercriminals.

The Rise of Email Scams

I recently shut down an old Gmail account that had become a breeding ground for spam and phishing attempts. While I had managed to keep most scams at bay for years, the advent of generative AI resulted in a new breed of sophisticated scams that made it increasingly difficult to discern legitimate messages from deceptive ones. This prompted me to investigate which company was responsible for my email address being compromised.

Tracing Your Data’s Journey

Understanding how our personal data travels to the dark web is essential, especially after a company experiences a data breach or files for bankruptcy. Dr. Darren Williams, a ransomware and cybersecurity expert from BlackFog, asserts that "everybody on planet Earth has had their data leaked at this point." With that knowledge in mind, let’s explore some common avenues through which your personal information might end up on the dark web.

Data Sales

Businesses frequently sell customer data during acquisitions or as part of bankruptcy proceedings. When your information is sold to another company, it can be at risk if that company fails to secure it properly. Take, for example, the recent acquisition of 23andMe by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals—if Regeneron suffers a data breach, your information could easily find its way online.

Additionally, when companies dissolve, data brokers might purchase the customer data. These brokers often make the information available online, sometimes without adequate security, making your data vulnerable to hackers. A notable incident occurred when hackers shared user data from Gravy Analytics, a location data company, on a Russian cybercrime forum.

Data Breaches

Another critical factor is the actual data breaches that occur when hackers infiltrate a company’s systems. Generally, criminals sell the stolen data on dark web marketplaces. This means that if your email address is among the victims, it could be exploited by malicious entities for various scams.

Phishing Attacks

Phishing scams, which have intensified during events like tax season or major holidays, involve cybercriminals sending texts or emails with links that lead unsuspecting individuals to websites that gather their information. Scammers can then post this data on the dark web for sale.

Quizzes and Surveys

Have you ever provided personal details to participate in a survey or check your horoscope online? That innocent data entry could contribute to a database that might be hacked or sold. The risk is ever-present when we give out personal details for seemingly harmless activities.

Malware and Spyware

Malware or spyware infections can also result in your personal information being stolen. Malicious apps can quietly harvest your data without your knowledge. For instance, a cyberattack on Change Healthcare in 2024 involved hackers remaining undetected for several days while manipulating the company’s systems.

Finding Your Breached Data

Discovering how my email address made its way to the dark web was surprisingly straightforward. I utilized a data breach report scanner and chose Bitwarden’s service because it provides comprehensive reports detailing what personal information may have been compromised, including sensitive items like birthdates and physical addresses.

Most password managers come equipped with dark web monitoring features that can alert you if any of your data appears in breach reports. Additionally, companies like Experian offer free tools for monitoring dark web activity related to your email.

Security Precautions

While it’s challenging to completely eliminate your data from the dark web, you can take steps to mitigate the fallout from future breaches. Consider enrolling in a personal data removal service that can assist in getting your information off various data broker sites. The reality is that once data is online, it is extremely difficult to retrieve.

Dr. Williams advises being cautious about the data you share online. "If you’ve posted anything online, it’s already out there," he explains. This highlights the importance of being discerning about the information you provide when signing up for online services or purchases.

Engaging in "data poisoning"—filling out online forms with fake names or details—can serve as a protective measure if the information is ever compromised.

Conclusion

In this digital age, being alert to the risks associated with sharing personal information online is essential. Regularly checking breach scanners, utilizing password managers, and being selective about the information you provide can go a long way in protecting your identity and ensuring your data remains secure.

Taking these steps not only helps in minimizing potential damage from data breaches but also empowers you to take charge of your digital footprint.