deepthi sWhat if your personal information was already on the dark web and you had no idea?
This is what is now happening on the internet. Every day, hackers exchange stolen emails, passwords, and bank information in hidden internet markets with over 3 million visitors.
In May 2025, researchers discovered 184 million login data from Google, Apple, and Microsoft that had been leaked online. And that’s only a snapshot of a much bigger problem. Reports suggest that over 15 billion personal records are already floating around the dark web.
The question isn’t whether your data is on the dark web. It’s what to do when your information is found on the dark web.
Mitigata – Your Trusted Cybersecurity Partner
When it comes to the dark web, visibility is power. 500+ businesses already rely on Mitigata to be their eyes in the digital underground.
With 500+ cyber products and proven expertise across insurance and cybersecurity products, we are the digital bodyguard you need to turn the tables.
Unlike generic monitoring tools that drown you in raw data, our Mitigata Console delivers intelligence by keeping an eye on:
- Hacker Forums: Where your company name or executive details might be discussed.
- Criminal Marketplaces: Where stolen credentials, databases, and malware get traded.
- Telegram Channels: Where advanced threat groups plan and share intelligence.
- Breach Archives: Where your old data leaks keep resurfacing.
- Exposed Assets: From misconfigured cloud storage to public code repos.
Cybercriminals can’t hide when Mitigata monitors dark web threats
Mitigata delivers real-time detection, expert-led response, and market-best pricing for which your budget shouldn’t compromise.
How Does Information Get onto the Dark Web?
Let’s go through the steps of a breach to illustrate how your data ends up in the wrong hands.
Consider the example of Riya, a marketing manager at a mid-sized retailer. One day, she receives an email from the IT department in her organisation requesting her to confirm her credentials for a “system upgrade.” The email appears legitimate. So, she clicks the link and then enters her username and password.
Within 60 seconds, this information is sent to a server in Eastern Europe operated by a group of cybercriminals.
Within 24 hours, the hacker enters the company’s network, gaining access to the client database, which includes 45,000 email addresses and credit card information.
Within one week, the entire database is exfiltrated quietly in the middle of the night when security monitoring is typically lighter.
Within two weeks, that data appears on a dark web marketplace called “XYZ Marketplace”. The listing reads: “Fresh 2025 Retail Database – 45K Records – Payment Info Included – $5,000 OBO.”
Within one month, three different cybercriminal groups have purchased copies. One uses the emails for phishing campaigns. Another sells the credit card data to fraudsters. The third holds onto it, waiting to use it in a more targeted attack six months later.
This is the data breach lifecycle, and it’s happening thousands of times daily across the globe.
Every leaked password or record can shut down your business
Trusted by 800+ businesses, our platform ensures continuous protection with advanced features for you and your data.
Common Reasons Your Information Is Found on the Dark Web
The following are the most common reasons that prove why constant monitoring is more important than ever.
Third-Party Breaches: You may have a high level of security, but what about your vendor’s security? When vendors, such as your payment processor, cloud provider, or software provider, are hacked, your data gets hacked too. In 2024, the Snowflake data breach affected many companies, including Ticketmaster and Santander Bank, as they all used the same cloud storage company.
Phishing Attacks: This is considered one of the easiest ways for criminals to steal your information. Someone clicks on what appears to be a valid email from their CEO or a text message about a locked account.
Explore the most common types of phishing attacks and how to defend against them in our detailed phishing email guide
Weak or Reused Passwords: Using the same or similar passwords on various platforms causes a domino effect of exposure. When a website is breached, fraudsters immediately launch “credential stuffing” attacks, trying the stolen login and password combinations across multiple sites.
Misconfigured Databases: In 2023 alone, thousands of businesses unintentionally left databases publicly accessible on the internet without any hacking needed. These “open doors” are regularly examined by automated bots, which collect the data and sell it within hours.
Malware and ransomware: Any free PDF converter you downloaded, or an attachment from an unknown sender, could be secretly recording everything you type. These applications operate discreetly, gathering passwords and documents for weeks before anyone sees anything amiss.
Step-by-Step Guide: What to Do If Your Data Is Found on the Dark Web
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
| 1. Change Your Passwords Immediately | Start with affected accounts, then update others. Use a password manager. | Prevents credential reuse attacks. |
| 2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | Adds a second layer of protection. | Even if your password leaks, MFA blocks access. |
| 3. Monitor Financial Accounts Closely | Check for suspicious transactions or logins. | Helps detect fraud early. |
| 4. Alert Relevant Institutions | Inform your bank, credit agency, or employer. | They can help freeze or secure accounts. |
| 5. Scan Your Devices for Malware | Run antivirus and check for unauthorised apps. | Removes possible spyware or keyloggers. |
| 6. Use a Dark Web Monitoring Service | Tools (like Mitigata Console) continuously scan for exposed credentials. | Early detection reduces the risk of future misuse. |
Conclusion
Finding your information on the dark web does not mean the game is over, but it does mean you should respond quickly and strategically. Secure your accounts, keep track of your finances, and don’t underestimate how useful your information might be to hackers.
If you want to stay ahead of these threats rather than chase them, Mitigata can help.
We provide deep visibility across hacker forums, marketplaces, and breach archives, allowing you to act before attackers do.
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