This week Surfshark released Data Leak Checker, a free, online service that lets users monitor the safety of their personal information. Powered by Surfshark Alert, this tool allows users to check if their personal data has been compromised in a data leak by simply entering their email address. It is designed to ensure that the entered email is not used for marketing purposes.
Data Leak Checker features comprehensive scanning capabilities. Users can enter their email addresses to examine multiple sources for potential database and malware-related leaks. This tool continuously monitors the web to proactively ensure the security of users’ personal information across various platforms and detect instances where their data might have been compromised.
Upon completion of the scan, users receive a report divided into database breaches and malware attacks. The database breaches section identifies large breached domains and compromised databases that may have included the user’s information. Meanwhile, the malware attacks section highlights potential vulnerabilities of the user’s email address due to malware activities on their device.
The database breach report shows the largest breached domains and compromised databases containing the user’s information. Some data may be hidden for security reasons. However, complete and detailed information about the leak will be visible in Surfshark Alert.
“Globally, approximately 18 billion user accounts have been leaked over the last 20 years, according to Surfshark’s Global Data Breach Statistics,” said Kornelija Vanage, alert product owner at Surfshark. “As we launch the Data Leak Checker, we stress the importance of knowing exactly where and how your data may have been compromised. Understanding breach details can empower individuals to take informed actions to protect their personal information and prevent further damage. This tool is simple and accessible for everyone, regardless of their level of technical expertise,”
If users discover that their data has been leaked online, it’s crucial to act quickly to mitigate potential damage. First, they should change the passwords for all affected accounts, ensuring each new password is strong and unique. They might consider using a password manager to help generate and store passwords securely. Additionally, enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts that offer it can add an extra layer of security.
Users should monitor their accounts for suspicious activity, such as unauthorized transactions or login attempts, and report any anomalies to the respective service providers. They must be vigilant about phishing attempts, as attackers may use leaked information to craft convincing scams. Investing in tools that monitor data safety is also advised.
