Google's One membership offers more cloud storage, a backup facility for devices, VPN and a host of other features. To add more enticing reasons to let users join the service in India, the company is now rolling out access to dark web reports. This feature detects data leaks of a user's information on the dark web.
The dark web is a shady zone of the internet that acts as a den of bad actors that stay anonymous and steal information from victims. Later these details are auctioned on cyber forums. But with Google's new feature, users will be guided on how to keep their personal details (such as bank and password information) safe besides receiving alerts of breaches.
According to 'The Keyword' blog of the tech giant, a specialised internet browser is required to access data on the dark web. However, the dark web report lets the user scan through this part of the internet to check whether their personal information like name, phone number, email, address and more are available in this space.
Once the user allows permission to set up the feature from Google One, they need to select the details they want Google to keep an eye on. If any matching details are discovered, Google notifies the user and suggests remedial measures.
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How to view your dark web report?
Step 1: Open Google One website on your device
Step 2: Head to the Dark Web Report section and click 'Set up'
Step 3: Select the details that you plan to monitor (you can also add your residential address)
Step 4: Create a profile by following the on-screen instructions
Step 5: Click on "Done" and initiate the scan to begin scanning and check whether any detail is available on the dark web
As online identity frauds continue to rise in India, this could be Google's effort to tackle the misuse of user data by bad actors. Initially, the feature was made available in the United States with free VPN service.