How reliable are dark web scans?

Dark web scan results are generally reliable, but they’re rarely complete. The dark web is vast, decentralized, and heavily encrypted, which means no tool can scan 100% of its content.

Do I need to provide personal information to initiate a dark web scan?

Yes, dark web scanners need specific personal details to know what to search for. This may include your email address, Social Security number, credit card information, full name, or phone number.

How often should I run dark web scans?

Subscribing to continuous dark web monitoring is the most effective option, as it notifies you quickly once your sensitive information is discovered, helping you take action to head off identity threats. If you rely on a free tool instead, aim to run a scan ideally once a week, at least once a month.

Can I take my information off the dark web?

In most cases, no. Once data is leaked on the dark web, it generally can’t be removed. The best defense is to limit the damage by securing your accounts, freezing your credit, and monitoring for misuse.

Dark web scans: How they work and the best tools

Call us: 1-800-416-0599

Call us

Get LifeLock Core

This article contains

Start your protection,
enroll in minutes.

Start membership

LifeLock is part of Gen – a global company with a family of trusted brands.

Copyright © 2026 Gen Digital Inc. All rights reserved. Gen trademarks or registered trademarks are property of Gen Digital Inc. or its affiliates. Firefox is a trademark of Mozilla Foundation. Android, Google Chrome, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google, LLC. Mac, iPhone, iPad, Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Microsoft and the Window logo are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. The Android robot is reproduced or modified from work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

About Gen Newsroom Partner with us Careers Legal Privacy Security Terms of Use Accessibility Your Privacy Choice

This article contains

Related articles

Start your protection, enroll in minutes.

Start your protection,
enroll in minutes.