In a recent announcement, Google declared that all U.S. Gmail users will soon have access to a dark web report security feature. This tool will enable users to determine if their email addresses have been compromised on the dark web.
Dark web report: A tool for data protection
During the Google I/O annual developer conference, Google revealed that the new feature will be rolled out in the upcoming weeks. Furthermore, the service will gradually be made available to select international markets.
Once activated, this feature empowers Gmail users to scan the dark web for their email addresses. It will also offer advice from Google on how to protect their data. For instance, users might be guided to enable two-step authentication to safeguard their Google accounts against hijacking attempts.
From Google One to Gmail: Expansion of the dark web report
The dark web report was originally exclusive to Google One subscribers in the U.S. However, as Google Core services SVP Jen Fitzpatrick expressed, “we’re expanding access to our dark web report in the next few weeks, so anyone with a Gmail account in the U.S. will be able to run scans to see if your Gmail address appears on the dark web and receive guidance on what actions to take to protect yourself.”
Furthermore, Google will periodically remind Gmail users to verify if their email is associated with any data breaches found on underground cybercrime forums.
Google One’s dark web report: A brief overview
The dark web report was first launched in March 2023 for all Google One plans in the United States. It offered members a simple way to receive notifications when their personal information surfaced on the dark web. Google One Director of Product Management, Esteban Kozak, explained that Google One subscribers could enable the feature by creating a monitoring profile containing their personal information.
Other updates from Google I/O
In addition to the dark web monitoring feature, Google has announced several other enhancements, including an upgrade to the Safe Browsing service and a new spam view in Google Drive. Google also introduced a simple way to delete search history in Google Maps.
We’re curious to hear your thoughts on this new development. What do you think about Google’s move to extend dark web report access to all U.S. Gmail users? Share your views in the comment section below!
