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Google is pulling the plug on a free online tool to check if your Gmail email address has leaked.
Dubbed the Dark Web Report, the clever tool would check if the email address associated with your Google Account had appeared on the Dark Web — the hidden part of the internet where emails can be sold or used in scam attempts.
Following the closure, Google's service will stop scanning for new breaches involving your information. That'll leave you in the dark about whether your Gmail is in the hands of cybercriminals. The last time you'll be able to scan the Dark Web for your Gmail using Google's free tool is Thursday, January 15, 2026.
Why is the search firm ditching this useful tool? Google says user feedback revealed the reports weren't actually giving people useful guidance on what to do after their email has been found on that seedy corner of the internet.
"We're making this change to instead focus on tools that give you clearer, actionable steps to protect your information online. We'll continue to track and defend you from online threats, including the dark web, and build tools that help protect you and your personal information," said Google in a statement.
Google has not confirmed if they're working on similar security tools.
While we wait to find out what Google is planning to launch next, there are some useful alternatives out there for those who want to ensure their email address hasn't fallen into the hands of hackers or is available to buy from a forum on the Dark Web. Security software, like a VPN or password manager, can help protect your data against hackers and Dark Web leaks.
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Cybersecurity expert Karolis Arbaciauskas, head of product at NordPass — which owns award-winning NordVPN, says there are other options to help secure your accounts. "Proactively monitoring the dark web for your credentials is a critical security habit. Fortunately, Google's tool was never the only option. Security-conscious users who wish to continue scanning the dark web can utilise the tools offered by modern password managers."
How can VPNs secure your accounts?
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that protects and anonymises everything you do online. VPNs can conceal your online activities by routing traffic through an encrypted tunnel that connects to secure servers worldwide.
VPNs can help protect against rogue or fake Wi-Fi networks. For example, cybercriminals sometimes set up hotspots with innocent-sounding names—like “Free Airport Wi-Fi”—to lure you into connecting.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that protects and anonymises everything you do online. | UNSPLASH Once connected, attackers can quietly monitor traffic or tamper with it, a tactic known as a man-in-the-middle attack. A VPN reduces that risk by encrypting your connection end-to-end, even if the network itself can’t be trusted.
Another advantage is the protection of background activity. Many of the apps on your devices communicate with the internet even when you’re not actively using them. Your phone might be syncing photos to the cloud, downloading system updates, or refreshing email in the background. A VPN helps ensure those silent connections are just as protected as the websites you visit intentionally.
Finally, running a VPN all the time can shrink your digital footprint. This means it will mask your IP address, making it harder for attackers or trackers to pinpoint your location, identify your network, or build a profile of your device. This heavily reduces your chances of being singled out for targeted attacks.
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How can password managers protect your accounts?
Password managers safely store and autofill your passwords for different accounts, making it easier to use strong, unique passwords everywhere. Together, they can simplify your login security and greatly reduce the risk of hacks.
"The practice of using password managers has encouraged individuals to create unique and complex passwords for all their accounts, thereby significantly minimising the chances of using the same password," cybersecurity expert Jacob Klavo, told GB News.
In a recent report, it was revealed that they were using common words such as "password" to secure their accounts — which can easily be bypassed by a fraudster.
Password managers securely store and autofill your passwords for various accounts, making it easier to use strong, unique passwords across all your online accounts.
| NORDPASS PRESS OFFICEWhat you can do in the event of a data breach
While breaches can be greatly reduced with these tools, there is still a possibility that they can occur. “In case of a breach, the key is to act quickly. If you get an alert about your data being exposed, take immediate steps: change all affected passwords, cancel compromised credit cards, and review your account activity for anything suspicious," said Mr Arbaciauskas.
It's also best practice to check your accounts' activities for anything suspicious, like purchases you didn't make or login attempts from unfamiliar locations. If these are found, you should reset your credentials immediately.