NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitor feature continuously monitors your account's email address and other added assets for potential data leaks, which might include passwords or other sensitive personal information, and alerts you once a threat is detected on the web. In this article, you will learn how to enable NordVPN's Dark Web Monitor and what to do if you get a notification that your data has been breached.
How to start monitoring on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
To enable Dark Web Monitor on your Windows/macOS/iOS/Android device and check for data leaks, follow the steps below:
NOTE: If you find any leaked data, follow the steps to protect yourself.
Steps to enable Monitor on the desktop NordVPN app (Windows/macOS):
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Click the Monitor button:
- In the Monitor tab, click "Start monitoring"
Steps to enable Monitor on the mobile NordVPN app (iOS/iPadOS/Android):
- Open the NordVPN app.
- Tap on the four squares (Products) button:
- Tap on "Dark Web Monitor."
- From this page, click "Turn on" to start using the feature.
NOTE: You can also enable the Dark Web Monitor from this page.
Using Dark Web Monitor from your Nord Account
To check for data leaks using your Nord Account, follow the steps below:
- Log in to your Nord Account.
- Select "Dark Web Monitor" on the left side of the page:
- Click "Dark Web Monitor alerts":
- Here you can track your alerts:
Adding email addresses
To add an email address for monitoring, follow the steps below:
- Go to "Asset management" by clicking "Manage assets" on your NordVPN app or from the Nord Account Dark Web Monitor page.
- Click "Add email address".
- Verify the email address by writing the 6-digit one-time password that was sent to you.
- That's it! NordVPN will alert you if any breaches have been detected, but you can also check the alerts yourself by navigating to the "Alerts" tab.
Monitoring credit cards (Dark Web Monitor Pro™ exclusive)
Dark Web Monitor Pro™ is the premium version of Dark Web Monitor, which allows you to monitor credit card numbers in addition to email addresses, phone numbers, and national IDs/SSNs.
To add a credit card for monitoring, follow these steps:
- Go to "Asset management" by clicking "Manage assets" on your NordVPN app or from the Nord Account Dark Web Monitor page.
- Scroll down and click "Add credit card number."
NOTE: If the button is greyed out, you do not have Dark Web Monitor Pro™, or you have exceeded the limit of credit cards being monitored. - Type your credit card number, check the checkbox that ensures you are the cardholder for this number, and click "Add card."
- That's it! You've successfully added the card. NordVPN will alert you if any breaches have been detected, but you can also check the alerts yourself by navigating to the "Alerts" tab.
Monitoring national IDs/SSNs (Dark Web Monitor Pro™ exclusive)
Dark Web Monitor Pro™ is the premium version of Dark Web Monitor, which also allows you to monitor your national ID/SSN in addition to email addresses, phone numbers, and credit cards.
To add a national ID/SSN for monitoring, follow these steps:
- Go to "Asset management" by clicking "Manage assets" on your NordVPN app or from the Nord Account Dark Web Monitor page.
- Scroll down and click "Add national ID number."
NOTE: If the button is greyed out, you do not have Dark Web Monitor Pro™, or you have exceeded the limit of national IDs/SSNs being monitored. - Type your national ID/SSN number, type a name for this monitored asset, and click "Add ID number."
- That's it! You've successfully added the ID/SSN. NordVPN will alert you if any breaches have been detected, but you can also check the alerts yourself by navigating to the "Alerts" tab.
Monitoring Phone Numbers
Dark Web Monitor Pro™ is the premium version of Dark Web Monitor, which allows you to monitor your phone numbers, in addition to credit card numbers, email addresses, and national IDs/SSNs.
To add a phone number for monitoring, follow these steps:
- Go to "Asset management" by clicking "Manage assets" on your NordVPN app or from the Nord Account Dark Web Monitor page.
- Click "Add phone number."
NOTE: If the button is greyed out, you do not have Dark Web Monitor Pro™, or you have exceeded the limit of phone numbers being monitored. - Type your phone number and click "Add Phone number."
- Verify the phone number by writing the 6-digit one-time password that was sent to you as a message to your phone.
- That's it! You've successfully added the card. NordVPN will alert you if any breaches have been detected, but you can also check the alerts yourself by navigating to the "Alerts" tab.
Resolving detected leaks
If data exposures associated with one of your monitored assets were detected by NordVPN's Dark Web Monitor, it’s crucial to check alerts and take immediate steps to protect yourself. When you click open an alert, you will be able to review the password to see if it was exposed and find specific recommendations on what to do to resolve the leak.
Dark Web Monitor alerts
If any asset added to Dark Web Monitor is found exposed online, you will receive a notification from the NordVPN app. Additionally, you will be sent an email to your account's email address. If you wish to turn off email alerts, you can do so from the Nord Account Dark Web Monitor settings.
