In today’s digital world, data breaches are no longer rare events—they are a near-constant threat. From social media platforms to healthcare providers to internet service providers, major organizations have seen their systems compromised, often resulting in personally identifiable information (PII), being leaked onto the dark web. Understandably, this has created a new wave of anxiety for individuals—many of whom have no idea their data has been exposed until it’s too late.
But while the fear is real, and in many ways justified, it’s important to know where your control begins and ends. In this article we’ll discuss what you can and cannot do when it comes to dealing with PII leaks on the dark web—and how to manage the anxiety that comes with them.
Why Data Breaches Cause Anxiety
PII includes names, addresses, Social Security numbers, birthdates, login credentials, and financial account numbers—data that, in the wrong hands, can be used to commit identity theft, financial fraud, and more. The dark web, a hidden part of the internet accessible through anonymizing tools like Tor, acts as a marketplace where this stolen data is bought and sold.
For victims, the emotional fallout can be intense:
- Loss of control over who sees and uses your information.
- Fear of future harm, like fraudulent loans, damaged credit or being scammed.
- Lack of visibility into how deep the breach goes.
- Confusion over what steps to take and whether any actions will even help.
What You Can Do About It
Despite the unsettling nature of dark web breaches, you are not powerless. Here’s how to take back some control:
1. Freeze Your Credit
If your Social Security number or financial details have been compromised, freezing your credit with the three major bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) is a critical first step. It can prevent others from opening new accounts in your name.
2. Manually Monitor Your Accounts
After signing into email, financial and social media accounts, it’s a good idea to periodically go to your account profile and review contact and recovery information and look for any out-of-date or misinformation.
3. Sign up for credit/identity monitoring services
You can sign up for credit/identity monitoring or use services like:
- AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free yearly credit reports.
- Free Credit/Identity monitoring tools available are available from the three major credit bureaus.
- Free and discounted Credit/Identity monitoring is available from many banks and credit cards, or as part of another membership you may already have – such as AAA.
- Carefully consider the necessity of paid upsells/addons that offer insurance, dark web monitoring or after-the-fact support. For example, there’s nothing you can do to prevent information from data breaches from appearing on the dark web – so why pay extra for it?
- Free services that scan the dark web for your email address or passwords (like HaveIBeenPwned.com).
4. Change Passwords and Use a Password Manager
If your email or login credentials have been exposed, change passwords immediately—especially for banking, social media, and email. Use unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible.
5. Report Fraud
If you suspect fraud, report it to:
- The FTC via IdentityTheft.gov
- Your financial institutions
- The IRS if your SSN was used to file false tax returns
5. Practice Digital Hygiene
Going forward, be skeptical of unsolicited emails, calls, or texts particularly if they ask for personal information – or tell you information about yourself in attempt to legitimize their claimed identity. Never allow someone you don’t know persuade you into allowing remote access to your computer or other digital devices. Limit the amount of personal data you share online. Use privacy settings on social media and review your app permissions.
What You Cannot Do About It
Unfortunately, there are limits to your control—and acknowledging them can actually reduce anxiety by setting realistic expectations.
❌ You Cannot Remove Your Data From the Dark Web
Once your PII is leaked and sold, it cannot be scrubbed or reclaimed. The dark web is anonymous and decentralized, with no central authority to appeal to. See: Can your data really be taken off the dark web?
❌ You Cannot Prevent All Breaches
Even with perfect personal security practices, you are still at the mercy of the organizations you trust. Companies can and do get hacked, and their failures can expose your data without warning.
❌ You Cannot Monitor Everything
Dark web monitoring services can only detect a subset of breaches. Many parts of the dark web are not indexed or monitored, so a lack of alerts doesn’t always mean your data is safe.
Managing the Psychological Impact
The idea of your information being in the hands of strangers is deeply unsettling. But part of managing that anxiety is recognizing that you are not alone, and that your vigilance can make a difference in reducing harm.
Some tips:
- Focus on action: Taking proactive steps can reduce feelings of helplessness.
- Limit doom-scrolling: Constant reading about breaches can increase stress without helping.
- Talk about it: You’re not the only one worried—speak with others, or seek support if your anxiety becomes overwhelming.
Final Thoughts
Anxiety about PII exposure is a natural reaction to a world that often feels out of your control. But knowledge is power. By focusing on the actions within your reach and acknowledging the limits of what you can control, you can navigate data breaches with a level head—and with stronger defenses in place.
You can’t make the internet perfectly safe, but you can be safer in it.