NEWS  Security  April 22, 2024  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Proton has long been a trusted name in the world of secure communication, with Proton Mail leading the charge in providing robust email security. With features like end-to-end encryption and password-protected emails, Proton has established a solid reputation for safeguarding user data. Now, the company is taking a significant step forward by introducing dark web monitoring for its paid plans. This new feature aims to provide users with an additional layer of protection against data breaches and unauthorized use of their personal information.

What is Dark Web Monitoring?

The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and is often used for illegal activities. It's a place where stolen data, including email addresses and passwords, can be bought and sold.

Proton's dark web monitoring scans these hidden corners of the internet to detect if any email addresses associated with Proton Mail's 19 domains have been compromised in security breaches.

How Does It Work?

Proton's dark web monitoring service actively scans various sections of the dark web to find traces of breached data related to its users' email addresses. If the system detects a breach, it sends an alert to the affected user, providing comprehensive information about the incident.

This includes details on what data was compromised and which third-party service was involved. The alerts come with color-coded indicators to help users understand the severity of the breach:

• Red Alerts: these indicate that passwords were leaked. Users are advised to change their passwords immediately to prevent unauthorized access to their accounts.
• Orange Alerts: these suggest that personal information, but not passwords, was leaked. Although the risk is lower, users should still remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions.

Proton's Approach to Privacy

Proton emphasizes that it does not share user data with third parties. However, if it discovers that personal information from a third-party site is linked to a Proton Mail address, it will check third-party reports to ensure users receive accurate information about the breach.

This commitment to privacy is at the core of Proton's philosophy and contributes to its status as a trusted security provider.

Pricing and Future Enhancements

The dark web monitoring feature is available for Proton's paid plans, with pricing starting at $4.99 per month. The company plans to introduce additional features to enhance its dark web monitoring capabilities, including:

• Notifications sent directly to Android and iPhone smartphones.
• Monitoring for custom email domains.
• Scanning recovery email addresses and external email addresses.

Proton's new dark web monitoring feature represents a significant step in email security. By scanning the dark web for compromised data, Proton provides users with crucial information to protect their accounts and personal information. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, it's reassuring to see companies like Proton leading the way in offering innovative security solutions. 

 IMAGES CREDITS: PROTON