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Navigating the vast expanse of the internet is like maneuvering through an iceberg: what you see on the surface web through common search engines is just the tip. Below the surface lies the deep web and the darknet, where cybercriminals and hackers engage in illegal activities. These threat actors exploit the anonymity of these realms to trade personally identifiable information (PII), and sensitive data and launch various forms of cyberattacks like malware, ransomware, and scams.

Best Dark Web Monitoring Tools Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top dark web monitoring tools selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Dark Web Monitoring Tool Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best dark web monitoring tools that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for real-time breach alerts

  • Pricing upon request

NordStellar is a threat exposure management platform focused on dark web monitoring and proactive threat detection. Designed to enhance your organization's security posture, it offers crucial tools to help you stay ahead of potential cybersecurity threats.

Why I Picked NordStellar: I picked NordStellar for its real-time data breach monitoring, which delivers instant alerts so you can respond quickly to threats. It also tracks company-related keywords on dark web forums, offering insights into potential risks, while its brand protection feature prevents unauthorized use of your name. With attack surface management that detects vulnerabilities early, NordStellar provides strong, proactive security for your organization.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Features include tracking of company-related keywords on dark web forums, providing insights into potential threats or unauthorized activities involving your brand. The platform aggregates threat intelligence from over 36,000 sources, giving you a comprehensive view of potential risks. Additionally, it offers risk-based prioritization, helping you focus on the most critical threats first

Integrations include Splunk, QRadar, Datadog, Fortinet, Sentinel, Elastic, Cortex, and more.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates with major SIEM platforms
  • Tracks keywords across dark web
  • Real-time alerts detect breached data

Cons:

  • Advanced features in higher tiers
  • Pricing requires custom quote requests

Best for 24/7 dark web monitoring

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request
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Rating: 4.2/5

ManageEngine Log360 is a comprehensive Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution designed to protect organizations from threats across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments.

Why I Picked ManageEngine Log360: It provides real-time threat intelligence and 24/7 monitoring for leaked sensitive information through its partnership with Constella Intelligence. The system continuously scans the dark web for any mention of an organization's sensitive information, such as domain names, employee credentials, and other personally identifiable information (PII). This proactive approach helps in identifying and mitigating threats before they can cause significant damage.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Standout features include instant alerts whenever leaked credentials or critical information are found on the dark web, an Incident Workbench that offers contextual data analysis, enabling effective threat hunting and swift responses to credential leaks, and advanced analytics and monitoring capabilities that provide comprehensive security visibility.

The tool integrates with Microsoft Exchange, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Entra ID, Microsoft Azure, and Active Directory.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent visibility across systems
  • Effective for auditing all IT levels in an organization
  • Provides real-time monitoring and alerting

Cons:

  • Initial setup can be complex
  • Potential performance issues with large data volumes

Best for individual users requiring password management and dark web scans

  • From $3/user/month (billed annually)
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Rating: 4.4/5

LastPass is a password management tool that offers additional features for dark web scanning, making it a comprehensive option for individual users who need both.

Why I Picked LastPass: I picked LastPass for its combination of password management and dark web scanning features. When I compared it to similar offerings, I found LastPass provides a broader range of features catering to individual users. I consider it best for individual users requiring password management and dark web scans.

Standout Features & Integrations:

LastPass provides features like secure password storage, password sharing, and dark web scans for leaked credentials.

The tool integrates with browsers for easy password retrieval and can also integrate with other single sign-on solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Affordable pricing
  • Easy-to-use browser integrations
  • Offers both password management and dark web scans

Cons:

  • Some users may find the interface less intuitive than competitors’
  • Billed annually, not monthly
  • Limited scalability for large organizations

Best for scalability, ideal for startups

  • From $30/user/month
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Rating: 5/5

Flare is a cybersecurity platform designed with scalability in mind, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies.

Why I Picked Flare: I chose Flare because of its ability to scale efficiently, accommodating a wide range of company sizes. In my judgment, its adaptability sets it apart, making it a highly versatile tool. I believe it's best for scalability, from startups to large enterprises.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Flare offers features like threat detection, endpoint security, and customizable alerts, all while scaling to the needs of the organization.

For integrations, it can mesh well with existing IT infrastructure, including popular cloud services and endpoint security solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates easily with existing IT infrastructure
  • Customizable alerts based on threat levels
  • Highly scalable, suitable for varying company sizes

Cons:

  • May require IT expertise for full utilization
  • Lack of specialization in any single area
  • May offer features that smaller companies don't require

Best for compliance-driven organizations needing GDPR and HIPAA audits

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

ImmuniWeb is a cybersecurity platform that specializes in compliance audits, particularly GDPR and HIPAA. It’s designed to help organizations navigate complex compliance requirements effectively.

Why I Picked ImmuniWeb: I picked ImmuniWeb for its strong focus on compliance audits, including GDPR and HIPAA. This focus makes it particularly suitable for organizations that are driven by compliance needs. It is best for those needing specialized audits for GDPR and HIPAA compliance.

Standout Features & Integrations:

ImmuniWeb offers features like web application scanning, mobile application scanning, and compliance assessments, making it a comprehensive tool for any compliance-driven organization.

For integrations, ImmuniWeb can work with existing GRC (governance, risk management, and compliance) platforms and SIEM solutions.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrates well with existing GRC platforms
  • Offers comprehensive scanning features for web and mobile applications
  • Specializes in compliance audits for GDPR and HIPAA

Cons:

  • Could be expensive for smaller businesses
  • May not be suitable for organizations without specialized compliance needs
  • Annual billing could be a commitment issue for some organizations

Best for network administrators seeking extended dark web monitoring

  • Free trial available
  • From $1,169/year (billed annually)

Progress WhatsUp Gold focuses on network monitoring and includes an extended feature set for dark web monitoring. Its suite of tools is particularly beneficial for network administrators who require both traditional network oversight and dark web monitoring.

Why I Picked Progress WhatsUp Gold: I selected Progress WhatsUp Gold based on its unique blend of network monitoring capabilities and dark web analytics. This tool caught my eye for its ability to give network administrators a two-fold benefit: network performance metrics and dark web insights. Therefore, I think it's best for network administrators who are seeking extended dark web monitoring.

Standout Features & Integrations:

The platform provides features like network discovery, real-time alerts, and dark web monitoring to detect leaked credentials or data.

For integrations, Progress WhatsUp Gold can interface with SNMP, JMX, WMI, and a variety of other standard network protocols.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Real-time alerts for network and dark web incidents
  • Can integrate with various network protocols
  • Offers both network monitoring and dark web analysis

Cons:

  • Billed annually, requiring a longer-term commitment
  • Complexity may result in a steeper learning curve
  • High starting price might deter smaller organizations

Best for identity theft protection and multi-device support

  • From $2.50/user/month (billed annually)

LogMeOnce is a cybersecurity tool designed to safeguard your digital identity by focusing on identity theft protection. It also offers robust multi-device support, which makes it versatile for users who frequently switch between different platforms.

Why I Picked LogMeOnce: I selected LogMeOnce for this list due to its dual focus on identity theft protection and multi-device support. These two capabilities make it distinct in the crowded cybersecurity marketplace. It excels at protecting your digital identity across a variety of platforms, which is why it's best for identity theft protection and multi-device support.

Standout Features & Integrations:

One of the most crucial features of LogMeOnce is its Passwordless PhotoLogin, which allows you to gain access to your account without requiring a master password. Another compelling feature is the Anti-Theft system, which offers a range of functionalities from remote lock to data wipe.

For integrations, LogMeOnce provides out-of-the-box compatibility with Active Directory, LDAP, and a variety of SSO solutions, making it easier for enterprises to adopt it into their existing infrastructure.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Out-of-the-box integrations with enterprise solutions
  • Extensive multi-device support
  • Robust identity theft protection features

Cons:

  • Limited customer support outside business hours
  • Can be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with cybersecurity tools
  • Requires annual commitment for the most cost-effective plan

Best for offering flexible alert configurations

  • Pricing upon request

DarkIQ is designed to provide cybersecurity intelligence with an emphasis on flexible alert configurations. This makes it suitable for organizations that require granular control over threat alerts.

Why I Picked DarkIQ: I selected DarkIQ for its exceptional focus on flexible alert configurations. This tool stands out for its customization options, which are crucial for organizations requiring specific alert settings. I hold the opinion that it's best to offer flexible alert configurations because of this feature set.

Standout Features & Integrations:

DarkIQ offers features like real-time threat alerts, customizable dashboards, and the ability to filter alerts based on severity or type.

For integrations, DarkIQ can integrate with popular SIEM and SOAR solutions, making it compatible with existing cybersecurity stacks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Customizable dashboards for better visibility
  • Can integrate with SIEM and SOAR solutions
  • The high degree of flexibility in alert configurations

Cons:

  • Limited utility for organizations not requiring complex alert configurations
  • May require a learning curve to fully utilize its features
  • Pricing information is not transparent

Best for real-time threat intelligence capabilities

  • Pricing upon request

Cyberint specializes in providing real-time threat intelligence capabilities to safeguard against cyber threats. The platform provides comprehensive insights and analytics to identify and tackle cybersecurity threats as they occur.

Why I Picked Cyberint: I selected Cyberint for its exceptional focus on real-time threat intelligence capabilities. The platform excels in providing timely and actionable insights, making it stand out for businesses that require up-to-the-minute threat data. It's best for organizations looking for real-time threat intelligence capabilities.

Standout Features & Integrations:

Cyberint offers real-time threat intelligence feeds, incident response capabilities, and digital risk protection. These features make it highly effective for proactively tackling cyber threats.

For integrations, Cyberint works well with various SIEM solutions and threat intelligence platforms, enhancing its value as a real-time threat intelligence solution.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Integrations with SIEM solutions
  • Offers incident response capabilities
  • Focuses on real-time threat intelligence

Cons:

  • Requires a team with expertise in threat intelligence to fully leverage its capabilities
  • May be too specialized for small businesses
  • Pricing information is not transparent

Best for integrating with existing security stacks

  • From $20/user/month (min 5 seats)

CYRISMA is a cybersecurity platform designed to safeguard digital assets by integrating with your existing security stacks. It aims to extend your cybersecurity capabilities by working in synergy with the tools you already have.

Why I Picked CYRISMA: I chose CYRISMA because of its focus on blending with existing security stacks, making it an ideal extension rather than a replacement. This unique approach sets it apart and makes it ideal for organizations that already have some level of cybersecurity infrastructure. It is best for those who are looking to integrate new capabilities with their existing security stacks.

Standout Features & Integrations:

CYRISMA offers features like asset classification, vulnerability management, and compliance tracking. It also offers threat intelligence that can be tailored to specific industry needs.

For integrations, it works well with SIEM solutions, firewalls, and other intrusion detection systems, underlining its suitability for integration with existing security stacks.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Comprehensive feature set including compliance tracking
  • Offers tailored threat intelligence
  • Works well with existing security stacks

Cons:

  • Not suited for those looking for a standalone solution
  • Can be complex to set up
  • Minimum requirement of 5 seats may not suit smaller operations

Other Dark Web Monitoring Tools

Here are some additional dark web monitoring tools options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. ID Agent

    For MSPs and resellers focusing on small businesses

  2. SpyCloud

    For enterprise-level credential exposure detection

  3. Webz.io

    For its data visualization and dark web analysis

  4. ZeroFox

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  5. Constella Intelligence API

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  6. Recorded Future

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  7. Ontic

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  8. InsecureWeb

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  9. Flashpoint Intelligence Platform

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  10. PhishLabs

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  11. uBreach

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  12. Sixgill

    -dark-web-monitoring-tools

  13. DarkOwl

    -dark-web-monitoring-tools

Dark Web Monitoring Tool Selection Criteria

When selecting the best dark web monitoring tools to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like protecting sensitive data and identifying security breaches early. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair: 

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Monitor dark web forums and marketplaces
  • Alert users of data breaches
  • Track compromised credentials
  • Identify leaked personal information
  • Provide reporting and analytics

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • AI-driven threat detection
  • Customizable alert settings
  • Integration with existing security systems
  • Multi-language support
  • Historical data analysis

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Ease of navigation
  • Intuitive interface
  • Clear data visualization
  • Minimal training required
  • Accessibility on mobile devices

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Presence of chatbots for assistance
  • Comprehensive user guides
  • Access to webinars for in-depth training

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Responsiveness of support team
  • Availability of live chat
  • Access to a knowledge base
  • Quality of support documentation

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Pricing compared to features offered
  • Flexibility of pricing plans
  • Availability of a free trial
  • Discounts for long-term contracts
  • Cost of additional features

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction rating
  • Frequency of feature updates
  • Quality of customer support
  • Ease of use feedback
  • Value for money perception

How to Choose Dark Web Monitoring Tool

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityCan the tool grow with your needs? Look for options that handle increasing data and users without extra cost or complexity.
IntegrationsDoes it connect with your existing systems? Check compatibility with your security software and data platforms to ensure smooth operations.
CustomizabilityCan you adapt it to your workflows? Look for flexible settings that let you tailor alerts and reports to your specific needs.
Ease of useIs the interface intuitive? Ensure your team can navigate without constant help, saving time and reducing errors.
Implementation and onboardingHow quickly can you get started? Assess the learning curve and availability of support resources like tutorials and guides.
CostDoes it fit your budget? Consider upfront costs and ongoing fees. Look for hidden charges in features or user additions.
Security safeguardsDoes it meet your security needs? Evaluate encryption standards and data handling practices to protect sensitive information from threats.
Compliance requirementsDoes it align with regulations your industry faces? Check for compliance with standards like GDPR or HIPAA to avoid legal issues.

What Are Dark Web Monitoring Tools?

Dark web monitoring tools are software solutions that track and alert users about the exposure of sensitive information on the dark web. Cybersecurity professionals and IT teams generally use these tools to protect their organizations from data breaches and identity theft. Monitoring dark web forums, alerting users of breaches, and tracking compromised credentials help with identifying threats early and keeping data secure. Once threats are detected, digital forensics software can help investigate the full scope of potential breaches. Overall, these tools provide essential protection against unauthorized data exposure.

Features

When selecting dark web monitoring tools, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Dark web scanning: Monitors dark web forums and marketplaces to identify leaked data.
  • Alert notifications: Sends real-time alerts to inform you of potential breaches or threats.
  • Credential tracking: Keeps track of compromised credentials to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Reporting and analytics: Provides detailed reports on findings to help assess risks and take action.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects with existing security systems for a unified defense strategy.
  • Customizable settings: Allows users to tailor alerts and reports to fit specific needs.
  • AI-driven threat detection: Utilizes artificial intelligence to identify threats more accurately.
  • Multi-language support: Offers language options to cater to diverse user bases.
  • Historical data analysis: Examines past data to spot trends and anticipate future threats.

Benefits

Implementing dark web monitoring tools provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Early threat detection: Spot potential threats early through dark web scanning and alert notifications.
  • Data protection: Safeguard sensitive information by tracking compromised credentials and preventing unauthorized access.
  • Risk assessment: Use reporting and analytics to evaluate risks and take informed actions.
  • Enhanced security integration: Strengthen your overall security posture by integrating these tools with existing systems.
  • Custom fit: Tailor alerts and reports to suit your specific needs with customizable settings.
  • Trend anticipation: Predict future threats by analyzing historical data for patterns.
  • Global reach: Cater to diverse teams with multi-language support.

Costs & Pricing

Selecting dark web monitoring tools requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in dark web monitoring tools solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Dark Web Monitoring Tools

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic monitoring, limited alerts, and community support.
Personal Plan$5-$25/user/monthDark web scanning, alert notifications, and basic reporting.
Business Plan$30-$60/user/monthAdvanced analytics, integration capabilities, and customizable settings.
Enterprise Plan$70-$120/user/monthAI-driven threat detection, multi-language support, historical data analysis, and premium support.

Dark Web Monitoring Tools FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about dark web monitoring tools:

Can my SSN be removed from the dark web?

It’s nearly impossible to remove your SSN or other personal information from the dark web. These sites have little legal accountability and data may be spread across multiple locations, making it hard to track. It’s crucial to monitor and safeguard your data proactively.

Is it good to turn on dark web monitoring?

Turning on dark web monitoring is a smart move. It helps prevent or minimize the damage of cyber attacks by keeping track of your organization’s sensitive data and notifying you if it’s found on the dark web, allowing timely action.

What should I do if my data is found on the dark web?

If your data is found on the dark web, act quickly. Change compromised passwords, inform affected parties, and monitor accounts for suspicious activity. Consider using identity theft protection services for additional security.

How often should dark web monitoring be done?

Continuous monitoring is ideal for staying ahead of threats. Many tools offer real-time scanning and alerts, ensuring you’re informed of any data breaches as they happen. Regular monitoring helps maintain your security posture and respond promptly to threats.

Is dark web monitoring legit?

Dark web monitoring is generally legitimate, but effectiveness can vary. Some dark web sites block monitoring bots or hide information behind paywalls. It’s important to choose reputable tools that can navigate these challenges effectively.

Can these tools integrate with my existing security infrastructure?

Many of these tools offer API integrations that allow you to incorporate them into your existing cybersecurity framework, thereby streamlining threat detection and response.

What’s Next:

If you're in the process of researching dark web monitoring tools, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.

You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.

Paulo Gardini Miguel
By Paulo Gardini Miguel

Paulo is the Director of Technology at the rapidly growing media tech company BWZ. Prior to that, he worked as a Software Engineering Manager and then Head Of Technology at Navegg, Latin America’s largest data marketplace, and as Full Stack Engineer at MapLink, which provides geolocation APIs as a service. Paulo draws insight from years of experience serving as an infrastructure architect, team leader, and product developer in rapidly scaling web environments. He’s driven to share his expertise with other technology leaders to help them build great teams, improve performance, optimize resources, and create foundations for scalability.