Your email address is one of the most important identifiers in your digital life. It’s used to access accounts, reset passwords, receive financial information, and verify your identity across countless online services. When that email address becomes exposed through a data breach or appears on the dark web, it can quietly increase your risk of phishing, fraud and/or identity theft, often without any immediate signs.
Data breaches continue to grow in both scale and impact, and exposed email addresses are often the starting point for scams and cybercrime. Even if you haven’t noticed suspicious activity, compromised data can circulate quietly for years. A digital footprint scan helps bring that hidden risk into view so you can take informed action.
Malwarebytes offers a free Digital Footprint Scan that helps individuals check whether personal information connected to their email address may have been exposed. The tool is available on malwarebytes.com/digital-footprint.
What the Scan Does
The scan begins by asking you to enter an email address you actively use. This step is important, as it allows the service to look for exposures specifically tied to you. Before any scanning takes place, Malwarebytes requires email verification to confirm ownership and reduce misuse of the tool.
Once verified, the scan checks known breach data and dark web sources to determine whether personal details associated with that email address have been exposed. This may include appearances in breach datasets or other locations commonly monitored for compromised information. If exposure is found, the scan provides general protection guidance to help you understand potential risks and take steps to better secure your digital identity.
To perform the scan, Malwarebytes processes the submitted email address in accordance with its Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. As with any online security-related service, it’s recommended to review these policies so you understand how your information is handled and protected.
A Simple Next Step
Running a digital footprint scan takes only a few minutes and can highlight risks you may not otherwise see. If exposure is identified, it’s a signal to review passwords, strengthen account security, and remain vigilant for phishing or scam attempts.
Staying informed about your digital footprint is one of the easiest ways to take control of your online security, and free tools like this can help make that first step accessible.
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