Understanding the Need to Monitor the Dark Web
Dark web monitoring empowers businesses to bolster their security measures by proactively addressing vulnerabilities and potential threats before they turn into a catastrophe. Remaining vigilant on the dark web enables organizations to stay ahead of potential cyberthreats and data breaches. The risk of data breaches is ever-present for organizations since they collect and store large volumes of sensitive data. By continuously monitoring the dark web for signs of breached corporate information, businesses can swiftly respond to mitigate potential damages, protect customer trust and uphold regulatory compliance. Finding out whether your organization’s account credentials have been exposed or are for sale on the dark web can provide innumerable benefits. First, it provides you with a valuable first warning sign that a security incident may have occurred.
Based on either your previous activity on our websites or our ongoing relationship, we will keep you updated on our products, solutions, services, company news and events. If you decide that you want to be removed from our mailing lists at any time, you can change your contact preferences by clicking here. Any content you can find on the internet using a search engine is part of the Surface Web — think Wikipedia entries, company websites and e-commerce sites. Anything that isn’t part of this indexed content, such as password-protected pages, content behind paywalls and company intranets, comprises the Deep Web, which makes up approximately 90 percent of the internet. The term is often used interchangeably with Dark Web, but this is inaccurate; sites in the Dark are those that aren’t visible via search engine and can’t be found using a regular browser.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software for access.
Our activity on the majority of the web can be actively tracked and monitored, however a subsection of the deep web called the dark web allows for anonymity. Neal O’Farrell, executive director of the Identify Theft Council, is a long-time critic of credit monitoring services. He calls dark web scanning “a smoke and mirrors deal” that was created by credit monitoring services to justify their monthly fee. The process, called “scraping,” allows a company to monitor hundreds of chat rooms, websites and peer-to-peer networks that deal with stolen personal identity information and download that data for analysis. Businesses face a range of threats on the dark web, including the sale of sensitive data, hacking tools for targeted attacks, and ransomware attacks.
These databases are essentially dumps of personal information like usernames, passwords and credit card details that were stolen and posted online. But by the time this information hits public forums, chances are it’s already been used and sold multiple times. This is too little and too late for many victims, who by this time may have already noticed other, more troubling signs of identity theft or fraud.
Due to its anonymous nature, the dark web is a hotspot for various illicit activities, including the trading of stolen data, illegal drugs, and other criminal services.
Organizations and individuals are increasingly finding it necessary to monitor the dark web to protect their information and assets.
Dark Web is a web which is not indexed by any search engines, and this is the platform where all illegal activity takes place, and It is only 1% of the deep web. On the left hand side, you’ll see the numerous categories of illicit content and materials users can purchase. The first section is what we would call the public web or clear web – essentially all information that is publicly available to an average user. The second is the deep web which comprises all information hidden behind a login wall and not indexed by a search engine. This comprises the vast majority of the internet (Facebook being a prime example).
- Echosec Beacon is a good example of an easy-to-use online search tool that offers a much cheaper and quicker service than the CrowdStrike offering.
- The deep web is a collection of non-indexed web pages deliberately hidden from conventional search engines like Google or Bing to protect sensitive or private data.
- Therefore, it is anticipated that a larger number of companies will incorporate dark web monitoring as an integral part of their overall security strategy to safeguard against potential threats.
- If a victim’s personal information and sensitive data are exploited on the dark web, it can have significant financial and social consequences and take years to recover.
- Brandefense can also facilitate takedowns against threat actors should it become necessary, keeping your security posture in a forward lean rather than waiting to respond to active attacks.
In the event you are a victim of identity theft, your case manager can walk you through the process of restoring your credit, securing your financial accounts and ultimately regaining control of your life. Plus, you’ll enjoy up to $1M insurance coverage with stolen funds reimbursement. To the uninitiated the web might seem like a huge place with the amount of data available via search engines like Google or Yahoo. This cannot be further from the truth, the websites available to individuals via traditional search engines only make up 4% of overall data available on the web.
Why Monitor the Dark Web?
Monitoring the dark web is essential for several reasons:
- Data Breach Prevention: Stolen personal information such as passwords, credit card numbers, and social security numbers can be found on the dark web.
- Threat Intelligence: By understanding the potential threats that exist, companies can fortify their security measures.
- Brand Protection: Unauthorized use of a brand name or trademark on the dark web can harm a company’s reputation.
- Compliance: Many industries have regulations that require monitoring for sensitive data exposure.
Many businesses have fallen victim to these illegal dealings, which are often devastating and result in substantial financial losses. ESentire Digital Forensics & Incident Response services are available for Emergency Incident Response Support or as an Incident Response Retainer. When you’ve been breached, every second counts so we make 4-hour threat suppression possible, remotely, anywhere in the world.
How to Monitor the Dark Web
There are several effective methods to monitor the dark web:
- Utilize Dark Web Monitoring Services: Several companies offer dark web monitoring services that alert you if your data appears on the dark web.
- Set Up Alerts: Use alerts for specific keywords relating to your organization or personal information.
- Conduct Regular Searches: Periodically search the dark web yourself using specialized tools designed for its exploration.
- Invest in Threat Intelligence Platforms: These platforms aggregate data from various sources to provide actionable insights.
DeHashed Top Features
The Risks of Neglecting Dark Web Monitoring
Failing to monitor the dark web can lead to severe consequences:
- Financial Loss: Organizations may suffer significant financial damage if sensitive information is exploited.
- Reputation Damage: A data breach can lead to loss of customer trust and credibility.
- Legal Consequences: Regulatory bodies may impose fines on companies that fail to protect consumer data.
- Operational Disruption: Businesses might face downtime and operational issues due to breaches.
FAQs about Dark Web Monitoring
Q: What kind of information can be found on the dark web?
A: The dark web can host a variety of information including stolen credentials, personal data, illegal goods, and services.
Q: How often should I monitor the dark web?
A: Continuous monitoring is recommended, especially for organizations at higher risk of data breaches.
Q: Is dark web monitoring legal?
A: Yes, monitoring the dark web for your information or your company’s data is legal, as long as you comply with applicable laws.
Q: Can I monitor the dark web myself?
A: While it is possible to perform manual searches, leveraging specialized services is usually more effective and comprehensive.
Conclusion
To maintain cybersecurity and protect assets, organizations and individuals must prioritize the need to monitor the dark web.
Implementing effective monitoring strategies can help mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.
