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Understanding How to Monitor Dark Web Activities
The dark web represents a portion of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It hosts a variety of illicit activities, ranging from illegal trade to the exchange of stolen data. As a consequence, monitoring the dark web has become essential for individuals and businesses seeking to protect sensitive information.
Reliable dark web monitoring services only analyze publicly available data and do not engage in any illegal activities. Dark Web monitoring can help timely detect some of those breaches, minimize financial losses and long-lasting reputational damages. We’ve all heard of the dark web, although few of us really know much about it. News reports tell us it’s where criminals buy and sell stolen personal information, such as credit card numbers, bank account passwords, even Social Security numbers. Dashlane also offers dark web monitoring services, VPN and WiFi protection, and secure data storage. While Bolster’s expansive monitoring and detection technology will identify and track threats that exist on the dark web, we aren’t able to engage with threat actors on the dark web to have your company data removed.
- According to statistics, 45% of breaches involve hacking, 22% phishing, and 17% feature malware.
- Identity Guard offers Dark Web monitoring on its low-cost Value plan, making it easy for anyone to get alerted to vulnerabilities when their data has been published online.
- While most dark web monitoring tools use scanners, SpyCloud goes beyond that to combine automated technology with security research.
- We continuously monitor activities or policy violations providing cloud and network virtualized containment, as well as threat hunting SOC Services, and 24/7 eyes on glass threat management.
- This makes it suitable for organizations that require granular control over threat alerts.
It offers a robust defense against potential threats that come from the depths of the dark web. Dark web monitoring helps organizations detect and respond to potential threats faster, allowing them to mitigate damage and prevent financial losses. In light of insufficient knowledge of their Attack Surface and missing Attack Surface Management program, many large organizations systematically lose and expose their internal data. Such incidents are often caused by careless data storage in unprotected or misconfigured AWS S3 buckets and other widespread forms of cloud storage. Improperly configured websites, mobile APIs and third-party systems processing data is an inexhaustible source of sellable data for cybercriminals.
Why is it Important to Monitor Dark Web?
Monitoring the dark web is crucial for several reasons:
- Data Breach Awareness: Identify if your personal or company data has been compromised.
- Brand Protection: Guard against reputational damage due to counterfeit products or scams.
- Fraud Prevention: Detect potential fraud attempts at an early stage.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meet compliance requirements for data protection regulations.
By locking your credit file, you prevent criminals from using that information to open new accounts in your name. If they’re weak, create new ones — especially for your most sensitive accounts. A free password generator and password manager can help make and store long, strong passwords. Check your credit card, bank and other financial accounts once a week or so to look for anything suspicious. Eliminate catastrophic business risks like child pornography and stolen data. Network Traffic Analysis (NTA) or Flow Monitoring can identify traffic to known Dark Web entry and/or exit nodes.
There are many excellent free NIDS available and you could also consider a SIEM system as an alternative to the DigitalStakeout system. Falcon Intelligence Recon is a subscription service and part of the CrowdStrike family of products that are offered from their Falcon SaaS platform. You don’t have to download and install any software in order to use the Falcon Intelligence Recon service.
It secures access to all the user’s Microsoft 365 applications and services, including document stores like Microsoft Outlook, OneDrive and SharePoint, and collaboration services like Microsoft Teams. All significant enterprise risk zones must be secured, including endpoints, cloud workloads, identity, and data. Consider systems that offer hyper-accurate detections, robotic protection and remediation, elite threat hunting, and priority testability of weaknesses, so that exploits for your ecosystem cannot be offered on illicit sites. A wide variety of facts can be found on the dark web, ranging from personal info, such as plastic money details, social security numbers, and bank account information, to illicit items, such as drugs, firearms, and stolen goods.
On average, DeHashed queries take 80µs (with HTML generation), and their API takes just 25µs. To get started, they don’t require any of your personal data beyond your email. Aura monitors any and all attempts to verify your identity across the entire web. In the following list we’ll compare each scanner based on their top features and pros and cons—by the end, you’ll have a great sense of which tool is right for you. Fill in this questionnaire to receive a free executive report with valuable insights and customized cybersecurity recommendations. Stay ahead of the latest threat trends on the Dark Web and the evolving attacker TTPs to make informed decisions about your security strategy.
If a breach-related security alert is generated, we also provide contextual awareness to our 24/7 SOC Cyber Analysts and complete support until the threat is resolved. ESentire is The Authority in Managed Detection and Response Services, protecting the critical data and applications of 2000+ organizations in 80+ countries from known and unknown cyber threats. Founded in 2001, the company’s mission is to hunt, investigate and stop cyber threats before they become business disrupting events. Dark web monitoring services, like Bolster’s , play a crucial role in helping businesses detect and respond to threats originating from the dark web. Get visibility into illicit activity such as malware and phishing kits, pre-built exploits, and underground activity and chatter.
Methods to Monitor Dark Web
There are various techniques available for monitoring the dark web, each varying in complexity and effectiveness:
- Automated Monitoring Tools: Use specialized software that aggregates data from the dark web and alerts you to any relevant findings.
- Manual Search: Utilize forums and marketplaces on the dark web to search for your data or any related concerns.
- Employ Cybersecurity Services: Partner with cybersecurity firms that offer comprehensive dark web scanning and monitoring services.
What Can You Find When You Monitor Dark Web?
When engaging in dark web monitoring, you can uncover a range of critical information:
- Compromised Credentials: Usernames and passwords that have been leaked or sold on the dark web.
- Stolen Personal Data: Sensitive information like Social Security numbers or financial details.
- Fraudulent Activities: Identifying impersonators or scams targeting your brand.
- Threat Intelligence: Insights into emerging threats that could impact your organization.
Best Practices for Monitoring Dark Web
To effectively monitor the dark web, consider the following best practices:
- Regularly Update Security Measures: Ensure that your cybersecurity protocols are up-to-date and comprehensive.
- Conduct Routine Monitoring: Schedule regular checks to keep an ongoing watch on potentially compromised data.
- Educate Employees: Provide training on cybersecurity awareness to minimize risks of exposure.
- Report Findings: Document and report any significant discoveries to appropriate stakeholders within your organization.
FAQs about Monitoring Dark Web
Q1: How often should I monitor the dark web?
A1: Regular monitoring is recommended, ideally on a monthly basis, to proactively identify and address any potential threats.
Q2: Is it safe to access the dark web directly?
A2: Accessing the dark web can be risky, as it may expose you to various cyber threats. Using a secure connection and specialized browsers, such as Tor, is advisable.
Q3: Do I need technical expertise to monitor the dark web?
A3: While having technical knowledge can be beneficial, many automated tools are designed for users without extensive technical skills.
In conclusion, monitoring the dark web is a critical component of modern cybersecurity strategies. By employing effective monitoring methods and staying informed about the risks, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves against potential threats.
