Cybersecurity Solved
Understanding the Importance of Monitoring the Dark Web
Employees often turn to shadow IT to increase productivity, circumvent the time-consuming process involved in migrating to new platforms, and address other organizational needs. If you’ve wondered what new threats and vulnerabilities lie ahead as cyber threats become more sophisticated, you can skip to our two dark web threats to be aware of in 2024. Monitoring the dark web can help you comply with data privacy laws and regulations related to personal data, such as the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS). This enables you to avoid hefty fines and penalties that could hamper your business operations. Furthermore, if company credentials are available on the dark web, this may be just the first of numerous attacks on an organization.
Easily invite and onboard at risk employees onto Dashlane and enable them to change weak and breached passwords in one click. Therefore we strongly recommend in selecting a provider who can allow you to infiltrate in full deep and dark web forums. The main takeaway for monitoring the dark web in 2024 is to see hacking as an evolving business model, with the dark web as its marketplace. Shadow IT refers to the use of software, applications, or devices within an organization without the authorization or knowledge of IT management.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and requires specific software to access. This hidden layer of the internet is often associated with illegal activities, including the sale of stolen data, drugs, and weapons. As such, monitoring the dark web has become a crucial practice for individuals and organizations concerned about data breaches, reputational risks, and cybersecurity.
- CrowdStrike Falcon Intelligence Recon is a cybersecurity solution that provides real-time dark web monitoring to give businesses visibility into cybercrime activities.
- This enables the entire infrastructure and applications landscape to be auto-managed through a single pane of glass while providing customers with a holistic view of their IT environments and protecting them from identity theft.
- The best way to protect yourself from hackers selling your information on the Dark Web is to know exactly what information was compromised.
- The software doesn’t filter the whole of the dark web, as doing so is just an impossible task and neither would they be able to start taking down against taken records or licensed property.
- Threat actors can use the information available on the dark web to compromise or leak an organization’s confidential data or launch cyberattacks.
Why Monitor the Dark Web?
There are several compelling reasons for monitoring the dark web:
They commonly take payment in the form of Bitcoins or other “cryptocurrency” that can’t be traced. The anonymity of the dark web makes it challenging for law enforcement to find and prosecute these people. BreachWatch monitors for suspicious activity and will alert you to any dark web activity involving credentials that match the one’s stored in your Keeper Vault. When a record is flagged as “high-risk,” you’ll get a notification, and Keeper will help you change the password to better secure your information. Once you change your password to a strong and unique alternative, it will no longer show as high-risk. Data breaches are scary and can be overwhelming for unprepared organizations, even when they aren’t at fault.
If your employee’s credentials get compromised in a data breach, then it can risk your entire business. Monitor your company’s and your vendor’s domain names so you can be alerted and act fast to protect your business. Your IT team will get instant notifications and breach reports so they can effectively control the situation.
- Data Breach Prevention: Companies can identify if their sensitive information is available for sale.
- Reputation Management: Keeping an eye on discussions and sentiments regarding a brand can help mitigate potential public relations crises.
- Intellectual Property Protection: Firms can safeguard their proprietary information by detecting potential threats early.
- Fraud Detection: Monitoring fraud schemes that target the organization or its customers allows for timely responses.
SpyCloud offers two services for account takeover (ATO) prevention – one to cover the employees of companies and the other to protect the customers of online services. Dark web monitoring can also be used to track the exchange of malware and attacker behavior, which can be useful in developing preventative cybersecurity strategies and faster incident response. Our database contains information on over 15 billion breached credentials (usernames and passwords). This helps you see instantly whether your credentials can still be exploited by criminals to infiltrate accounts and systems.
The dark web contains many websites, illegal marketplaces, criminal content, and more. While a lot of the dark contains harmful content and is a breeding ground for cyber-criminals to sell their services, the dark web is also useful for governments, journalists, and whistleblowers. The dark web is the lowest layer of the internet that is intentionally hidden. Within this layer, searches are not tracked, IP addresses are hidden, and users are kept anonymous. These conditions have made the dark web the ideal breeding ground for several illicit and illegal activities. Going to lower levels, you’ll find the deep web which is not indexed by any search engine – making it inaccessible to the public.
The scale, frequency and source of that traffic can let you identify what users or applications are accessing suspicious sites and when. Some people use the dark web legitimately, but it’s also a hotbed for criminal activity, and often provides a marketplace for hacked data to be bought and sold. We have message security solutions for SMBs and large enterprise organizations. Stop the constant worry that one phishing attack can bring you down, and get peace of mind through an all-in-one solution.
Like CrowdStrike, this system requires you to set up a list of identifiers for your company, which include domain names, addresses, and product names. In Deep Web/Dark Web terminology, the World Wide Web that the general public uses is called the Clear Web. This is a collection of websites that can all be accessed through a search engine. OpenCTI’s feature set includes role-based access control for your information security team, standards-based data models, and attribute data indicating the origin of the finding.
How to Effectively Monitor the Dark Web
Effective monitoring the dark web involves several strategies and tools:
- Use Automated Tools: Leverage advanced algorithms to scan dark web forums and marketplaces.
- Engage Professional Services: Consider hiring a cybersecurity firm specializing in dark web monitoring.
- Regular Alerts: Set up notifications for specific keywords related to your organization or personal data.
- Analyze Trends: Observe patterns of activity on the dark web to anticipate future threats.
Challenges of Monitoring the Dark Web
While monitoring the dark web is essential, it comes with its own challenges:
- Volume of Data: The sheer amount of information on the dark web can be overwhelming.
- Dynamic Nature: Dark web sites frequently change addresses, making it difficult to track.
- Legal and Ethical Concerns: Strategies for monitoring must adhere to legal guidelines to avoid violations.
FAQs About Monitoring the Dark Web
What types of information can be found on the dark web?
The dark web contains various types of information, including:
- Stolen personal data
- Illegal goods and services
- Hacking tools and forums
- Discussion boards for illicit activities
How often should one monitor the dark web?
The frequency of monitoring depends on the risks involved. For high-value organizations or individuals, daily or weekly checks may be necessary, while others may opt for monthly reviews.
Can individuals monitor the dark web on their own?
While individuals can use specific tools to access dark web information, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. The legal implications and risks associated with navigating the dark web can be significant.
What should you do if your information is found on the dark web?
If your information appears on the dark web, consider taking the following steps:
- Change Passwords: Immediately update all passwords associated with the compromised data.
- Notify Relevant Institutions: Inform banks, credit card companies, or other affected entities.
- Monitor Financial Statements: Keep a close eye on your accounts for any suspicious activity.
Conclusion
Monitoring the dark web is an essential aspect of modern cybersecurity. By understanding the risks and implementing effective strategies, individuals and organizations can protect themselves against potential threats, ensuring their data and reputations remain secure.