How To Protect Your Information From The Dark Web?
Though you can’t remove the information once it’s on the dark web, you can stay ahead of cybercriminals who want to use it. In contrast, the deep web is all of the content that is “hidden” from the public and requires more skill to find. No simple Google search will pull up the deep web; you’ll need special software and search engines to find and use it.
Uncover new cybercriminal tactics and tools used to automate attacks, test for weaknesses, and scam you and your customers. Acting swiftly to lock down an account will minimize the damage of any information leaked to the dark web. It will also reduce the likelihood that you’ll be hacked or have your identity stolen.
Understanding the Importance of Monitoring the Dark Web
The dark web serves as a hidden part of the internet, where various illicit activities take place, including the sale of stolen data, drugs, and firearms. As such, monitoring the dark web has become a crucial strategy for organizations and individuals alike to protect their sensitive information and interests.
Organizations focusing on providing comprehensive security services should integrate dark web monitoring into their security stack. Dark web monitoring tools should also play an active role in an organization’s overall security program. When a user’s password has been exposed on the dark web, forcing a password reset, deploying step-up authentication, or locking the account is necessary depending on the organization’s appetite for friction.
- By harnessing analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, Flashpoint Ignite allows analysts to track and remediate threats effectively.
- Oftentimes users who bring their own computer may forget to patch systems, fail to update anti-malware, or may have other security lapses.
- Businesses can use dark web monitoring to stay afoot of corporate data breaches that threaten to expose intellectual property or customer data to illicit marketplaces.
- Detect typo and domain squats, spoofs of your company and executive social media profiles, and spoofed mobile applications.
- This is why it’s important for businesses to monitor the dark web for exposed employee credentials.
- Considering the web as an ocean of information can be categorized into the following three types.
What is the Dark Web?
Take enterprise security to the next level with best-in-class security tools that make phishing impossible. Do not let hackers penetrate your defense with a multi-tenant cyber solution. The upper layer or the waves depict the internet that we use regularly such as search engines. The middle layer represents millions of websites across the internet that people browse on a regular basis.
The dark web is a subset of the deep web that requires specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Here are some key points:
It’s also largely recession-proof; despite multiple law enforcement busts over the last few years, the illegal drug trade in the Dark Web sees more than $100 million moved per year, according to WIRED. Weapons, ammunition and pornography are all popular market verticals, but that’s just the beginning. It’s also a haven for hacktivists who prefer to remain anonymous because of social pressure or government restrictions. There are some legitimate privacy uses of Tor but it’s also an interchange for drugs, weapons, child pornography and worse. Bolster is able collect, analyze, and cache data and then organize reports in a comprehensive visualization for companies to get actionable insight. With better insight into where threats truly exist, you can take better action against dark web threats.
IDStrong will also offer tips to secure your data better and mitigate the risk. The size of darknet markets has grown exponentially alongside the increase in threat actors. In fact, Forbes has also reported that 2021 is on track for a groundbreaking year for data breaches as we’ve already surpassed last year’s numbers.
- Inaccessible via standard browsers: Users typically use anonymizing tools such as Tor.
- Marketplace for illegal goods: It often hosts marketplaces where illegal goods and services are exchanged.
- Privacy and anonymity: It promotes a high level of privacy for its users, making it hard to track illegal activities.
Reasons to Monitor the Dark Web
Several compelling reasons drive the need to monitor the dark web. These include:
- Data Breach Awareness: Knowing if your personal or company data has been compromised.
- Brand Protection: Safeguarding against reputational damage from leaked sensitive information.
- Fraud Prevention: Identifying threats before they manifest into significant issues.
- Intellectual Property Security: Protecting proprietary information from being sold or misused.
How to Monitor the Dark Web Effectively
Monitoring the dark web can be complex, but various strategies can help you stay ahead:
- Utilize Specialized Tools: Employ software designed to track illegal activities and flag compromised data.
- Engage Professional Services: Consider hiring cybersecurity firms that specialize in dark web monitoring.
- Regular Alerts: Set up alerts to notify you immediately if your information appears on the dark web.
- Implement Security Protocols: Maintain strong security measures at your organization to reduce data breaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why should individuals monitor the dark web?
A: Individuals should monitor the dark web to stay aware of potential identity theft or misuse of their personal information.
Q2: What kind of information is typically found on the dark web?
A: The dark web often contains stolen credit card information, social security numbers, login credentials, and personal data.
Q3: Is it legal to monitor the dark web?
A: Yes, monitoring the dark web for personal or organizational security is legal as long as proper laws and regulations are followed.
Q4: How often should dark web monitoring be conducted?
A: Regular monitoring should be conducted, with alerts set to notify individuals or organizations in real time.
Conclusion
In today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats are prevalent, organizations and individuals must take proactive measures. By utilizing expert resources to monitor the dark web, it is possible to detect, prevent, and respond to potential risks effectively. Embracing dark web monitoring is a vital step in safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining trust in our increasingly connected world.
