What is Dark Web Monitoring? Explained

Are you a marketing, executive, or financial leader looking to gain insight into the cybersecurity risks posed by the dark web? If so, you are not alone. Many organisations, regardless of size and industry, face an increasing threat from bad actors who use the dark web to obtain stolen information. Dark Web Monitoring is an essential tool in helping you protect your business data and resources from these malicious actors. In this blog post we will explore what exactly Dark Web Monitoring entails and how it can help you safeguard your important assets.

What exactly is the “Dark Web”?

The Dark Web is the part of the World Wide Web that’s only accessible by using special software and specific browsers, allowing users and website operators to remain anonymous and untraceable.

While there are legitimate purposes to the Dark Web, it’s been estimated that over 50% of sites on the Dark Web are used for criminal activities – including disclosure and sale of business credentials.

Most of the time, companies that have had their credentials compromised and sold on the Dark Web don’t know it until they’ve been informed by law enforcement, and by then it’s too late.

What is Dark Web Monitoring?

Have you ever heard the term "dark web monitoring" thrown around in conversations or news reports but not really understood what it means? Well, let's break it down.

The dark web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed using special software or configurations, and it often houses illegal activities such as black-market sales, drug trafficking, and identity theft.

In simple words, dark web monitoring is the practice of keeping an eye on the dark web to identify any potential threats or breaches of personal information.

Monitoring services scour the dark web for mentions of client information, such as social security numbers or credit card numbers, and immediately alert clients to any potential danger.

In today's digital age, it's important to be knowledgeable about the risks of the dark web and understand the importance of dark web monitoring for your personal information's safety and security.

How Does Dark Web Monitoring Work?

Dark web monitoring is a crucial tool used to protect individuals and organisations from cybercriminals. The dark web is a notorious place where illegal activities thrive, making it difficult to monitor.

However, with the right technology and tools, it is possible to track data and activities on the dark web.

Dark web monitoring works by using sophisticated algorithms and search engines that continually scan the dark web for specific information.

These search engines are designed to look for unauthorised access to confidential information, stolen credit card numbers, and other sensitive details.

Once this information is identified, the monitoring system alerts the relevant parties, enabling them to take the necessary action to mitigate any potential damage.

By using dark web monitoring, individuals and organisations can stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and protect themselves from data breaches.

Is dark web monitoring a good idea?

With the advent of the dark web, criminals can easily move in the shadows to commit crimes like identity theft, fraud, and cyberbullying.

The question then arises, is dark web monitoring a good idea? It can be argued that being proactive is key to preventing cybercrimes since the dark web is often invisible to the naked eye.

By monitoring the dark web, individuals, businesses, and organisations can detect cyber threats before they become a reality.

In this light, dark web monitoring can be considered a wise investment in cybersecurity as it helps in staying ahead of cybercriminals.

Features of Dark Web Monitoring

Here are seven important features of using dark web monitoring for SMEs:

1. Real-Time Alerts

Dark web monitoring is a security tool that can help organisations detect and respond to threats on the dark web quickly.

Dark web monitoring systems provide real-time alerts when sensitive information such as passwords, credit card numbers, or other personal data is leaked or sold on the dark web.

This allows organisations to take immediate action to protect their customers and mitigate any potential damage from a breach.

2. Comprehensive Scanning

Dark web monitoring services also provide comprehensive scanning of the dark web for any signs of suspicious activity related to an organisation's data.

The service will scan through millions of pages of content on the dark web to detect any evidence of stolen data or malicious activity that could affect an organisation's security posture.

3. Automated Threat Intelligence

Dark web monitoring services also provide automated threat intelligence. This feature allows organisations to stay up to date with the latest cyber threats and vulnerabilities that may affect their operations.

It also provides insight into current attack trends so organisations can better prepare for future attacks and proactively address any potential risks before they become a problem.

4. Customised Dashboard

A customised dashboard is also provided by many dark web monitoring services, allowing organisations to easily view all their security metrics in one place.

The dashboard provides detailed information about threats detected, including which type of data was exposed and who may have accessed it, as well as recommendations for addressing the issue quickly and effectively.

5. Secure Data Storage

Another key feature of dark web monitoring services is secure data storage, which ensures that sensitive information remains safe even if it is leaked onto the dark web.

The service encrypts all stored data using military grade encryption algorithms so only authorised personnel can access it, providing an extra layer of protection against potential breaches or unauthorised access attempts.

6. 24/7 Support

Dark web monitoring services also offer 24/7 customer support in case organisations need assistance with setting up their system or responding to a threat detected by the service's scanning capabilities.

This helps ensure that organisations have access to expert advice whenever they need it, enabling them to take quick action to minimise any potential damage from a breach or attack attempt on their systems or networks.

7. Cost-Effective

Finally, most dark web monitoring services are cost-effective solutions for organisations looking for comprehensive security coverage without breaking the bank.

These services typically require minimal upfront costs and offer flexible pricing plans based on an organisation's specific needs, making them an affordable option for businesses of all sizes looking to improve their cybersecurity posture.

Dark Web vs. Deep Web

Here are the major differences between dark web and deep web:

Major Difference

The Dark Web is a part of the internet that can only be accessed using special software, such as Tor. It is used by criminals to buy and sell illegal goods and services, as well as to share stolen data or engage in other illicit activities.

The Dark Web is largely unregulated and anonymous, which makes it difficult for law enforcement to track down criminals who use it.

The Deep Web refers to the parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, such as databases or private websites.

While some of the content on the Deep Web may be illegal, much of it is simply data that has not been indexed by search engines for various reasons.

For example, many scientific journals and medical records are stored on the Deep Web but cannot be accessed through a regular search engine.

Security Concerns

Both the Dark Web and the Deep Web have security concerns associated with them. As mentioned above, the Dark Web is largely unregulated and anonymous, making it difficult for law enforcement to track down criminals who use it.

Additionally, there have been reports of malware being distributed through both networks, which can put users’ personal information at risk if they are not careful.

Accessibility

The accessibility of both networks also differs significantly. While anyone can access most parts of the Deep Web with a bit of effort, accessing the Dark Web requires specialised software and knowledge about how to navigate it safely.

This makes it more difficult for those without technical expertise to access content on the Dark Web than on the Deep Web.

Benefits of Dark Web Monitoring for Businesses

Here are four key benefits of dark web monitoring for SMBs:

1. Improved Cybersecurity

Dark web monitoring is an effective way to improve a business’s cybersecurity posture. By monitoring the dark web, businesses can detect threats that may have otherwise gone unnoticed and respond quickly to mitigate any potential damage.

Additionally, dark web monitoring can help businesses identify weak spots in their security infrastructure and take steps to address them before they are exploited by malicious actors.

2. Enhanced Brand Protection

Another benefit of dark web monitoring is enhanced brand protection. By regularly scanning the dark web for mentions of their brand, businesses can identify any attempts to sell counterfeit products or stolen data associated with their brand.

This allows businesses to take action against these threats and protect their reputation in the process.

3. Reduced Risk of Data Breaches

Monitoring the dark web can also help businesses reduce their risk of suffering a data breach.

By identifying stolen credentials or other sensitive information related to the business on the dark web, businesses can take steps to secure those accounts and prevent malicious actors from accessing their networks.

Doing so can help minimise the impact of a data breach and reduce costs associated with it.

4. Increased Visibility into Threats

Finally, dark web monitoring provides businesses with increased visibility into potential threats that may be targeting them or their customers.

By regularly scanning the dark web for mentions of their company, products, or services, businesses can gain insight into what kinds of threats they may be facing and how to best prepare for them.

This increased visibility helps ensure that businesses remain aware of potential risks and are better able to respond quickly if they are targeted by malicious actors.

Best Practices to Prevent Organisation Information Exposure on the Dark Web

Here are the four best practices on how to prevent your company information from exposure on the dark web:

1. Implement a Strong Cybersecurity Program

The best way to prevent corporate information from being exposed on the dark web is to implement a strong cybersecurity program.

This should include measures such as encrypting data, using multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating software and systems.

Additionally, companies should have policies in place that require employees to use strong passwords and only access company networks from secure locations.

2. Monitor Your Network

Companies should also monitor their networks for suspicious activity, such as unusual logins or data downloads.

Companies can do this by using network monitoring tools that can detect anomalies in user behavior or detect attempts to access sensitive data.

Additionally, companies should be aware of any third-party vendors they are working with and ensure that they are following proper security protocols.

3. Educate Employees About Cybersecurity

Educating employees about cybersecurity is also essential for preventing corporate information from being exposed on the dark web.

Companies should provide regular training sessions on topics such as phishing scams, password security, and how to recognise suspicious activity on the company network.

Additionally, companies should make sure all employees understand the importance of keeping their work devices always secure.

4. Use Dark Web Monitoring Services

Finally, companies can use dark web monitoring services to help protect their corporate information from exposure on the dark web.

These services will monitor the dark web for any mentions of a company’s name or other sensitive data and alert them if anything suspicious is found.

This can help companies stay ahead of potential threats by allowing them to act before any damage is done.

How to Protect Business Information from the Dark Web?

Protecting your business information from the Dark Web can be achieved by following these five steps.

Step 1: Use Strong Passwords

One of the best ways to protect your business information from the dark web is to use strong passwords. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and contain a combination of numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and special characters. It should also be unique for each account and changed regularly. Additionally, it’s important to avoid using common words or phrases that can easily be guessed by hackers.

Step 2: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an additional layer of security that requires users to provide two or more pieces of evidence to access an account.

This could include something you know (a password), something you have (a smartphone), or something you are (biometric authentication).

Enabling MFA can help to protect your business information from the dark web as it makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your accounts.

Step 3: Monitor Your Network

It’s important to monitor your network on a regular basis to ensure that there are no suspicious activities taking place.

This includes monitoring traffic patterns, user activity, and any changes made to your system settings or configurations.

If any suspicious activities are detected, it’s important to investigate them immediately to prevent any potential data breaches.

Step 4: Educate Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices

In addition to monitoring your network, it’s also important to educate employees about cybersecurity best practices such as using strong passwords and avoiding phishing emails.

By educating employees on these topics, they will be better equipped with the knowledge needed to spot potential threats and take appropriate action if they encounter one.

Step 5: Utilise Security Software

Finally, utilising security software such as antivirus programs and firewalls can help protect your business information from the dark web by preventing malicious software from entering your system and blocking suspicious websites from being accessed by employees.

Additionally, having up-to-date security software installed on all devices can help ensure that any vulnerabilities present in older versions are addressed quickly before hackers have the opportunity exploit them.

Free Dark Web Monitoring Tools

Yes, there are free tools such as ‘Haveibeenpwned (HIBP)’, which are available to everyone, however, these tools do not include passwords and the owner of HIBP, Troy Hunt, has publicly admitted,

“It should be abundantly clear from this post but let me explicitly state it anyway; I have no idea how many of these are legitimate, how many are partially correct, and how many are outright fabricated.”

Dark Web Monitoring Free Tools

OnionScan

OnionScan is a free open-source tool that allows users to scan the dark web for malicious activity.

The tool provides detailed information about each website, including the type of server software being used, and any known vulnerabilities or exploits.

It also includes an alert system that can be configured to notify users of any suspicious activity.

Maltego

Maltego is a powerful free intelligence gathering tool that can be used to monitor the dark web for malicious activity.

The tool allows users to create data visualizations of their findings, making it easier to identify patterns and connections between different websites and activities.

It also includes a set of built-in analytics tools that can be used to analyse data from the dark web in real time.

Spiderfoot

Spiderfoot is an open-source intelligence gathering tool that allows users to scan the dark web for malicious activity.

The tool provides detailed information about each website, including any known vulnerabilities or exploits, as well as links to other websites on the dark web that may contain malicious content.

It also includes an alert system that can be configured to notify users of any suspicious activity.

Dark Web Monitor

Dark Web Monitor is a free online service that monitors the dark web for malicious activity and alerts users when it finds something suspicious.

The service scans thousands of websites on the dark web every day and provides detailed information about each website, including any known vulnerabilities or exploits, as well as links to other websites on the dark web that may contain malicious content.

Cyberscanner

Cyberscanner is a free online service designed specifically for monitoring the dark web for malicious activity and alerting users when it finds something suspicious.

The service scans thousands of websites on the dark web every day and provides detailed information about each website, including any known vulnerabilities or exploits, as well as links to other websites on the dark web that may contain malicious content.

Shodan

Shodan is a powerful search engine designed specifically for monitoring networks around the world for potential security threats such as malware infections or vulnerable systems running outdated software versions with known exploits available in public databases such as ExploitDB or Metasploit Framework.

Shodan has been used by security professionals around the world for years and now offers a dedicated search engine specifically designed for monitoring activities on the Dark Web.

ThreatConnect

ThreatConnect is an advanced threat intelligence platform designed specifically for monitoring activities on both open and hidden networks around the world.

The platform uses advanced analytics tools such as machine learning algorithms, natural language processing, geolocation tracking, and social media analysis to detect potential threats lurking in public forums, social media accounts, chat rooms, etc.

ThreatConnect also offers dedicated modules specifically designed for monitoring activities on Dark Web marketplaces such as AlphaBay, Dream Market etc.

What can you do if your business data is on the Dark Web?

We recommend you change your passwords whenever you discover your data has been stolen.

If you use the same password for business and personal accounts, make sure you change that password wherever it’s been used.

Contrary to popular belief, the longer your password is, the harder it is to be hacked. You don’t have to use special characters combined with capitalisation and numbers - SOMETHINGLIKETHISCANBEHARDERTOHACK than S0mEth1N6L!kEtH|S.

How can AZTech help?

If you’d like to see if your business credentials are on the Dark Web, you can request a free scan from us, and we’ll send you the report within 24 hours – the report is completely anonymous and obligation free.

If you would like to set up regular Dark Web Monitoring, please speak to one of our Cyber Security Specialists.

Dark Web Monitoring is a pay-as-you-go service with zero commitment, meaning you can try it for a few months and can cancel any time if it isn’t for you.

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