What Is Dark Web Monitoring: The Ultimate Guide For Businesses

The Dark Web is a part of the World Wide Web that can only be accessed using special software and specific browsers. This allows users and website operators to remain anonymous and untraceable.

Although there are legitimate uses for the Dark Web, it is estimated that over 50% of its sites are involved in criminal activities, including the disclosure and sale of business credentials. As a result, dark web monitoring has become essential for cyber security.

In this blog post, we'll outline what dark web monitoring is, how it functions, and how you can prevent information exposure on the dark web.

What is Dark Web Monitoring?

Dark web monitoring is a cyber security process that involves scanning and tracking your organisation’s information on the dark web. It works like a search engine, specifically for the dark web, identifying signs of leaked or stolen data such as passwords, account details, private files, or other sensitive information that criminals may share or sell.

Before exploring dark web monitoring, it's important to understand the different layers of the internet.

Surface Web: This is the publicly accessible part of the internet, indexed by search engines like Google. It includes social media, news sites, and e-commerce platforms that most people use daily.

Deep Web: This section contains content not indexed by traditional search engines, such as private databases, academic journals, and login portals. Access typically requires specific credentials or subscriptions.

Liviu Olaru, cyber security expert at Aztech says “dark web monitoring services is a vigilant guardian for clients navigating the depths of the internet. This proactive service acts as an early warning system for data breaches, enabling swift action to minimise damage and protect our clients' hard-earned reputations.” 

How Does Dark Web Monitoring Work?

Dark web monitoring tools employ a combination of human intelligence and AI-powered systems to sift through vast amounts of data and identify relevant information, such as stolen credentials or personal information.

The functions include:

Continuous Monitoring: Our dark web platform operates 24/7, scanning various hidden online environments, including:

• Hidden chat rooms

• Unindexed websites

• Private websites

• Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks

• Internet Relay Chat (IRC) channels

• Social media platforms

• Black market sites

• Over 640,000 botnets

Data Collection: The platform searches for compromised credentials, including email addresses, passwords, and other personal information that may have been exposed due to data breaches or other cyber incidents.

Analysis and Validation: Utilising both automated tools and human analysts, Dark Web ID verifies the authenticity of the compromised data to ensure accurate and actionable threat intelligence.

Dark Web alert: When compromised credentials are detected, the system promptly alerts the affected parties, enabling them to take immediate action to mitigate potential risks.

Integration: Dark Web ID seamlessly integrates with various ticketing and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, facilitating a streamlined alerting and mitigation process.

For a visual demonstration of how the Dark Web Monitoring tool functions, you may find the following video informative:

Features of Dark Web Monitoring

Some of the key features of dark web monitoring include:

1. Data Breach Alerts

One of the most important features of the Dark Web Monitoring tool is its ability to alert you when your personally identifiable information appears in a data breach. A data breach happens when hackers steal personal or business information from online systems. 

For example, imagine a hacker gains access to the customer database of a popular online store you use, and your email address, password, or payment details are stolen. Dark Web ID scans hidden areas of the internet, like hacker forums and illegal marketplaces, to check if your stolen data is being shared or sold. 

When it finds your information, it sends you a warning right away. This means you can take immediate action, like changing your passwords or contacting your bank, to minimise any potential damage.

2. Identity Theft Prevention

Identity theft is a growing problem where criminals use someone else’s personal details, such as their name, address, phone number, or financial information, to commit fraud. Dark Web ID is designed to stop this before it starts.

The tool constantly monitors the dark web to see if any of your personal information is at risk. For example, if your National Insurance number, driver’s licence, or other sensitive details are found online, it alerts you quickly. With this early warning, you can notify relevant authorities or take steps to secure your identity.

This feature provides peace of mind by ensuring your private information stays safe and out of the hands of criminals.

3. Continuous Monitoring

Unlike some security tools that only check for issues occasionally, Dark Web ID works round the clock, scanning the dark web 24/7. Cybercriminals are always active, so having a system that never stops monitoring is essential.

This continuous monitoring means that as soon as your data is detected somewhere it shouldn’t be, you’ll know about it. For example, if your email address appears in a newly discovered data breach in the middle of the night, Dark Web ID will detect it and send you an alert straight away.

By providing real-time updates, the tool ensures that you’re always aware of any threats to your personal or business information.

4. Customisable Dark Web Alerts

Not everyone needs to monitor the same type of information. Some people may be more concerned about their financial data, while others might want to keep an eye on their email addresses or social media accounts.

A Dark Web Monitoring tool allows you to customise what it monitors and the alerts it sends. For example, if you’re running a business, you can set the tool to focus on company email accounts, customer databases, and employee information. If you’re an individual, you might prioritise alerts for your email, bank accounts, or social media profiles.

This feature ensures that the tool is tailored to your specific needs, so you only receive notifications about what matters most to you.

5. Easy Integration with CRM Platforms & Ticketing Systems

Dark Web Monitoring tools should work seamlessly with your existing cybersecurity measures, such as firewalls or antivirus software.  

For example, they should be linked with your company’s ticketing systems and CRM platforms to create an efficient process for detecting and responding to breaches. This integration strengthens overall security and ensures that no threat goes unnoticed.

Why Should You Use Dark Web Monitoring?

Some of the key benefits of using dark web monitoring tools include:

Preventing Identity Theft 

Dark web monitoring helps identify stolen personal details like usernames, passwords, or other private information. By detecting these early, you can act quickly to stop cybercriminals from using your data for illegal activities, such as opening fraudulent accounts in your name.

Safeguarding Financial Data 

Your banking details, credit card numbers, or PayPal credentials could be traded on the dark web sites without your knowledge. Monitoring services alert you if this happens, so you can freeze your accounts or update security settings to protect your money.

Early Detection of Data Breaches 

If your information has been leaked due to a breach at your company, dark web monitoring can catch this before it causes serious harm. Early alerts mean you can secure your accounts, reset passwords, and reduce the potential fallout.

Enhancing Cybersecurity 

Dark web monitoring doesn’t work alone but rather strengthens your overall digital security. It acts as a warning system to complement other tools like antivirus software and firewalls, giving you a multi-layered defence.

Protecting Brand Reputation 

Leaked customer or employee data can lead to a major PR crisis for businesses. By spotting breaches early, companies can address issues promptly, preventing damage to their reputation and maintaining customer trust.

How can Aztech help? 

At Aztech, we use ID Agent Dark Web ID for monitoring. Our Dark Web Monitoring service, run by our experts, keeps your business credentials safe from cyber threats around the clock, every day of the year.

Using advanced technology, we search the dark web sites to spot any mention of your company's name or employee details that might be at risk.

Our detailed reports reveal compromised usernames, passwords, and sensitive data, along with real-time alerts so you can take quick action. But we don’t just find the problems—we also give you proactive solutions and personalised advice to strengthen your security.

We’re here to help with consultations to tackle any issues we uncover and offer expert guidance. For more information on our dark web monitoring services, feel free to reach out to our cyber experts.

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

If your business data is found on the Dark Web, taking quick and effective action is crucial to mitigate risks and prevent further damage. Here’s what you can do:

• Use a Dark Web Monitoring service to identify if any of your business credentials, such as usernames, passwords, or sensitive data, have been exposed.

• Immediately update passwords and security credentials that may have been compromised. Ensure that strong, unique passwords are used across systems and accounts.

• Enable 2FA on accounts security platforms that support it to add an extra layer of security, making it harder for hackers to gain access.

• Inform employees and other relevant stakeholders if their login credentials have been exposed. Prompt them to change their passwords and monitor their accounts for suspicious activity.

• Ensure your cyber security protocols such as security audits, employee training etc. are up to date and enforce best practices across the organisation.

• Engage with cyber security experts who can help investigate the breach, clean up any damage, and prevent future risks.
  

Best Practices to Prevent Information Exposure on the Dark Web

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

Implement a Strong Cyber Security Programme

The best way to prevent corporate information from being exposed on various dark web sites is to implement a strong cyber security programme.

You should regularly update your firewall, antivirus software, and other security systems to safeguard against cyber attacks. You should also make sure you apply security patches to software and systems as soon as they are released. This reduces the chances of hackers finding and exploiting vulnerabilities.

Monitor Your Network

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

Companies can do this by using network monitoring tools such as Managed Detection and Response (MDR)/Extended Detection and Response (XDR) services and SIEM tools that can detect anomalies in user behaviour or detect attempts to access sensitive information.

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

Educate Employees About Cyber Security Risks

Educating employees about cyber security is also essential for preventing corporate information from being exposed on the various dark web forums.

Companies should provide regular training sessions on topics such as phishing scams, password security, and how to recognise suspicious activity on all personal information company networks.

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

Use Dark Web Monitoring Services

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