Monitoring the Dark Web: A Comprehensive Guide

Billions of records from digital documents containing usernames, passwords, and other private information are now exposed on the dark web. According to statistics, 45% of breaches involve hacking, 22% phishing, and 17% feature malware. Therefore, dark web monitoring is a critical first step to controlling your data privacy and limiting any subsequent damage.

This can be done manually or with a dark web monitoring tool that can detect when your credentials are being sold on the dark web and notifies you when it determines your information is at risk. Our security researchers gain access to the same data the fraudsters are using to target your business and your customers. Through our proprietary technology and tradecraft, we surface this “recaptured data” – including credentials, PII, credit card numbers, bank account info and more – before it is used to cause harm. Dark Web monitoring can help timely detect some of those breaches, minimize financial losses and long-lasting reputational damages. As of 2020, there are over 18.7 billion records and 15 billion username and password credentials to online digital services, including bank and social media accounts, circulating on the Dark Web for sale. Purchases for this data and other illegal items are made using Bitcoins, and in November of 2020, the U.S. government seized upwards of $1 billion worth of bitcoin linked to the Dark Web.

Cyber Threat Intelligence

The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, making it a breeding ground for cybercriminals. As a result, monitoring the dark web has become a critical aspect of cybersecurity for individuals and organizations alike. In this article, we will discuss what monitoring the dark web entails, why it is important, and how you can do it effectively.

With dark web monitoring from Ntiva, you’re alerted to cybersecurity threats and suspicious activity early on, so you can prevent data breaches and attacks from harming your business. The deep web is a collection of non-indexed web pages deliberately hidden from conventional search engines like Google or Bing to protect sensitive or private data. Examples include cloud data, government websites, online banks, credit cards, and website services. However, the dark web is a different animal from non-indexed websites often used for dangerous, illegal, and criminal activities. In addition, the dark web is difficult to navigate and operates much slower than the deep web. A robust dark web monitoring solution should provide comprehensive coverage across various darknet marketplaces, forums and underground channels where cybercriminals trade stolen data.

What is Monitoring the Dark Web?

Identity Guard is owned by Aura and is one of the best identity theft protection solutions on the market today. Identity Guard uses your email address to scan the dark web for any compromised data. Dark web monitoring helps businesses become aware if their data has been compromised or exposed on the dark web. It provides insights into leaked customer information, proprietary data, intellectual property, or other sensitive data that could be used for malicious purposes. Once you have selected a suitable service, setting up monitoring parameters is essential. Define what specific data points you want to monitor and establish thresholds for alerting your team in case of any suspicious activity or data breach attempts.

Because of the unpredictable but relentless occurrence of data breaches, Sticky Password is continually checking if any new breach data is available. Our case study with Bryles Research, a qualitative market research company, examined a problem they had sharing and accessing files remotely. Ntiva worked with Bryles Research to find a solution, which turned out to be migrating files from a remote desktop server to a modern file storage and sharing solution using Microsoft 365. Migrating this data and utilizing newer technology led to exponential increases in productivity, efficiency, and security. BreachWatch alerts you in real-time when stolen passwords match ones stored in your Keeper Vault so you can take immediate action. It monitors and scans the dark web for breached account credentials that match records stored in your Keeper Vault.

Increasing Cybersecurity Awareness

Monitoring the dark web involves keeping track of activities and conversations that take place in hidden forums, marketplaces, and chat rooms. These platforms are often used for illegal activities such as selling stolen data, drugs, weapons, and other illicit goods. By monitoring the dark web, you can gain insights into potential threats and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your organization.

Why is Monitoring the Dark Web Important?

Dark Web Monitoring FAQs:

Monitoring the dark web is important for several reasons. Firstly, it can help you identify potential threats before they materialize. By keeping track of conversations and activities on dark web forums, you can gain early warning signs of data breaches, phishing attacks, and other cyber threats. This can enable you to take preventive measures and minimize the impact of a potential attack.

Secondly, monitoring the dark web can help you identify and mitigate reputational risks. Cybercriminals often use the dark web to spread false information, defame individuals and organizations, and launch smear campaigns. By monitoring the dark web, you can identify and address these threats before they cause irreparable damage to your reputation.

Three Kinds Of ID Protection

Finally, monitoring the dark web can help you comply with regulatory requirements. Many industries are subject to strict data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). By monitoring the dark web, you can demonstrate compliance with these regulations by showing that you are taking proactive measures to protect sensitive data.

How to Monitor the Dark Web Effectively

• The breach was a reminder that even well-established companies with robust security measures can fall victim to cyber attacks.
• In reality, it’s simply just another one of the three layers of the internet.
• It is calculated using the information contained in your Equifax credit file.
• NordVPN’s Dark Web Monitoring is a cybersecurity feature designed to prevent others from exploiting account information leaked to the dangerous dark web.

Monitoring the dark web effectively requires a combination of technology and human expertise. Here are some steps you can take to monitor the dark web effectively:

Use Dark Web Monitoring Tools

There are several dark web monitoring tools available that can help you keep track of activities on hidden forums and marketplaces. These tools use advanced algorithms to scan the dark web for specific keywords, phrases, and data points. They can alert you to potential threats and provide you with actionable intelligence to mitigate them.

Collaborate with Cybersecurity Experts

Monitoring the dark web can be a complex and time-consuming task. Collaborating with cybersecurity experts who have experience in dark web monitoring can help you stay ahead of potential threats. These experts can provide you with insights into the latest trends and techniques used by cybercriminals, as well as advice on how to mitigate potential risks.

Implement a Comprehensive Cybersecurity Strategy

Monitoring the dark web is just one aspect of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. To effectively protect yourself and your organization, you need to implement a multi-layered approach that includes network how do people access the dark web security, endpoint protection, and user education. By taking a holistic approach to cybersecurity, you can minimize the risk of a successful attack and ensure that your data and assets are protected.

FAQs

What is the dark web? The dark web is a part of the internet that is intentionally hidden and is inaccessible through standard web browsers. It is often associated with illegal activities, making it a breeding ground for cybercriminals.

Why is monitoring the dark web important? Monitoring the dark web is important for several reasons, including identifying dark web links reddit potential threats before they materialize, mitigating reputational risks, and complying with regulatory requirements.

How can I monitor the dark web effectively? To monitor the dark web effectively, you can use dark web monitoring tools, collaborate with cybersecurity experts, and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy that includes network security, endpoint protection, and user education.

What are some common dark web monitoring tools? Some common dark web monitoring tools include DarkOwl, Webhose, and Sixgill. These tools use advanced algorithms to scan the dark web for specific keywords, phrases, and data points.