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This article will provide insight into how your organization can monitor the dark web for potential account-takeover schemes and other criminal activities that could impact your company. Dark web monitoring enables you to take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, and actively hunt threats before they become data breaches and ransomware attacks. Most data ends up in breach data dumps that can be used for widescale phishing campaigns or account takeover, where criminals hijack or monitor accounts in search of a more lucrative scam. An estimated 61% of data breaches result in the sale of credentials – email or username and password combinations. Credential breaches are the equivalent of giving a front door key to a hacker, potentially allowing them to access your network and carry out further attacks. Furthermore, dark web monitoring service extends to both internal and external sources, providing a comprehensive view of potential data breaches and emerging threats.
Understanding the Importance of Monitoring the Dark Web
Every time you log in, you’ll be required to enter a unique code sent to your phone, or generated via a supported mobile app. Dark Web Monitoring for Master Password uses a highly secure process to check if a password matching your Master Password has been found on the dark web without revealing your password to anyone. This process happens once daily when you enter your Master Password in our app. Evaluate risks, vulnerabilities, and malicious exploitation related to executives, brands, customers, and vendors, with expert advice on enhancing security operations.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines and is often associated with illegal activities. However, it also contains valuable information that can impact individuals and businesses significantly. To safeguard sensitive information, it’s essential to monitor the dark web.
Because of complex access requirements, search engines like Google do not index entities on the dark web. In the modern world, it’s nearly impossible to remove all risks of identity theft, but taking steps to protect your data is always good practice. The dark web can only be accessed with a special internet browser called Tor, and it contains all manner of malicious websites, services and sellers.
The best plans also guarantee expert US-based help 24/7 in case your identity is stolen. Dark web Monitoring is an ongoing process that actively searches the hidden corners of the internet, extracting real-time intelligence. It tirelessly oversees millions of websites, seeking out particular details like corporate email addresses or more generalized information such as a company’s name and industry. Learn about the warning signs of password cracking, how hackers get passwords, and how to protect your online accounts from cyberattacks.
What is the Dark Web?
One of the features of Tor is that it disguises the computer that is being used to reach the internet, providing a high degree of privacy. While Tor can be used to go anywhere on the internet, if a website address ends in “.onion” it’s in the dark web and only accessible via Tor. Once data surfaces on the dark web’s underground marketplace, nothing can stop it from being sold or used. Get AVG BreachGuard for PC to scan the dark web and prevent your personal data from falling into the wrong hands. Get AVG BreachGuard for Mac to scan the dark web and prevent your personal data from falling into the wrong hands.
The dark web refers to a network of websites that require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. It is often accessed through anonymity networks like Tor. Here, illegal activities such as drug sales, weapon trafficking, and information trading flourish due to the high level of anonymity.
Therefore, using this tool can enable organizations and security operations teams to act quicker with mitigating potential risks. Flare generates real-time alerts if your company or assets are mentioned on the dark, deep, or clear web. Cybercriminals are not likely to let up anytime soon, so it is extremely important to do everything you can to protect your company’s information. One way is using a high-performance network solution like FortiRecon, which protects your network, data, and users from continually evolving threats. FortiRecon offers top-rated solutions and centralized management that enable security consolidation and deliver a simplified, end-to-end security infrastructure.
Why Monitor the Dark Web?
Malware, Loaders And Botnets
You access the “deep” web when you do things like sign on to your online banking account, log in to Netflix, or access your email. Most of us have heard something about “dark web” and “fraud” given identity theft and crime is one of the biggest issues facing consumers and businesses in 2023. We collect and analyze data from elusive web sources that most other companies cannot penetrate. We enrich our automated collection with a human approach, through research and analysis of our expert team. Although not everyone is using the Dark Web to engage in illegal activities, it has a history of also being leveraged as a platform for political dissidents and corporate whistleblowers.
Monitoring the dark web can provide numerous benefits:
- Data Breach Detection: Identify if your personal or business data has been compromised.
- Brand Protection: Protect your brand from counterfeit products or reputation damage.
- Fraud Prevention: Detect stolen credentials or fraudulent activities before they escalate.
- Intelligence Gathering: Stay informed about threats that could impact your security.
How to Monitor the Dark Web
Monitoring the dark web can be done through various methods:
- It may scare users – whether employees or consumers – to know that their device has been infected with malware and their identity data and credentials have been siphoned and shared on the dark web.
- You have to verify that you are the owner of the email domain to use this service.
- Much of the sensitive information and credentials that are stolen by cybercriminals are sold to third parties, often on the dark web.
- Nailing down who exactly has what company, employee, or customer data can be impossible.
- Dark web monitoring also gives Ntiva a chance to spot any potentially serious activity, including potential threats of physical violence or terrorist actions.
- Utilize Dark Web Monitoring Services: These services automatically scan the dark web for your information and alert you if it appears.
- Regular Manual Searches: Although time-consuming, manually searching the dark web can yield valuable insights.
- Engage Cybersecurity Experts: Hiring professionals with experience in dark web monitoring can provide a more thorough analysis.
Best Practices for Monitoring the Dark Web
Implementing effective monitoring strategies requires adhering to best practices:
- Regular Updates: Keep your monitoring tools updated with the latest technology and practices.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Ensure your monitoring includes various sources across the dark web.
- Immediate Response Plan: Develop a strategy to respond quickly to any threats identified through monitoring.
FAQs about Monitoring the Dark Web
What can be found on the dark web?
On the dark web, one can find a variety of illegal goods and services, including stolen data, drugs, firearms, and hacking services, along with forums discussing criminal activities.
Is it legal to monitor the dark web?
Yes, monitoring the dark web is legal as long as you are not involved in any illegal activities while accessing it. However, the actions taken based on the information obtained must also comply with legal regulations.
How often should I monitor the dark web?
The frequency of monitoring can depend on the size of the organization and the sensitivity of the data involved. Regular monitoring—ideally, daily or weekly—can help you remain vigilant against data breaches and other threats.
Conclusion
In an increasingly digital world, the necessity to monitor the dark web cannot be overstated. Whether for individual security or business integrity, understanding what the dark web holds is vital to mitigate risks.