Leading Customers Trust ReliaQuest To Monitor The Dark Web
Understanding the Importance of Monitoring the Dark Web
Regular websites (like this one) are part of the surface web — anyone can search for and visit them. Compromised passwords increase the risk of external access to your clients’ networks. With monitoring included in the Breach Prevention Platform (BPP), this natural extension focuses on total end-user security. Our Partner Subscription gives you the tools to take a snapshot in time of your client or prospect organizations’ dark web status. The Security Prospecting Toolkit gets an upgrade with the release of our Dark Web Monitoring service.
Since this part of the internet is not indexed by standard search engines, threat actors often use it for illicit activities including buying and selling stolen sensitive information. For consumers, the revelation that their information is available on the dark web usually means they should change all their passwords, keep an eye on their credit reports and consider replacing their credit cards. While consumers should take the protective measures mentioned below, they shouldn’t panic.
The dark web is a segment of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It is often associated with illegal activities, making it a critical area where businesses and individuals should monitor the dark web for potential threats.
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web comprises various hidden networks that require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access. Some key aspects include:
These full sets contain a complete overview of a victim’s credentials with sensitive and non-sensitive info and can be sold for a much higher price than separate pieces of a person’s PII. Your organization’s sensitive information is a treasure trove for cybercriminals looking to make a fast buck by selling it to other malicious actors on the dark web. Despite taking all precautions, sensitive information can get leaked on the dark web in several ways. Read on to discover how you would know if your company’s information is on the dark web and how to protect your organization against identity theft and cyberthreats.
So let’s talk about the dark web, why your information may be at risk, how to use LastPass for dark web monitoring, and what you can (realistically) do to keep your information safe. Far more often than we’d like, though, cybercriminals steal personal information or trick us into giving it away. You may think you don’t have anything “worth stealing,” but everyone has something from which cybercriminals can profit. Discovery of employee information on the Dark Web will require a full overhaul of password security on employee and client data, email accounts and anything else that is, or is likely to be, compromised.
Define the notification channels and escalation procedures to ensure prompt action is taken each time. If your sensitive data is exposed on the Dark Web, rapid detection is critical. However, manually analyzing the Dark Web continuously is a time-consuming task that many in-house security teams struggle to take on. In addition, your security team may not have the experience and expertise necessary to identify subtle patterns within conversations that may provide early indicators of a potential cyberattack.
Now that you understand the different services, does this mean they are worth your time and money? You may think of a dark web scan as web crawlers or data scanners covering every corner of the dark web. Although you may be tempted to dive into the dark web to look for your data, this process is usually best left to professionals who know how to do a dark web scan. Once a hacker has the information they’re looking for, they often upload it for sale on the dark web. And that’s how your username and password could end up on the darknet, along with 1.4 billion others.
- Accessibility: Requires tools like Tor or I2P to access.
- Content: Home to forums for illegal activities, illicit goods, and personal data sales.
- Anonymity: Users and website operators often remain anonymous, complicating law enforcement efforts.
Why Monitor the Dark Web?
Monitoring the dark web is essential for various reasons:
- Protection of Sensitive Information: Businesses can identify if their data is being sold or shared.
- Brand Reputation Management: Keeping an eye on discussions about your brand can prevent potential PR disasters.
- Risk Mitigation: Early detection of threats allows organizations to take preventive measures.
- Regulatory Compliance: Monitoring can help meet compliance requirements relevant to data protection and privacy.
How to Effectively Monitor the Dark Web
- I’ve noticed an increasing amount of cyber security companies offering Dark Web monitoring services.
- As long as the dark web exists, it will be a threat to your business and any private data you may have.
- Dark web monitoring tools work by continuously scanning the dark web for your company’s information and data.
Effective monitoring of the dark web involves a few key strategies:
- Use Specialized Tools: Software solutions can automate the monitoring process and provide alerts on specific data breaches.
- Engage Professional Services: Cybersecurity firms typically offer dark web monitoring as a service, leveraging their expertise and resources.
- Regularly Update Security Protocols: Ensure that your organization’s security measures are updated to protect sensitive data.
Challenges in Monitoring the Dark Web
While monitoring the dark web is crucial, it also presents several challenges:
- Volume of Information: The sheer amount of data can make it difficult to filter out relevant information.
- Constant Changes: The dark web is dynamic, with new sites constantly emerging and old ones diminishing.
- Technical Complexity: Understanding how to navigate the dark web requires specialized knowledge and skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if my data is found on the dark web?
If your data is discovered on the dark web, it indicates a potential data breach. Prompt action is necessary to mitigate risks, such as changing passwords and notifying affected parties.
2. How often should I monitor the dark web?
Organizations should regularly monitor the dark web, ideally on a continuous basis, to stay ahead of potential threats.
3. Can I monitor the dark web myself?
While some individuals may attempt to monitor the dark web independently, utilizing specialized tools or services is generally more effective due to their expertise and access to deeper networks.
4. Is monitoring the dark web illegal?
No, monitoring the dark web for information relevant to security and privacy is legal. However, engaging in illegal activities on the dark web is not.
In conclusion, the need to monitor the dark web cannot be understated. With the increasing threats posed by cybercriminals, organizations must take proactive steps to safeguard their data and reputation.
