Monitoring the Dark Web: Why It Matters and How to Do It

Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in software, systems or networks to gain unauthorized access, leading to the compromise of sensitive information. These breaches often result in the theft of personal and financial data, which can have severe consequences for organizations. The average cost of a data breach in 2020 was $3.86m but if you actively monitor for data breaches you can detect them faster and limit the impact and extent of reputational damage, fines, litigation best darknet markets 2024 and operational costs. When data is shared or sold on the Dark Web it can be used to target your business or your customers in further cyberattacks or fraud scams. Dark web monitoring uses specific tools to keep tabs on frequented areas on the dark web. By monitoring for specific information, a dark web monitoring tool can detect things like email addresses, passwords that match your own or more sensitive information such as social security numbers and bank account numbers.

The Best Dark Web Monitoring Tools For Network Admins

• Learn how a digital risk protection solution gives you visibility into your global attack surface and dark web activity and builds a complete cyber threat profile.
• For obvious reasons, Dark Web and its marketplaces magnetically attract cybercriminals and con artists from all over the world.
• Identity theft services also provide advice about what to do to remedy the problems they find.
• You will probably have your own preferred working practices that will lead you to one of these groups.

Finally, we’ll provide a list of the top 10 dark web monitoring solutions available on the market today. While Bolster’s expansive monitoring and detection technology will identify and track threats that exist on the dark web, we aren’t able to engage with threat actors on the dark web to have your company data removed. Removing data from the dark web is complicated strategy because there is no way to verify whether or not a threat actor has been true to their word in removing that data.

Benefits Of Dark Web Monitoring Services For Business

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 criminal activity, such as the sale of illegal goods and services, and can be a breeding ground for cyber threats. That’s why it’s important for organizations to monitor the dark web for potential threats to their networks and sensitive data.

BreachWatch monitors for suspicious activity and will alert you to any dark web activity involving credentials that match the one’s stored in your Keeper Vault. When a record is flagged as “high-risk,” you’ll get a notification, and Keeper will help you change the password to better secure your information. Once you change your password to a strong and unique alternative, it will no longer show as high-risk.

What Are Dark Web Scanning Services?

Why Monitor the Dark Web?

At the same time, it doesn’t offer as much value to families as some of the other providers on this list. Dashlane is a reputable password manager that offers useful services at very low prices. It would be better if it included its more advanced features in individual and family plans, but it still provides a low-cost entry into the world of Dark Web monitoring. Norton is well known for securing endpoints with antivirus software, but it also includes Dark Web monitoring in its Deluxe and Premium plans. Customers can continuously scan for 35 different pieces of information on Dark Web forums and e-commerce sites. Most online information falls into this category, were data is not indexed by search engines; this includes academic networks and information that requires payment or registration.

Cybercriminals frequent darknet marketplaces to monetize sensitive information acquired through various means, such as data breaches or hacking. Buyers on these platforms may use the acquired data for identity theft, financial fraud or other malicious purposes, exacerbating the risk of data loss. The global average data breach cost was $4.45 million in 2023, indicating a 15% increase over three years. Data breaches and hacks are among the most prominent causes of data loss, affecting businesses, government entities and individuals worldwide.

Monitoring the dark web can help organizations in several ways:

• Early detection of threats: By monitoring the dark web, organizations can identify potential threats to their networks and sensitive data before they become a problem.
• Protection of reputation: The dark web can be a source of negative information about an organization, such as data breaches or leaked sensitive information. By monitoring the dark web, organizations can take steps to protect their reputation and address any issues that arise.
• Compliance with regulations: Many industries have regulations that require organizations to take steps to protect sensitive data. Monitoring the dark web can help organizations demonstrate compliance with these regulations.

How to Monitor the Dark Web

Monitoring the dark web can be challenging, as it is intentionally hidden and requires specialized tools and techniques. Here are some steps that organizations can take to monitor the dark web:

1. Use dark web monitoring tools: There are several tools available that can help organizations monitor the dark web for potential threats. These tools use artificial intelligence and machine learning to scan the dark web for indicators of compromise, such as stolen credentials or mentions of the organization’s name.
2. Partner with a dark web intelligence provider: There are several companies that specialize in dark web intelligence and can provide organizations with real-time alerts and analysis of potential threats. These providers use a combination of human analysts and automated tools to monitor the dark web and identify potential threats.
3. Establish a dark web monitoring team: Organizations can establish a team of individuals who are responsible for monitoring the dark web. This team can use a combination of tools and techniques to monitor the dark web and identify potential threats. The team should include individuals with expertise in cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and law enforcement.

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 criminal activity, such as the sale of illegal goods and services, and can be a breeding ground for cyber threats.

Why should organizations monitor the dark web? Monitoring the dark web can help organizations in several ways, including early detection of threats, protection of reputation, and compliance with regulations.

How can organizations monitor the dark web? Organizations can monitor the dark web using specialized tools and techniques, what is the dark web used for such as dark web monitoring tools, partnering with a dark web intelligence provider, and establishing a dark web monitoring team.

Is it legal to monitor the dark web? Yes, it is legal for organizations to monitor the dark web for potential threats. However, it is important to ensure that any monitoring activities are conducted in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.