Understanding the Importance of Dark Web Monitoring
The dark web is a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines, often associated with illegal activities. However, it can also be a treasure trove of valuable information for businesses and individuals. To protect sensitive data and maintain security, it is vital to monitor the dark web.
The Privacy Policy is published on the Organization’s website () and made accessible to relevant individuals upon request. After all, you are negotiating with dodgy individuals with compromised ideals, whose motive is profit and don’t care for the harm they facilitate. Commonly targeted industries such as healthcare are also shifting to a cloud environment, with a large number of physical locations and users requiring complex management. This adoption of cloud technology is expected to grow further, with total cloud spending nearing $500 billion last year and continuing to grow in 2023.
Threat intelligence powered by industry-leading platforms such as Microsoft, OSINT, STIX&TAXI, MISP, and more. Login to the Partner Portal for resources and content for current partners. The lowest-priced options generally start around $10/user/month but may have limited features. Pricing models can range from a simple per-user, per-month fee to more complex structures that involve base fees, additional feature costs, and one-time setup fees. I chose Flare because of its ability to scale efficiently, accommodating a wide range of company sizes.
What Does it Mean to Monitor the Dark Web?
In an industry riddled with untrustworthy players, DeHashed has positioned itself as a credible, trusted player in the market. While other players force you to make an account, or rely on complicated UX/UI, MyPwd offers an easy-to-use setup that’s not intimidating to new users. The site’s homepage lists both the largest and most recent breaches detected. If you see a familiar site on either of these lists, you should take action. When you Input your email or phone number, the site will sweep through known breached sites to determine if your data was compromised. For members, Aura offers up to $1M in coverage in the event of identity theft.
You can correct, and in some cases remove, information about you in commercial and public records that has resulted from identity theft. That’s because you’re dealing with legitimate companies, agencies or organizations that will cooperate with fraud victims. A dark web monitoring tool can be a good option for individuals and security agencies. Dark web monitors provide insight into threats that most security tools cannot detect.
Should You Rely On Dark Web Trading Services?
To monitor the dark web, entities employ various tools and techniques to track potential threats and illicit activities that could compromise their security. This involves:
Buying and selling via cryptocurrency and a hidden IP address makes dark web activity difficult to track and pinpoint to one person or organization. After signing up with your email address and possibly some other information, the service will scan the dark web to see if your information appears in any databases there. A free service like Avast Hack Check will alert you any time your email address and any of your passwords show up in a dark web database.
We’ve focused on an automation intensive approach to collection, structuring, analysis, and contextualization of data to provide our customers with relevant, high-value alerts for dark web events. If you have ever been a victim of a data breach, the Dark Web is a place where your sensitive information might live. If your information is there, criminals can potentially use it to commit fraud. It searches for pieces of your personally identifiable information (PII) on websites frequented by cybercriminals.
The Malware Information Sharing Platform (MISP) is an open-source platform shaped around the idea of shared threat intelligence data. In fact, support for MISP integration is often mentioned as a feature of other solutions in this list. While MISP threat streams aren’t curated in quite the same way as commercial tools, it is a low-cost way for corporations to spin up an internal dark web monitoring solution. Dark Web monitoring is offered by subscription services that automatically scan recent data breaches and hidden online marketplaces for your leaked personal information. This provides early warning when hackers breach websites, applications, and institutions with which you’ve entrusted your data.
- Searching for stolen data, such as passwords and credit card information.
- Identifying mentions of the organization or individuals associated with potential threats.
- Keeping an eye on marketplaces that trade in illegal goods.
- Tracking trends related to cybercrime and fraud.
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. Check your credit card, bank and other financial accounts once a week or so to look for anything suspicious.
Why is Dark Web Monitoring Essential?
There are several reasons why it is crucial to monitor the dark web:
- Data Protection: Organizations must protect sensitive customer and employee data. Monitoring unveils whether that data has been compromised.
- Brand Reputation: A breach can lead to a loss of trust. Early detection through monitoring can mitigate potential damage.
- Incident Response: Timely alerts allow organizations to act quickly to safeguard their infrastructure and data.
- Compliance: Many industries are required to adhere to regulations regarding data protection. Monitoring practices help in meeting these compliance standards.
How to Effectively Monitor the Dark Web
Implementing an effective strategy to monitor the dark web requires a systematic approach:
- Use Automated Tools: There are many software solutions available that can scan the dark web in real time.
- Engage Cybersecurity Experts: Professionals can provide insights and recommend monitoring strategies tailored to specific needs.
- Regular Audits: Periodic reviews of security protocols and data protection measures can enhance overall safety.
Common FAQs About Dark Web Monitoring
Q1: What types of information can I find on the dark web?
A1: Various information types may be found, including stolen personal data, hacking services, and illegal goods for sale.
Q2: Is it legal to access the dark web?
A2: Yes, accessing the dark web is legal; however, engaging in illegal activities is not.
- SOCRadar’s Dark Web Monitoring acts as this vigilant eye, offers unparalleled insights into the often-overlooked parts of the cyber world, teeming with potential threats.
- Firefox Monitor offers limited Dark Web surveillance services to users for free, making it an easy choice for anyone who is curious about Dark Web monitoring but not yet ready to pay for it.
- For example, if a criminal was to find your social security number on the dark web, it would allow them to open fraudulent accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns and health insurance claims, and more.
- ZeroFox specializes in digital risk protection, focusing on brand protection and tracking digital footprints across various online platforms.
Q3: How often should I monitor the dark web?
A3: Continuous monitoring is recommended, as threats can emerge and evolve at any moment.
Q4: Can I monitor the dark web on my own?
A4: While it’s possible to do it manually, employing specialized tools and experts enhances efficiency and accuracy.
Q5: What should I do if I find compromised data on the dark web?
A5: If you discover compromised data, take immediate action by changing passwords and alerting relevant authorities or cybersecurity professionals.
Conclusion
In summary, the necessity to monitor the dark web cannot be overstated in today’s digital landscape. By taking proactive measures, individuals and organizations alike can protect their valuable information, maintain their reputations, and ensure compliance with legal standards. Staying informed and vigilant is key to safeguarding against the potential threats that lurk in the dark corners of the internet.
