Dark web monitoring is essential in protecting your business from cybercriminals. In this article, we’ll explain the dangers and threats that the dark web poses to businesses and look at how advanced dark web monitoring services, with their comprehensive and automated tracking of compromised credentials, employee personally identifiable information (PII), and reputation monitoring, can boost your cybersecurity strategy.
First, let’s begin by understanding what is the dark web.
That’s a question that 31% of U.S. adults may ask when hearing the term. A 2022 survey revealed only 21% are “very familiar” with the dark web, and 48% are only “somewhat familiar.” The rest have either never heard of the dark web or have heard of it but don’t know what it is, let alone understand the importance of dark web monitoring and its role in cybersecurity.
Dark web vs. deep web
The dark web is a part of the internet that is inaccessible through traditional search engines or browsers, like Google or Bing. Instead, it requires specialized software, such as the Tor browser, to access it. This hidden part of the internet (not to be confused with the deep web) is often associated with illegal activities and has become a popular marketplace where you can go to dark web forums or sites to buy and sell stolen data, including compromised passwords, breached credentials, intellectual property, and other sensitive data.
What is dark web monitoring?
Dark web monitoring is the process of surveying and scanning the dark web for any mentions or activity related to a particular individual or organization. It involves using specialized tools and dark web monitoring software to search the dark web for any potential threats or risks to an individual or organization. This proactive approach detects leaked information on the dark web, allowing for timely responses to potential threats and exposed data.
Dark web monitoring tools can locate stolen or leaked information—like compromised passwords, personally identifiable information (Pii) and breached credentials—being shared and sold among cybercriminals and notify you if you’ve been breached.
These tools provide higher-quality detection of threats on the dark web than standard antivirus and antimalware programs or identity theft monitoring tools.
Features of dark web monitoring
- Threat intelligence: these tools decide which sources of threat intelligence are important - knowledge or data that enables the prevention or mitigation of hacking.
- Threat hunting: dark web monitoring discovers emerging threats and protects individuals and businesses from attacks. The service acts as though a cybercriminal has access to the user’s system and investigates to identify unusual activity that indicates malicious behavior.
- Rapid incident response: it allows the user to quickly detect when cybercriminals have access to their sensitive data instead of going months without knowing that a breach even occurred. A rapid incident response plan can prevent potential data leaks.
- Security platform integration: security teams can enhance their entire security stack by integrating the data collected from dark web monitoring into other security platforms. This integration allows security tools to provide more accurate insights across the entire security stack, focusing on potential threats and network vulnerabilities.
- Dark web alerts: continuous monitoring of compromised personal information on the dark web ensures users receive timely alerts for potential identity theft and financial threats.
Why is dark web monitoring important?
The simple answer: because the dark web is a breeding ground for cyber threats, and monitoring it helps businesses stay ahead of potential attacks.
While some perceive the dark web as an outdated platform for criminal and malicious activity only, that’s not the case. It’s an anonymous online space that can either be appreciated or abused. However, that abuse is one of the main concerns in any cybersecurity strategy. Cyber threats are rising, and the dark web is partly responsible and very involved. Dark web monitoring is a crucial aspect of identity theft protection, as it helps detect compromised personal data early and mitigates risks.
We’ve seen an increase in dark web threats such as credential-based cyberattacks deploying multiples phishing campaigns using multiple accounts to target organizations. For example, the popular remote desktop application AnyDesk announced a security breach on February 2. It was quickly revealed by cyber news outlets that the stolen AnyDesk login credentials were already being sold on the dark web.
How dark web monitoring services work
Dark web monitoring services operate by continuously scanning the dark web for any data that may be relevant to an individual or organization. These services utilize specialized software and algorithms to search for and analyze data on the dark web, which is a part of the internet not indexed by traditional search engines. The primary goal of dark web monitoring is to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
These services typically combine the expertise of human analysts with the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to identify and verify potential threats. Machine learning algorithms play a crucial role in analyzing patterns and anomalies in the data, helping to uncover threats that may not be immediately apparent. This advanced technology allows for a more comprehensive and accurate detection of compromised data.
Once a potential threat is identified, the dark web monitoring service will alert the individual or organization to the threat. The alert usually includes detailed information about the nature of the threat and recommendations for mitigating it. This may involve changing passwords, updating software, or taking other security measures to protect against the identified threat. By providing timely and actionable insights, dark web monitoring services help businesses stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.
Dark web monitoring for business
No matter the size of your business, you can benefit from dark web monitoring solutions by using it to help secure your data and prevent cybercrime, such as credential-based attacks and ransomware, before they occur.
The dark web is evolving, and that means your business needs more than basic cybersecurity protection like endpoint security. Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated and are finding workarounds for security protocols faster than they’re being updated.
A dark web monitoring strategy allows your business to be more proactive by actively monitoring and detecting compromised assets from data breaches. This approach combines dark web monitoring with other security features like identity protection and credit monitoring, enhancing your ability to stay ahead of attacks that depend on stolen identity data, like ransomware, account takeover, and online fraud.
Benefits of dark web monitoring for business
Dark web monitoring provides several key benefits that are crucial for any business that holds sensitive data. Robust dark web monitoring is highly effective in detecting potential threats and safeguarding personal information against dark web activities. Here are a few of those benefits to keep in mind when considering making dark web monitoring a part of your cybersecurity strategy.
Around-the-clock surveillance
Dark web monitoring scans the dark web continuously, making sure your data and content are kept from the hands of cybercriminals.
Early detection to remediate security threats
Real-time alerts provided by dark web monitoring tools enable security teams to identify data breaches, compromising sensitive information such as PII data, session credentials, or leaked data immediately. This early warning system allows them to respond promptly and deploy remediation procedures before malicious actors can use it to hack into your system.
Monitoring the activities of threat actors is crucial to enhance security measures and understand their methods and strategies. Additionally, these tools can detect when such data, like credit card information, is compromised and offered for sale on the dark web, further enhancing the security posture against phishing or malware attacks.
Customer trust
If you have customers who trust you with their data, that trust could be lost in the event of a data breach. Dark web monitoring lets your customers know you’re committed to protecting their data, further boosting your reputation and customer confidence.
Competitive advantage
Monitoring the dark web allows your company to remain ahead of your competition by becoming aware of emerging threats before they do. Business partners will also likely trust you if they see that you take cybersecurity more seriously than your competitors.
Regulatory compliance
There’s also the matter of dark web threats and cybersecurity compliance. Dark web monitoring can help your business comply with data privacy rules and regulations that relate to personal data. This helps you avoid significant penalties and fines that could otherwise hinder your business operations.
Choosing the best dark web monitoring vendor
Selecting the best dark web monitoring vendor can be a complex task, given the variety of options available. Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating potential vendors:
- Expertise: Look for vendors with a proven track record in dark web monitoring and threat intelligence. They should have a deep understanding of the dark web and its various ecosystems, ensuring they can effectively identify and mitigate threats.
- Reputation: Research the vendor’s reputation by checking online reviews and testimonials from other customers. A reputable vendor will have a strong history of providing effective dark web monitoring services and maintaining customer satisfaction.
- Technology: Evaluate the vendor’s technology and tools. They should employ advanced software and algorithms capable of thoroughly scanning the dark web and identifying potential threats. The use of AI and machine learning can be a significant advantage.
- Customer Support: Good customer support is essential. The vendor should be readily available to answer questions, provide assistance, and offer guidance when needed. This support can be crucial in responding to threats quickly and effectively.
- Pricing: Consider the vendor’s pricing model. They should offer competitive pricing and flexible plans that align with your business needs and budget. Ensure that the cost of the service provides good value for the level of protection and features offered.
Things to know about dark web monitoring
How much does dark web monitoring cost?
The cost of dark web monitoring services can vary depending on the provider and the specific needs of your business. Typically, prices range from $150 to $2000 per month for basic monitoring, but enterprise-level solutions can cost more, often depending on the number of monitored credentials or specific features like real-time alerts and reporting. Many providers offer customizable plans to fit your business requirements and budget.
What companies offer dark web monitoring?
Several reputable companies offer dark web monitoring services tailored to businesses of all sizes. As the dark web monitoring space expands, companies are increasingly offering services to identify compromised credentials and address security concerns. Some popular providers include:
- Prey: Offers comprehensive solutions that help businesses safeguard their sensitive information.
- Dark Web ID: Dark Web ID is a comprehensive tool that scans the dark web and alerts organizations if their credentials or other sensitive information is found.
- Recorded Future: Recorded Future is an intelligence-led security tool that provides real-time threat intelligence from the dark web and other sources.
- ZeroFox: Specializes in dark web monitoring and threat intelligence.
- Rapid7: Provides dark web monitoring as part of its broader cybersecurity solutions.
- Fortinet: Offers dark web monitoring alongside other cybersecurity tools. Each provider offers different features, so it’s important to compare based on your specific business needs.
- SpyCloud: SpyCloud is a dark web monitoring tool that specializes in detecting compromised credentials data.
- DarkOwl: DarkOwl is a comprehensive dark web scan that focuses on monitoring hidden services and marketplaces.
How to enable dark web monitoring?
Enabling dark web monitoring for your business typically involves choosing a trusted provider, setting up your account, and configuring the service to monitor specific data points like employee credentials, domain names, or intellectual property. Most services offer dashboards where you can track alerts and threats in real time. Prey's solution, for instance, provides an easy-to-use platform where businesses can set up dark web monitoring quickly and effectively.
Removing your information from the dark web
Removing your information from the dark web can be a challenging task, but there are steps you can take to mitigate the risk and protect your data:
- Contact the Website Owner: If you find your information posted on a specific dark web site, try contacting the website owner and requesting the removal of your data. While this may not always be successful, it’s worth attempting.
- Use a Dark Web Monitoring Service: A dark web monitoring service can help you identify where your information is posted on the dark web. These services often provide recommendations for how to remove or mitigate the exposure of your data.
- Change Your Passwords: If your information is found on the dark web, it’s likely that your passwords have been compromised. Immediately change your passwords for all affected accounts to prevent further unauthorized access.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports: Regularly monitor your credit reports to detect any unauthorized activity. This can help you identify and address potential identity theft or fraud early on.
While completely removing your information from the dark web may not always be possible, taking these proactive steps can help reduce the risk and protect your sensitive data from further exposure.
Reputational damage and dark web monitoring
Reputational damage can occur when sensitive information about an individual or organization is posted on the dark web. This can include financial data, personally identifiable information (PII), or confidential business information. Once this information is accessible on the dark web, it can be exploited by cybercriminals, competitors, or other malicious actors, leading to significant reputational harm.
Dark web monitoring plays a crucial role in preventing reputational damage by identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. By continuously monitoring the dark web for mentions of your information, you can take proactive steps to protect your reputation and prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive data.
In addition to identifying direct threats, dark web monitoring can also help you detect potential reputational risks, such as negative reviews or comments about your organization. By staying informed about these types of threats, you can address them promptly and mitigate any potential damage to your reputation.
Overall, dark web monitoring is an essential tool for protecting your reputation and preventing reputational damage. By keeping a vigilant eye on the dark web for potential threats and vulnerabilities, you can take proactive measures to safeguard your sensitive information and maintain your organization’s reputation.
Things to consider before committing to a dark web monitoring service provider?
When considering a dark web monitoring service provider, it's important to evaluate:
- Scope of Monitoring: the monitoring scope should encompass a wide range of sources, including forums, marketplaces, and private sites known for illicit activities and what type of data can it bring?
- Alert System: The service should offer real-time alert notifications to promptly inform you of any detected threats, allowing for quick response to potential breaches.
- Pricing: Evaluate the cost of dark web solutions against their benefits and ensure that the cost fits within your cybersecurity budget.
- Scalability: The service must be scalable to accommodate expanding data volume and monitoring needs.
- Quality of data set: It should be comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date to ensure that all potential threats are identified and addressed promptly. Additionally, the service should be capable of distinguishing between false positives and genuine threats, ensuring that organizations can prioritize their responses effectively
Final thoughts on dark web monitoring
It’s important for everyone to safeguard their data from cyber criminals, but especially business owners who are at high risk. By adding a dark web monitoring solution to your existing security stack, you’ll have a more secure and robust solution to defend against cybercrime. A proactive approach helps further protect your assets, brand reputation, and customer trust.
However, it’s also important to remember that the dark web is just one factor of cybersecurity, and an all-around solution is recommended.
Frequently asked questions (FAQS)
What is the difference between dark web monitoring tools and antimalware software?
The goal of antivirus and antimalware programs is to prevent malicious code from running from the start, but they’re ineffective after information has been stolen. With dark web monitoring tools, you can search for confidential or stolen data, including trade secrets, proprietary information, and login credentials.
What is darknet monitoring?
Darknet monitoring is the process of searching for and continuously tracking information on the dark web, which is an encrypted portion of the internet not visible to the general public. It involves tracking information about organizations, users, or malicious actors.
What are some best practices for dark web monitoring?
Regularly update monitoring parameters, collaborate with industry peers, and leverage automation and AI for improved threat detection when practicing dark web monitoring. These best practices help enhance security measures, mitigate threats, and minimize potential risks.
