Monitoring the Dark Web: Protecting Your Business and Personal Information

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 illegal activities, such as the sale of stolen data, drugs, and weapons. As a result, it is essential for businesses and individuals to monitor the dark web to protect their sensitive information and prevent potential cyber threats.

What is the Dark Web?

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The dark web is a network of websites that are not indexed by search engines and can only be accessed using specialized software, such as the Tor browser. It is often used for illegal activities, but it also provides a platform for individuals to communicate and share information anonymously. The dark web is estimated to make up around 5% of the entire internet.

• Even though the dark web is comparatively small when compared with the clear web, there are dozens of markets spanning thousands of pages.
• It should be noted that not all data exposed in data breaches ends up on the Dark Web, so if your data isn’t found this doesn’t guarantee that you haven’t been breached.
• The DarkOwl system is a mid-market option because it provides results for its customers rather than expecting them to perform searches themselves.
• For a person faced with identity theft, t’s an emotional burden as well as a huge disruption to your life, with time spent away from the office to restore your good name.
• This feature lets you set up alerts in the event that the scanner finds your info on the dark web.

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. A public data breach left unresolved for even a small period can damage your brand’s reputation and cost a company millions of pounds in fraud, fines, legal fees, lost business and other revenue.

Data Privacy And Security

Why Monitor the Dark Web?

Monitoring the dark web is essential for protecting your business and personal information. Cybercriminals often sell stolen data, such as credit card information and login credentials, on dark web marketplaces. By monitoring the dark web, you can detect and respond to potential threats before they cause damage. Additionally, monitoring the dark web can help you identify and prevent insider threats, such as employees selling confidential information.

Stay vigilant for any suspicious transactions, and if you notice any, inform your financial services provider immediately. If you’ve already conducted a dark web scan and learned that your email was found on the dark web, it’s natural to feel nervous. Or perhaps one of your favorite sites suffered a breach, and you’re worried that your account info has been compromised.

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How to Monitor the Dark Web

Monitoring the dark web can be challenging, as it requires specialized knowledge and tools. Here are some steps you can take to monitor the dark web:

• Use dark web search engines: There are several search engines, such as Ahmia and Torch, that can be used to search the dark web. These search engines can help you identify potential threats and monitor for specific keywords.
• Use dark web monitoring services: There are several companies that offer dark web monitoring services. These services use advanced technology to scan the dark web for stolen data and alert you if your information is found.
• Use social media: Social media platforms, such as Twitter and Reddit, can be used to monitor for dark web-related conversations. By monitoring social media, you can stay informed about potential threats and trends.

FAQs

What is the difference between the deep web and the dark web?

The deep web refers to websites that are not indexed by search engines, but are still accessible through a standard web browser. The dark web, on the other hand, is a network of websites that are intentionally hidden and can only be accessed using specialized software.

Is it illegal to access the dark web?

No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, such as the sale of stolen data and drugs. It is important to use the dark web responsibly and avoid engaging in illegal activities.

Can the dark web be shut down?

Since dark web sites are frequently invite-only, gaining access typically requires infiltration by masquerading as a malicious user or someone in the market for stolen identity or corporate data. This requires individuals or services with skill sets enabling them to not only identify these sites, but to acquire data relevant to protecting corporate identities or data. The dark web is the place where every CISO hope their company’s data will not end up. People might find themselves victims of identity theft, or companies might face unforeseen problems, like losing their customers’ trust.

No, the dark web cannot be shut down, as it is a decentralized network. However, law enforcement agencies can take action against specific dark web marketplaces and websites that are involved in illegal activities.

Can I use my regular web browser to access the dark web?

A designated Mandiant intelligence analyst will help triage, prioritize, and provide contextual analysis to alerts so you can effectively mitigate the effect of data leaks, ransomware, and other cyber threats. Managed Digital Threat Monitoring maximizes the integration of industry-leading Mandiant Threat Intelligence; the designated analyst can leverage the full suite of Mandiant resources to provide context on threat alerts. Detect and respond to external threats by monitoring the open, deep and dark web, which provides early warning of threat actors targeting your organization and notification of data and credential leaks so you can respond quicker.

No, you cannot use your regular web browser to access the dark web. You need to use specialized software, such as the Tor browser, to access the dark web.

How can I protect myself from dark web threats?

To protect yourself from dark web threats, you should use strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor your credit reports and financial statements regularly. Additionally, you should consider using a dark web monitoring service to detect and respond to potential threats.