Dark web monitoring is a critical component of any holistic cybersecurity strategy, but with the constantly evolving nature of the dark web, it can be difficult to know where to begin.
In this year's ultimate guide to dark web monitoring, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of the dark web, the monitoring techniques, and actionable steps you can take to safeguard your digital assets.
Whether you're a small business owner or a cybersecurity professional, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to stay ahead of the threats posed by the dark web.
In this blog, we'll cover:
The dark web is a haven for criminals who seek to exploit vulnerabilities and steal sensitive information from unsuspecting victims. According to Intelliagg report, These are the most common types of criminal activities found on the dark web.
Dark web monitoring refers to the process of monitoring the dark web, which is a part of the internet that is not accessible through traditional search engines or web browsers.
Dark web monitoring involves using specialised browsers with specific configurations to search for and analyse data on the dark web. This can include monitoring for particular keywords or phrases related to a company or individual, such as login credentials, financial information, or personal data. The goal of dark web monitoring is to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
The use of dark web monitoring has been increasingly on the rise in recent years due to the growing risks posed by the dark web. Therefore, it is anticipated that a larger number of companies will incorporate dark web monitoring as an integral part of their overall security strategy to safeguard against potential threats.
The cost of a dark web monitoring service varies depending on the provider you choose and the level of service you require. However, the cost of a data breach can be significant - the average cost of a security incident is $3.86 million, according to a 2020 study by the IBM Security Team.
Check Point Research (CPR) has reported an increase in discussions on dark web forums concerning the unauthorised sharing or sale of compromised premium accounts for ChatGPT over the past month. These are what they found regarding the situation:
- Leak and free publication of credentials to ChatGPT accounts
- Trade of premium ChatGPT accounts that were stolen
- Bruteforcing and Checkers tools for ChatGPT – tools that allow cybercriminals to hack into ChatGPT accounts by running huge lists of email addresses and passwords, trying to guess the right combination to access existing accounts.
- ChatGPT Accounts as a Service – dedicated service that offers opening ChatGPT premium accounts, most likely using stolen payment cards.
When you thought your company's data was safe and sound, the ChatGPT data leak came along to shatter that illusion. It's a stark reminder that the most unexpected data breaches can and do happen. Just consider the potential cost of a data breach, investing in a dark web monitoring service is a mere pittance by comparison.
A compromised credential refers to login credentials, such as usernames and passwords, that have been stolen or obtained by an unauthorised person or entity.
When an attacker gains access to an individual's login credentials, they can use them to impersonate that person and access sensitive information or systems. Learn more about the risks of compromised credentials in this blog.
It is important to take steps to protect and monitor login credentials because they are a significant security risk for organisations. Leaked credentials can lead to data breaches and various cyber attacks, including phishing attacks, malware infections, credential stuffing attacks, or brute force attacks.
Dark web monitoring can uncover various types of employee credentials, including:
Dark web monitoring services offer several benefits that are essential for any business looking to protect its data. Here are some of the key benefits you can get from the service.
Failing to monitor exposed credentials on the dark web can lead to a number of headaches for businesses, including:
When cybercriminals gain access to a company's network using compromised credentials, they can steal sensitive information, such as customer data, financial records, and intellectual property.
Cybercriminals can use compromised credentials to conduct financial fraud, such as making unauthorised transactions or accessing company bank accounts.
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a company's data and demands payment to release it. Cybercriminals can use compromised credentials to gain access to a company's network and deploy ransomware, causing significant disruption and financial losses.
A data breach or other cyber attack can damage a company's reputation, leading to lost business, legal action, and long-term damage to the brand's image.
Many industries are subject to data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Compromised credentials can lead to violations of these regulations, resulting in significant fines and legal actions.
This is why it's important for businesses to monitor the dark web for exposed employee credentials. By doing so, companies can proactively identify and respond to potential cyber threats before they cause harm.
Dark web monitoring tools work by continuously scanning the dark web for any data that may be relevant to a business. This includes data such as employee credentials, credit card numbers, and other sensitive information that may be stolen and sold on the dark web.
Once the tool identifies any data related to the business, it performs a series of checks to determine if the data is legitimate and if it poses a risk to the business. If the data is verified as legitimate, the tool will generate an alert, notifying the business of the compromised data.
The following is a typical process that dark web monitoring tools usually go through:
The first step in dark web monitoring is scanning the dark web to identify any stolen or compromised data related to the business. This is typically done using specialised software that can search through the dark web's hidden websites, forums, and marketplaces.
Once the dark web is scanned, the software identifies any stolen or compromised data related to the business. This can include login credentials, personal information, financial information, and other sensitive data.
Once compromised data is identified, the software alerts the business of the potential threat. This allows the business to take immediate action to secure any affected accounts, reset passwords, and investigate any potential breaches.
Dark web monitoring software provides businesses with detailed reports on any compromised data found on the dark web. These reports can help businesses identify vulnerabilities in their security systems and take proactive measures to strengthen their defences.
Dark web monitoring is an ongoing process that involves continuously monitoring the dark web for new threats. This helps businesses stay ahead of cybercriminals and avoid potential data breaches.
Choosing the right dark web monitoring tool can be challenging. The criteria for organisations to choose a suitable dark web monitoring service will vary depending on the specific business needs. However, here are the main factors to consider when you're searching for a suitable tool for your business.
Choosing the right dark web monitoring vendor to provide the service is critical. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating potential vendors:
Once you've chosen a dark web monitoring service provider to work with, here are some steps you can take to start monitoring the dark web and protect your business data:
The dark web remains a murky and dangerous place where criminal activity thrives. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods and techniques used by cybercriminals to exploit the anonymity of the dark web.
However, by understanding the dark web's inner workings, employing a variety of monitoring techniques, and staying up-to-date on emerging trends and threats, you can safeguard your assets.
Are you concerned about the safety of your organisation's information online? Our dark web monitoring tool, uBreach Pro offers a powerful and easy-to-use platform for scanning the dark web and protecting your digital assets. Take advantage of the 14-day free trial and ensure the safety of your business data today!