Understanding the Importance of Monitoring the Dark Web
Below is a list of additional dark web monitoring tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Flare is a cybersecurity platform designed with scalability in mind, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. I chose ZeroFox because it offers unique features aimed specifically at brand protection and tracking digital footprints. This specialization gives it an edge in addressing issues that companies concerned about brand safety face. I believe it’s best for brand protection and digital footprint tracking due to its robust set of features in these areas.
The dark web represents a hidden corner of the internet where illicit activities often occur. Monitoring the dark web has become a crucial task for individuals and organizations alike. By keeping a vigilant eye on these hidden spaces, potential risks can be mitigated before they escalate into serious issues.
The dark web will also expose you to extreme, graphic content and can also alert security authorities about your access. For example, in April, 2021, Facebook suffered a leak of 533 million users leaked online. Managed IT services and dark web monitoring can help you mitigate risk and get the most out of your business. If you’re looking for a managed security service provider, check out dark web monitoring and other security services offered by Ntiva.
Get actionable recommendations for new activity appearing on the Dark Web, social media platforms, or other malicious sources. If a breach-related security alert is generated, we also provide contextual awareness to our 24/7 SOC Cyber Analysts and complete support until the threat is resolved. Unlike other Dark Web threat intelligence vendors, we leverage threat intelligence gathered from the Dark Web to take actual response actions, disrupt cyberattacks, and put our customers ahead of disruption.
In my judgment, its adaptability sets it apart, making it a highly versatile tool. Data from 300Bn+ Darkweb Records and 50Bn+ Threat Indicators covering over 90% of Cybercrime space to monitor 15Bn+ Pages daily with our patent-filed NLP and ML algorithms. Make sure your credentials aren’t found on the dark web, a hotbed of cybercrime.
Your organization’s information can end up on the dark web, data might be related to your personal information, bank details, credit card/ debit card information, health records, credentials or more. In the event it does, criminals can now access your information and can cause personal/financial damage as well as reputational damage to your organization. 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.
- These tools help find stolen or leaky documents shared among unauthorized individuals or other spies.
- XDR with machine learning that eliminates noise, enables real-time detection and response, and automatically blocks threats.
- This intelligence is crucial for understanding the full spectrum of dark web threats and for digital threat monitoring across the entire security stack.
What is the Dark Web?
Identity Monitoring
The dark web consists of websites that are not indexed by traditional search engines and require specific software to access. This creates an environment where anonymity reigns, making it a hotspot for various activities, both legal and illegal.
The only way to keep them safe, whether they’re your consumers or your employees, is to constantly have access to stolen data that includes their credentials and other sensitive information so it can be remediated to stop threats. The “dark web” refers to the section of the internet that requires additional privacy support from visitors that can be provided by services like Tor and I2P. Entities (including websites) within the “dark web” are known as hidden services, and due to the access requirements for these services, they are not indexed by commonly used search engines like Google. Naturally, some criminals take advantage of this extra security and privacy to buy, sell, and trade all manner of contraband, including stolen credentials.
Reasons for Monitoring the Dark Web
It’s hard to recommend in its current form because the company doesn’t offer much support or assistance after alerting customers that their data has been found on the Dark Web. Identity Guard has been around for decades and has protected over 38 million individuals from identity theft and fraud. Once you spot identity theft, be sure to file an identity theft report with the Federal Trade Commission. Depending on the situation, you may also need to file a police report with local law enforcement and also contact your state’s motor vehicle department, the U.S. postal service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the U.S.
Dark web monitoring is a vital defence that helps you better protect yourself against identity theft and other forms of fraud, because it notifies you when a data leak containing your sensitive information is detected. That allows you to immediately change your passwords, deactivate credit cards, or take any other steps necessary to minimise ongoing risks to your privacy and security. Identity Guard monitors the millions of bits of information that compromise your online personal and financial identity (bank accounts, credit cards, and more). They combine traditional monitoring techniques with IBM Watson’s powerful AI scanning to detect the maximum amount of threats—and let you know if your information has been compromised. Everything from phishing email scams to data breaches to malware on your computer can expose your personal information—credit card numbers, CVV codes, or social security number—to hackers.
There are several compelling reasons to engage in monitoring the dark web:
- Data Breaches: Personal and corporate data can be sold or traded in these hidden markets.
- Brand Protection: Companies can ensure their brand is not being misused or discussed in negative contexts.
- Fraud Prevention: Monitoring can help identify theft of identity or fraud schemes early on.
- Threat Intelligence: Understanding emerging threats can lead to better security measures.
How to Monitor the Dark Web
Effective monitoring the dark web involves a multi-faceted approach:
- Utilize Specialized Tools: Invest in technologies that specifically cater to dark web data extraction and analysis.
- Conduct Regular Audits: Regular checks help maintain up-to-date knowledge of any potential threats.
- Engage Dark Web Intelligence Services: Several companies specialize in dark web monitoring and can provide valuable insights.
- Train Your Team: Ensure your staff is equipped with knowledge about the dark web and the tools available for monitoring.
Common Challenges in Monitoring the Dark Web
While monitoring the dark web is vital, it comes with its own set of challenges:
- Anonymity: The methods used on the dark web often protect the identities of users, making it difficult to track malicious activities.
- Volume of Data: The sheer amount of information available can be overwhelming, making it essential to filter relevant data effectively.
- Rapidly Evolving Landscape: The dark web is constantly changing, with new threats emerging daily.
FAQs about Monitoring the Dark Web
1. What types of information can be found on the dark web?
Information can range from leaked personal data, credit card numbers, and hacked credentials to illegal goods and services.
2. Is monitoring the dark web legal?
Yes, monitoring the dark web is legal, but engaging in illegal activities is not. Ensure that your monitoring practices comply with local laws.
3. How often should I monitor the dark web for potential threats?
Regular monitoring is advisable, often performed daily or weekly, depending on the type of business or individual circumstances.
4. Can individuals benefit from dark web monitoring?
Yes, individuals can protect their personal information and identity from being compromised by monitoring the dark web.
Conclusion
In summary, monitoring the dark web is essential for both individuals and organizations to safeguard against potential threats. By utilizing the right tools and keeping abreast of emerging trends, it is possible to navigate this hidden part of the internet effectively.
