However, if you suspect your personal information has been compromised, a dark web scan can be a great resource to help ease your mind. Did you know that when you search the internet, you’re only seeing 5% of the web? The “Surface Web” is the area most of us spend our time — using social media sites, online shopping, reading news feeds and visiting business, informational and entertainment websites. With Bolster Dark Web Monitoring you can change what it means to monitor your business on the dark web. Designed for actionable insight, Bolster’s Dark Web Monitoring allows our customers to gather threat intelligence across the dark web and predict how threat actors will behave and target your business. Manual investigation processes involve labor-intensive tasks, such as the continuous monitoring of underground forums, markets, and sites, as well as the challenging pursuit of staying on top of new sources in the dark web.
Understanding the Importance of Monitoring the Dark Web
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. Dark web monitoring services, like Bolster’s , play a crucial role in helping businesses detect and respond to threats originating from the dark web. Deep web and dark web are sometimes used interchangeably – but the terms mean different things. We can think of the deep web as the private section of the internet protected by some form of access security. These ‘non-indexed’ pages that you can’t reach directly from a search engine comprise most of the data online (around 95%).
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It often hosts illicit activities, making it a hotspot for cybercriminals. To safeguard personal and organizational data, it is crucial to monitor the dark web regularly.
This can give you a head start when it comes to avoiding follow-on cyber threats such as hacking, phishing, and malware attacks. One of the key functions of GreyMatter DRP includes finding and tracking stolen intellectual property, safeguarding customers, brands, and executives from phishing and impersonation attacks. The service also helps identify and expose insider threats or premeditated attacks by monitoring dark web mentions of an organization’s name and assets.
Why Should You Monitor the Dark Web?
Our AI based risk severity tagging provides you the critical breaches ahead of time to make the information inaccessible. Rather than having to keep track of breaches that could affect you — and then manually scan each time — a Dark Web monitor can do it all for you behind the scenes. In the wrong hands, this kind of data can be used to steal your bank account numbers, credit or debit card information, or worse — your identity.
This intelligence is crucial for identifying potential threats, offering insights into the tactics and techniques used by cybercriminals. Moreover, these tools play a vital role in protecting intellectual property and sensitive corporate data from the clutches of threat actors. Echosec Beacon is our premium choice because it comes with various robust features at a cheaper rate. Using Echosec Beacon, organizations can collect data from different sources and detect data breaches and stolen financial data faster. Another factor that makes it a top choice is you can search through historical posts and create a proactive security strategy for great results.
Monitoring the dark web is essential for several compelling reasons:
- Data Breach Alerts: Being proactive can help you detect if your data has been compromised.
- Identity Theft Prevention: Early detection can prevent your information from being used for fraudulent purposes.
- Brand Protection: Businesses can shield themselves from reputation damage resulting from data leaks.
- Regulatory Compliance: Staying informed can help organizations comply with data privacy regulations.
Although you may be tempted to dive into the dark web to look for your data, this process is usually best left to professionals who know how to do a dark web scan. Once a hacker has the information they’re looking for, they often upload it for sale on the dark web. And that’s how your username and password could end up on the darknet, along with 1.4 billion others.
AVG AntiVirus FREE detects, removes, and blocks malware while also scanning your Wi-Fi network for any vulnerabilities or suspicious activity. Protect all your devices against data theft with comprehensive cybersecurity. Spyware is a favorite tool of data-seeking cybercriminals, who can use keyloggers to capture your passwords as you enter them into the sites you visit. They can also poison the DNS cache on your computer or router with other malware to set up a pharming attack. Compile the evidence from your dark web scan, then contact the relevant authorities in your area to report the cybercrime.
Some of these fraudsters even raid people’s trash or mail looking for bank statements, bills, or tax documents to steal Information. Cybercriminals take the stolen data and post it on the dark web in hacker forums to expose or sell on dark web marketplaces. Dark web monitoring has become an essential tool for businesses aiming to manage and mitigate a range of risks proactively.
How to Monitor the Dark Web
Monitoring the dark web can be a complex process. Here are some methods organizations and individuals can utilize:
- Utilize Professional Services: Many companies specialize in dark web monitoring and can offer comprehensive reports.
- Set Up Alerts: Use tools that notify you when your information appears on the dark web.
- Conduct Regular Searches: Manually search forums and marketplaces that are known for selling stolen data.
- Use VPNs: If you choose to explore the dark web, using a VPN can protect your identity and data.
- CTM360 offers two different solutions that monitor the dark web as a means to protect your organization from emerging threats.
- Dark web scanning allows you to control the crisis and enables forensic investigation into the breach.
- We offer dark web intelligence in the form of assessments, monitoring, and direct access to our proprietary datasets via API.
- ⁴ Child members on the family plan will only have access to online account monitoring and social security number monitoring features.
Common FAQs About Dark Web Monitoring
Q: What types of data are found on the dark web?
A: Personal information, financial details, credentials, and proprietary company data are often traded on the dark web.
Q: How often should I monitor the dark web?
A: Regular monitoring is advisable—monthly checks are a good starting point, but it may vary based on your risk profile.
Q: Can I monitor the dark web myself?
How Do Dark Web Scans Work, And What Do The Scanners Look For?
A: While it’s possible to do so, the dark web can be complicated and risky. Professional services may provide more robust protection.
Q: What should I do if I find my information on the dark web?
A: Immediately change your passwords, monitor your financial accounts, and consider implementing identity theft protection services.
Conclusion
In conclusion, proactive measures to monitor the dark web play a vital role in protecting sensitive information. Whether you choose to utilize professional services or engage in frequent manual checks, staying informed is your first line of defense against cyber threats.
