Monitoring the Dark Web: What You Need to Know

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 drugs, weapons, and stolen data. As a result, monitoring the dark web has become increasingly important for individuals and organizations looking to protect themselves from potential threats.

Protects Stakeholders

Compromised credentials refer to login credentials, like usernames and passwords, that have been stolen by an unauthorized person or entity. When a cyber-attack gains access to this information, they can use it to impersonate the person/business, as well as access other sensitive information or systems that they otherwise would not have been able to access. Such systems include bank accounts, credit card accounts, personal identity information, confidential business data, cloud-hosted business applications, and the list goes on.

What is the Dark Web?

The dark web is a collection of websites that are not indexed by search engines and cannot be accessed through regular web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. Instead, users must use special software, such as the Tor browser, to access these sites. The dark web is often used for illegal activities, but it also provides a safe space for political dissidents, whistleblowers, and others who need to communicate anonymously.

Below is a list of additional dark web monitoring tools that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. 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. For integrations, Cyberint works well with various SIEM solutions and threat intelligence platforms, enhancing its value as a real-time threat intelligence solution. I picked SpyCloud because of its robust capabilities in credential exposure detection specifically designed for enterprise-level operations.

Why Monitor the Dark Web?

Dark Web Monitoring & Organizational Security

Threat landscapes constantly evolve, so MSPs should review reports and adjust settings as new vulnerabilities emerge. Each credible alert is accompanied by proactive advice on next steps your security team should take to protect your data or thwart a cyberattack. To effectively protect an organization, security teams need to understand how threat actors operate and have the ability to take action. For example, if it’s your Social Security number, whoever is in possession of it can open fraudulent accounts in your name, file fraudulent tax returns and health insurance claims, and more. If they manage to get a password that was leaked in a data breach, they can use that password to log in to any of the online accounts where you use it.

Monitoring the dark web can help individuals and organizations stay informed about potential threats and take steps to protect themselves. For example, if an organization’s sensitive data is being sold on the dark web, they can take measures to secure their network and prevent further breaches. Similarly, if an individual’s personal information is being traded on the dark web, they can take steps to protect their identity and financial information.

Is not indexed by search engines and is used for illegal activities, makes up 1% of the Deep web. Once data surfaces on the dark web’s underground marketplace, nothing can stop it from being sold or used. Here is what you need to know about the dark web, how identity theft services work, and what you can do if your personal information is in danger. Credit cards go for $10 to $20 on average, while PayPal accounts sell for $2 to $10. According to PrivacyAffairs, a US driver’s license averages $70, a hacked Facebook account averages $75, and a passport goes for about $1500.

Reduce Your Cyber Risks Now

How to Monitor the Dark Web

Monitoring the dark web can be challenging, as it requires specialized software and knowledge of how to navigate this hidden part of the internet. Here are some steps you can take to monitor the dark web:

• Use a specialized search engine, such as Grams or TorSearch, to search for specific terms or phrases.
• Set up alerts for keywords related to your organization or personal information using a tool like DarkBeast or OSINT Framework.
• Consider hiring a professional dark web monitoring service, such as Terbium Labs or Flashpoint, to help you monitor the dark web and identify potential threats.

FAQs

Understand And Engage With Attackers

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

The deep web refers to all parts of the internet that are not indexed by search engines, while the dark web is a subset of the deep web that is intentionally hidden and requires special software to access. The deep web includes things like academic databases and corporate intranets, while the dark web is often associated with illegal activities.

Is it illegal to access the dark web?

No, it is not illegal to access the dark web. However, many of the activities that take place on the dark web are illegal, and accessing these sites could potentially get you in trouble with the law. It is important to use caution when accessing the dark web and to avoid engaging in any illegal activities.

• Once data surfaces on the dark web’s underground marketplace, nothing can stop it from being sold or used.
• Credentials are not the only thing organizations need to worry about on the dark web.
• As of 2020, there are over 18.7 billion records and 15 billion username and password credentials to online digital services, including bank and social media accounts, circulating on the Dark Web for sale.
• With Dashlane, you’ll get access to all the passwords on a device or a plan.
• One of the most crucial features of LogMeOnce is its Passwordless PhotoLogin, which allows you to gain access to your account without requiring a master password.

If you know your email account is exposed, first scan your computer for malware, change the email password, and then sign up for IDStrong’s identity monitoring to check for other exposures online. Cyberattackers are becoming more advanced and better adept at covering their tracks. As such, businesses can’t afford to limit their scanning for compromised credentials to the surface internet. The dark web is well-known as a hotbed of criminal activity and it’s important that organizations are scouring this part of the internet for their information.

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

No, you cannot use a regular web browser to access the dark web. Instead, you must use specialized software, such as the Tor browser, to access these sites.

How do I know if my personal information is being traded on the dark web?

One way to find out is to set up alerts for keywords related to your personal information using a tool like DarkBeast or OSINT Framework. You can also consider hiring a professional dark web monitoring service to help you identify potential threats.

Can I protect myself from dark web threats?

Yes, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from dark web threats. These include using strong, unique passwords for all of your online accounts, enabling two-factor authentication whenever possible, and monitoring your credit reports for signs of identity theft. You can also consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and hide your IP address.