What Is the Dark Web?
Avivah Litan, a security analyst at Gartner, once remarked, “You should just assume your data is stolen.” This statement highlights the pressing risks businesses and individuals face today.
As of March 31, 2022, over 404 publicly reported data breaches had occurred, marking a 14% increase compared to Q1 2021. Many of these breaches stem from phishing and other cyberattacks, leading to stolen data being sold on the Dark Web an illicit digital marketplace. [*]
The Dark Web resides within the “Deep Web,” which consists of internet pages inaccessible via standard search engines. However, the Dark Web is a more sinister subset—a hidden network that provides criminals with anonymity and houses illegal marketplaces.
On this shadowy digital frontier:
- Credit card information can be obtained on the Dark Web for prices as low as $9.
- Complete banking details can sell for approximately $270.[*]
While people often confuse the Deep Web and Dark Web, the key difference lies in their accessibility and purpose. The Deep Web includes legitimate content hidden behind passwords or paywalls, such as medical records and private web pages. Conversely, the Dark Web requires specific browsers, like Tor, to access its clandestine sites, where stolen Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is traded.
What Is a Dark Web Scanner?
Imagine your company suffers a data breach, and sensitive information, such as passwords, email addresses, or banking details, is leaked. Hackers may sell this stolen data to criminals on the Dark Web, enabling them to:
- Open fraudulent bank accounts.
- Commit identity theft.
- Engage in illegal activities using your business or personal credentials.
A Dark Web scanner is an essential tool designed to search for stolen information on the Dark Web. These scanners comb through data dumps and alert you when compromised information tied to your identity or business is found, giving you an opportunity to take action.
How Does a Dark Web Scanner Work?
To perform a scan:
- You provide your sensitive information (e.g., email addresses, IPs, or financial details) to the service.
- The scanner cross-references your information with databases of known breaches or stolen data in commonly frequented areas of the Dark Web.
These tools search for:
- Names
- Passwords
- Payment and credit card details
- Social Security Numbers (SSN)
- Financial account data
- Email addresses
- IP addresses
- Social media credentials
However, scanners cannot access the entire Dark Web since many areas are password-protected or require special clearance. Despite this limitation, scanners focus on high-risk, commonly used Dark Web platforms.
Dark Web Scanning vs. Monitoring
While a Dark Web scan provides a one-time check, Dark Web monitoring offers continuous, real-time surveillance for potential threats.
Dark Web Scanning:
- Searches known databases for breaches.
- Scans popular locations but provides limited access to protected content.
- Reacts after a breach has already occurred.
Dark Web Monitoring:
- Proactively scans for compromised data before it’s exploited.
- Engages in non-stop monitoring with advanced crawlers.
- Helps businesses mitigate risks before they escalate.
Continuous monitoring is essential to stay ahead of emerging threats. To learn more about the latest trends in dark web activity and how to protect your business, check out our article: ” The Evolving Dynamics of the Dark Web: Enterprise Security Implications “
What Can Criminals Do With My Personal Information?
Stolen PII can lead to severe consequences. Here are six ways criminals may exploit your data:
- Identity Theft Using stolen PII, criminals can impersonate you to:
- Open fraudulent bank accounts.
- File tax returns for refunds.
- Apply for loans under your name.
- Credential Theft Fraudsters often purchase account credentials to bypass security questions. Credential stuffing allows them to take over accounts and steal funds.
- Home Title Fraud Criminals may forge home deeds and transfer ownership of your property to themselves, leveraging it for loans or even outright selling it.
- Credit Card Fraud Stolen credit card information enables unauthorized purchases and loans. Criminal activity can damage your credit score, making it harder to access credit in the future.
- Spam and Robocalls Spam and robocall scams often result from breached phone numbers, leading to nuisance calls or even phishing attempts.
- Data Trading Breached databases often end up on the Dark Web, sold to other criminals who use the data for various scams.
Steps to Take if Your Information Is Compromised
- Reset Your Passwords: Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for added security.
- Notify Financial Institutions: Request monitoring or remediation from your bank.
- Freeze Your Credit: Contact major credit bureaus (e.g., Equifax) to block unauthorized credit activity.
- Monitor Credit Reports: Regularly check for suspicious changes.
- Inspect Statements: Review credit card bills for fraudulent transactions.
- Close Compromised Accounts: Deactivate any exposed accounts immediately.
- Report Fraudulent Use: Alert relevant authorities about stolen SSNs, passports, or driver’s licenses.
- Sign Up for Monitoring Services: Continuous Dark Web monitoring ensures real-time protection.
Why Cybernod’s Dark Web Monitoring Stands Out
At Cybernod, we offer a state-of-the-art Dark Web monitoring solution designed to keep your business and personal data safe. Our service includes:
- Continuous scans of exposed information on the Dark Web.
- Real-time alerts when your data is found in breaches or illegal marketplaces.
- Expert recommendations for mitigating risks.
With Cybernod, you stay one step ahead of hackers and protect your identity and business from growing cyber threats. Sign up today to access advanced monitoring tools and keep your information secure.
Comments