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Cybersecurity

Dark Web Monitoring: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

Mark Lukehart

IT Specialists Working in Office

The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that is often used for illicit activity. While most people have never navigated the dark web, it could have a huge impact on your life. Many cybercriminals use dark web sites to sell sensitive data and conduct identity theft and other attacks.

Dark web monitoring programs search for your information on these hidden sites, so you can respond quickly if your privacy has been compromised. Here’s how dark web monitoring works and why it’s so important.

Key Takeaways

  • Dark web monitoring uses security tools to scan the dark web for sensitive information that’s associated with you or your business.
  • Using dark web monitoring tools helps you identify when your personal information has been compromised so you can respond right away.
  • This practice can help prevent devastating identity theft for you and your customers.
  • A managed services provider can help you conduct dark web monitoring.

What is Dark Web Monitoring?

Dark web monitoring is the process of searching the dark web for your personal and financial information. This includes social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account passwords, and even intellectual property.

When cybercriminals get access to sensitive data, often the first thing they will do is put it on the dark web. They could use the dark web to share your sensitive information with other hackers or even sell it for a profit.

The dark web isn’t accessible via search engine — you need specialized software to reach it. 55 percent of people have not heard of the dark web at all. Because of this, most people don’t know when their sensitive information has made it to this part of the internet.

Dark web monitoring tools and services scan the dark web in search of sensitive or personally identifiable information. This way, you can respond right away when this information is compromised, without having to risk navigating the dark web yourself to find it.

There are many software programs on the market that offer dark web monitoring. This includes programs targeted at individuals and preventing identity theft, as well as more complex tools for businesses.

Why is Dark Web Monitoring Important?

importance of dark web monitoring

Businesses of all sizes across all industries are vulnerable to data breaches and cybercrime. With so many business operations conducted online these days, everyone is at risk.

Dark web monitoring could help you catch compromised credentials and other vulnerabilities before they escalate. This can help you prevent devastating financial losses and damage to your reputation before it gets out of control.

Here are just a few reasons why dark web monitoring is so important.

Threat Detection

Dark web monitoring can help you identify potential threats in their early stages, so you can respond quickly and prevent extensive damage.

For example, you might find sensitive information about your company on the dark web, indicating that cybercriminals are targeting you. When this happens, you can take steps to secure your systems and prevent a cyberattack.

This type of threat detection ensures you won’t be blindsided by an unexpected data breach. You can be proactive and tighten up your cybersecurity strategy before it’s too late. 

Dark web monitoring can also help you significantly improve your incident response time should a cyberattack happen.

Preventing Identity Theft

Another significant benefit of using dark web monitoring services is that they can help you prevent identity theft. Many hackers will sell sensitive information on dark web forums and marketplaces. 

The purchaser will then use this information to access the target’s credit cards and bank accounts, often stealing money and making unauthorized purchases along the way.

Dark web monitoring will let you know immediately if this personal information has been compromised so you can take action. Changing your password and contacting your bank can help you keep your finances safe in this scenario.

For businesses, dark web monitoring can help prevent identity theft from happening to your customers. Many companies collect sensitive data from their customers in some form. If this personal data is compromised, you can contact your customers right away and help prevent identity theft on a larger scale.

This type of data breach could result in a loss of trust between you and your customers. However, addressing the problem right away gives you the best chance at mitigating damage. It also shows that you take customers’ safety and privacy very seriously.

Regulatory Compliance

Many businesses have to adhere to strict cybersecurity compliance standards dictating how sensitive customer data must be protected. This is particularly common in industries like healthcare, finance, and law.

Implementing dark web monitoring can help you stay compliant with these regulations. Security compliance not only helps keep vulnerable data safe, but it also helps your business avoid costly fines and other legal penalties.

Benefits of Dark Web Monitoring for Small-to-Midsize Businesses

benefits of dark web monitoring

Dark web monitoring offers a number of benefits for growing businesses. 57% of SMBs feel they won’t be targeted by hackers, but the reality is that 40% of SMBs have lost crucial data in a cyberattack.

By implementing this as part of your security operations now, you can prevent more significant cyber threats from harming your business in the future.

Proactive Security

Instead of waiting for threat actors to hurt your business, dark web monitoring helps you be proactive in preventing security threats. You’ll know as soon as your information has been compromised, giving you as much time as possible to respond.

For small businesses, finding your data on the dark web can serve as a catalyst to improve your cybersecurity strategy. For example, you might consider requiring the use of a password manager company-wide, or invest in cybersecurity training for your team.

Cost-Effective Risk Management

Implementing a dark web monitoring program is relatively affordable, but can have huge benefits for your organization. It’s a way to augment your risk management strategy without breaking the bank.

Dark web monitoring can play an important role in your broader risk management strategy. This type of threat intelligence will help you catch data breaches before they turn into larger challenges for your business.

As a small business, you may not have the time or resources to handle dark web monitoring on your own. This is where a managed services provider, or MSP, comes in. An MSP is a third-party organization that functions as your IT and cybersecurity team.

Working with an MSP is a cost-effective way to implement 24/7 dark web monitoring. This takes the responsibility off of your plate and ensures that you don’t miss any serious online threats. 

When you work with an MSP, you also get access to years of cybersecurity expertise that you wouldn’t get in-house, with more flexible and scalable pricing options.

Peace of Mind

Unfortunately, data breaches can affect anyone, regardless of how big your company is or the type of work you do. It’s easy for your businesses’ sensitive information to end up on the dark web without you realizing it.

When you’re busy running a small business, the last thing you want to think about is the possibility of a data leak or cyber attack

When you have a dark web monitoring strategy in place, you can feel confident knowing that your systems are protected. This way, you can focus on running your business and leave the cybersecurity challenges to your MSP.