Dark Web Data API
Medical records average $250 each, according to cybersecurity firm Trustwave. Far more often than we’d like, though, cybercriminals steal personal information or trick us into giving it away. You may think you don’t have anything “worth stealing,” but everyone has something from which cybercriminals can profit.
- It continuously scans dark web sites for your credentials, alerting you to each discovery so that you can take steps to protect the vulnerable account.
- Check your credit card, bank and other financial accounts once a week or so to look for anything suspicious.
- Making your staff aware of compromised information is the best way to prevent further cyber incidents including phishing or social engineering attacks.
- This platform allows security teams to detect and disrupt digital threats, while safeguarding the company’s brand and reputation.
Understanding Dark Web Monitoring
Dark web monitoring is a critical component of any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, but with the constantly evolving nature of the dark web, it can be difficult to know where to begin. The part of the internet that is open to everyone and indexed by search engines. Many people believe that the surface web is the internet, when in reality it barely covers 10% of all existing web content. 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.
Migrating this data and utilizing newer technology led to exponential increases in productivity, efficiency, and security. The part above the water is the “surface web,” where you can find webpages using search engines such as Google or Bing. It’s a tangle of hidden chat rooms, private websites, and technologies that can only be accessed with specialized web browsing software. The effects of identity theft are far-reaching and can have serious negative impacts on your life.
Dark web monitoring tools should also play an active role in an organization’s overall security program. When a user’s password has been exposed on the dark web, forcing a password reset, deploying step-up authentication, or locking the account is necessary depending on the organization’s appetite for friction. Swift action is necessary to prevent account takeover (ATO) attacks and fraud attempts. Unfortunately, not all criminal activity takes place solely via the dark web, which means dark web monitoring software offers insufficient protection in some situations.
Aura’s Identity Guard® Platinum is a premium identity theft protection service that combines advanced monitoring, alerts, and resolution services to help individuals protect their personal information and financial well-being. Sontiq was formed in 2019, when EZShield, the leader in digital identity protection and resolution, acquired IdentityForce, the #1-rated identity theft protection provider for businesses and consumers. In March 2021, Sontiq acquired Cyberscout, the leading cyber products and services provider to the Insurance Industry.
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines, making it a hidden marketplace for illicit activities. Dark web monitoring has become a critical tool for individuals and organizations to protect their sensitive information from cyber threats.
If an organization cannot contain the breach quickly enough, hiring a public relations firm might be necessary to manage it effectively. Furthermore, creating and training employees regularly on an incident response plan should also be prioritized. Each credible alert is accompanied by proactive advice on next steps your security team should take to protect your data or thwart a cyberattack.
Receive alerts of emerging plans or imminent threats with 24/7 monitoring of credentials, PII, IP, or other sensitive assets that may surface in dark web forums or marketplaces. Learn how a digital risk protection solution gives you visibility into your global attack surface and dark web activity and builds a complete cyber threat profile. The power of dark web monitoring tools in cybersecurity cannot be overstated.
What is Dark Web Monitoring?
Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web for stolen or compromised personal and financial information. This proactive approach helps identify potential risks and allows for prompt action to mitigate damage.
The Importance of Dark Web Monitoring
With the increasing number of data breaches and cyberattacks, dark web monitoring has gained immense importance due to the following reasons:
- Identity Theft Prevention: Keeping an eye on personal information to prevent unauthorized use.
- Credential Monitoring: Notifying when stolen login credentials are found on the dark web.
- Brand Protection: Safeguarding a company’s reputation by identifying counterfeit products or misuse of branding.
- Regulatory Compliance: Assisting organizations in adhering to legal requirements concerning data protection.
How Dark Web Monitoring Works
The process of dark web monitoring typically includes the following steps:
- Data Collection: Automated tools crawl the dark web to gather data from forums, marketplaces, and other websites.
- Analysis: Collected data is analyzed for signs of compromised information related to individuals or organizations.
- Alerting: Users receive alerts when their information is found on the dark web, prompting them to take action.
- Mitigation: Organizations implement strategies to minimize damage, such as changing passwords or enhancing security protocols.
Benefits of Dark Web Monitoring Services
Utilizing dark web monitoring services can provide multiple benefits, including:
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your information is being monitored reduces anxiety related to potential breaches.
- Rapid Response: Immediate alerts allow timely interventions to protect sensitive data.
- Expert Insight: Access to cybersecurity experts who understand the dark web landscape.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Monitoring across various dark web platforms, ensuring thorough protection.
FAQs about Dark Web Monitoring
Q: Can I monitor the dark web myself?
A: While some tools are available for individuals, navigating the dark web requires specific expertise and tools that professional services offer.
Q: How often should dark web monitoring be performed?
A: Continuous monitoring is recommended to stay updated on any potential threats as they can emerge at any time.
Q: What should I do if my information is found on the dark web?
A: It is essential to change passwords immediately, enhance security settings, and possibly contact your bank or relevant authorities.
Q: Is dark web monitoring suitable for businesses only?
A: No, dark web monitoring is beneficial for individuals as well, particularly those whose personal information could be compromised.
Conclusion
In an age where cyber threats are ever-evolving, dark web monitoring serves as an essential line of defense against identity theft and data breaches. By understanding its significance and utilizing monitoring services, both individuals and organizations can effectively safeguard their sensitive information from the lurking dangers of the dark web.
