Data breaches are one of the biggest threats facing businesses nowadays. Criminals seize sensitive information, such as passwords, financial records, and intellectual property. Their aim? Cause as much financial and reputational damage as possible.
In 2024, the average data breach cost in the United States reached $9.36 million. That kind of loss can cripple any sized business and destroy its reputation in the eyes of customers.
Worst of all, data breaches can be difficult to expect, as many come from a hidden part of the internet, the dark web. This space comprises hidden forums and marketplaces that aren’t listed on search engines. Hackers use it as a safe space to share, swap, and sell data to the highest bidder.
The dark web has become a haven for cybercriminals to hide in. But thankfully, advances in cyber security are helping businesses defend themselves. Let’s explore the best way to monitor the dark web and catch vulnerabilities before they become a crisis.
The Importance of Dark Web Monitoring
The dark web thrives in isolation. By ignoring it, you give criminals the upper hand. They have the opportunity to swap information and work collaboratively against your business. Leaked data can then be a constant threat until removed.
But what if there’s a way to shine a light on their actions? The truth is that dark web monitoring for business is the best defense against the unknown. The service can detect and respond to cyber threats you otherwise would ignore.
It works by tracking keywords related to your business across the dark web. You will get an alert in real time if you’re mentioned across hidden forums, communities, and marketplaces. And since the tool works 24/7, you don’t have to have an active presence on the dark web.
There are many reasons why dark web monitoring has become the best defense against threats. These include:
1. Early Detection of Threats
In cybersecurity, time is everything. The longer a threat goes unnoticed, the bigger the crisis. The longer it takes you to react, the more vulnerable sensitive information becomes.
Research from 2023 found that, on average, it took businesses three days to discover cyber incidents. And it took another 33 days to complete a forensic investigation of the root causes. During that time, criminals were given all the time needed to cause damage.
2. Adherence To Law
Dark web monitoring is a proactive tool that helps you stay vigilant 24/7. Not only will this help contain a crisis, but it also helps your business adhere to data regulations.
Take the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) as an example. This law compels businesses to be proactive (not reactive) to cyber threats. By using dark web monitoring, businesses can show compliance with consumer protection regulations.
3. Cost-effective security measures
Dark web monitoring is a cost-effective cybersecurity tool aimed at minimizing your exposure. By alerting you to known vulnerabilities, it allows you to concentrate on making impactful investments.
You can maximize your security budget without investing in several separate tools. It can also highlight areas you may need to upgrade across your business.
4. Better customer trust
When a data breach occurs, many businesses focus on the financial side. While important, you must also consider your reputation. Data breaches can and will kill off any faith customers and suppliers may have in your business.
Dark web monitoring can reduce reputational damage you might face in the event of an attack. This service identifies compromised credentials, allowing you to promptly alert affected parties when a breach is detected. By seeing the lengths you go to protect them, customers and suppliers may be more willing to overlook data breaches.
How to Introduce Dark Web Monitoring into Your Business
Now that we know the importance of monitoring the dark web, it’s time to discover how to introduce it. The entire process is straightforward and should take a few steps.
Your primary focus should be on finding the best service and ensuring you incorporate it into your security protocols:
Select the Right Service for Your Business Needs
Like anything in business, you must find the right provider to meet your needs. Some important features of dark web monitoring include:
- Real-time monitoring: You need a service that works in real time to scan the dark web. This ensures you’re alerted to threats as soon as possible.
- Keyword tracking: The service should be able to use specific keywords to identify when someone mentions your business.
- Account takeover prevention: By cross-referencing credentials, the tool should flag compromised accounts.
Integrate Dark Web Monitoring Into Existing Security Strategies
It’s not cybersecurity tech that you need to consider. Dark web monitoring must become part of your cybersecurity strategy. Simple ways to maximize its impact include:
- Updating the incident response plan: Include dark web monitoring in your written action plan. This plan should outline how a business responds to alerts and who is responsible.
- Training employees: Employees must be able to use the service and react to alerts. They should also learn how their behavior can reduce cyber risks.
- Performing security auditing: Review tools and policies to ensure you’re up-to-date with cybersecurity trends. Invest in areas your monitoring service flags for you.
Expose the Dark Web Through Real-time Monitoring
The dark web has allowed cybercriminals to operate in secrecy, but businesses can still shine a light on their questionable activities.
By utilizing dark web monitoring, you can receive timely alerts about potential threats. This proactive approach gives you the best chance to respond effectively and take decisive action.
As soon as any compromising information is detected, you’ll be informed. With this knowledge, you can help prevent a serious data breach from escalating.
