A Closer Look At The Dark Web

Monica Morris • Mar 06, 2018

The internet is much bigger than what most people realize. Most people know about Google, Facebook, Amazon, BBC and other popular websites, but very few really know beyond these websites.

There is another part called the Dark Web which is a shady corner of the internet that can only be accessed using specialized software.

Why should the deep web be of interest to you?

First, let’s take a closer look at the dark web, sometimes known as the deep web or darknet.

Understanding the Dark Web

The internet you know is barely scratching the tip of the iceberg. What we know as the internet accounts for only 15% of all searches and pages. The rests are huge databases and hidden accounts represented by the dark web.

The Dark Web is a collective term referring to specific websites existing on an encrypted network that cannot be found through a traditional search engine or visited using the usual traditional browsers. Tor is the anonymity-based browser used for hiding user’s activity on the web. It is also the ideal tool for accessing the dark web. Just like a VPN service, Tor can change your location such that it appears you’re accessing the web from a different country other than where you reside. After installing the TOR software, you can connect to the dark web and use the built-in browser to search the dark web for anything you want.

When webmasters and website owners run their sites through Tor, the website’s IP address is encrypted so that it appears at a different IP address on Tor’s private network.  The level of secrecy of websites running on the dark web goes beyond hiding IP addresses, which makes it difficult to know the real faces behind these sites.

Although a majority of websites on the dark web use Tor, there are those using similar services such as I2P, but the underlying operating principle remains the same. To access the websites on the darknet, you must use a specialized browser such as Tor.

Who Uses the Dark Web?

Since the main selling point of the dark web is anonymity, it has become the ideal rendezvous point for hackers, cyber-criminals, drug dealers and other privacy-seeking individuals. This has necessitated the creation of special security units by governments to infiltrate and obtain intelligence from the dark web in order to burst criminal groups.

Apart from shady characters, there are many activists and journalists from autocratic countries who use the dark web to expose secrets and present their ideas anonymously.

How Dark Web Research Can Benefit Your Business

Even with its notorious reputation, the dark web can serve as a security resource for organizations. Because trading in stolen data such as user logins and credit cards have become a service staple on the deep web, businesses can beam their searchlight on criminal networks so that they can quickly react to data breaches or learn the latest hacking methods so as to block the loopholes.

The dark web offers cybercriminals a relatively safe and secure platform for their illegal operations, thus attracting large numbers of cybercriminals. It has also led to a dramatic increase in cyber attacks due to its low risk to reward ratio. Your business can take advantage of the large congregation of cybercriminals in the deep web to gather insightful intelligence. This can be as simple as using your existing IT resources and teams to carry out such task.

When you monitor the dark web, you can find out, what has been stolen and information that may be used against your business. Your company can develop a useful cybersecurity data repository that can be used in predicting attack targets and improve the overall business security.

How closely and frequently you research the dark web will depend on your company’s risk assessment levels. It is, however, critical to include deep web research as part of your business’s security so that you can understand your business’s potential attackers and their motivations. Organizations whose IT teams are overworked can outsource their research to specialist security companies.

As with every aspect of cybersecurity, the goal is not to just gather intelligence but to take action and create effective incidence response policy to mitigate potential attacks.

To learn more about how monitoring the dark web can help keep your business safe, please click here to contact one of our team members.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown
05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.
06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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