Protecting Your Business with Dark Web Monitoring

Dark web monitoring has become an essential risk management strategy for today’s organizations.

The dark web is a hidden layer of the internet where illicit activities thrive. From stolen credentials to financial data and intellectual property, it’s a breeding ground for cybercrime that can have devastating consequences for businesses. Proactively monitoring this hidden space can be the difference between catching a threat early and dealing with a costly data breach.

In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of dark web monitoring, how it works and the tools you can use to keep your business secure.

What is Dark Web Monitoring?

Dark web monitoring is the process of scanning areas of the internet that are not indexed by traditional search engines—commonly known as the “dark web”—for compromised data, such as:

• Login credentials
• Financial information (e.g., credit card numbers)
• Sensitive business documents

When this sensitive data is stolen or leaked, it is commonly traded among cybercriminals on these hidden marketplaces, forums and other platforms.

Unlike traditional security measures that focus on protecting networks, dark web monitoring seeks to identify whether your data has already been compromised. By detecting exposed credentials or stolen information, businesses can take immediate action to prevent further damage.

Why is Dark Web Monitoring Critical?

Every second counts when it comes to data breaches. According to a recent IBM report, the average time to identify and contain a data breach is 277 days. Dark web monitoring significantly reduces this timeframe by flagging compromised data as soon as it’s detected.

Additionally, it’s typical for businesses to be unaware that their sensitive data has been leaked in the first place. A user’s login credentials, for example, can be compromised in several ways, such as:

• Weak or reused passwords
• Phishing attacks
• Software vulnerabilities
• Unpatched operating systems
• Malware

In each of these scenarios, users often have no idea that their credentials have been compromised. And, it may be weeks or months before an attacker attempts to gain access to your systems with those credentials. Meanwhile, your compromised data is bought and sold on the dark web without anyone at your organization realizing it.

The Importance of a Business Dark Web Scan

Businesses, regardless of size, are frequent targets of cyberattacks. In many cases, hackers exploit stolen credentials to infiltrate systems for additional data theft or to lay the groundwork for a much bigger attack, such as ransomware.

That’s how your leaked credentials become a costly liability.

Ransomware, for example, now costs businesses an average of nearly $5 million per attack, according to IBM. Without adequate data backups, these attacks can take months to recover from. (For BCDR protection, check out Datto SIRIS pricing here.)

Even if businesses use existing cybersecurity tools like anti-virus solutions, their user credentials can still be compromised and quietly leaked onto the dark web without anyone ever realizing it. That’s why ongoing business dark web scans are now so important.

A Cost-Effective Security Solution for SMBs

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often lack the robust security resources of larger enterprises, making them prime targets. Dark web monitoring is an inexpensive, yet effective risk management strategy for SMBs that can:

• Identify compromised data linked to your business.
• Alert you to emerging threats.
• Help you understand the scope of potential vulnerabilities.

Case in Point

In 2022, a small healthcare provider faced a ransomware attack after their admin credentials were found on the dark web. By the time the breach was detected, it had already cost the organization $500,000 in ransom and recovery expenses. A proactive dark web scan could have prevented this outcome by identifying the exposed credentials earlier.

Top Dark Web Monitoring Solutions

There are several dark web monitoring tools on the market, each offering unique features to suit different needs. Here are some of the most notable:

1. Dark Web ID (Our Recommended Pick)

Dark Web ID is a comprehensive dark web monitoring tool designed for businesses. It continuously monitors for compromised credentials and sends actionable alerts. It also offers integrations with cybersecurity solutions and other IT management systems, making it a preferred choice for businesses of all sizes, as well as their managed service providers (MSPs). In fact, here at Invenio IT, Dark Web ID protection is the only dark web monitoring solution we recommend for our clients. (Request Dark Web ID pricing for your organization.)

2. SpyCloud

SpyCloud focuses on stolen identity recovery and password hygiene. It provides detailed reports on compromised credentials and offers password-reset recommendations to prevent account takeover. Some users of Spycloud have reported instances of false positive alerts, leading to unnecessary investigations and potential disruptions.

3. Have I Been Pwned

This free tool allows individuals to check if their email addresses have been compromised. As a no-cost tool, it’s not as comprehensive as other dark web monitoring solutions, but it’s a decent starting point. You simply enter your personal email address or website domain to see if your email was exposed in a breach.

4. Echosec Beacon by Flashpoint

Ideal for businesses requiring advanced threat intelligence, Echosec Beacon (now operated by Flashpoint) scans the dark web and other hidden areas of the internet for specific keywords and sensitive data. Flashpoint is largely aimed at enterprises, making it costly and complex for smaller companies.

5. IDShield

Focused on personal identity protection, IDShield monitors for compromised social security numbers, credit card data and other sensitive information. It does offer some dark web monitoring, but it’s primarily an identity theft protection service for consumers.

Which Solution is Right for You?

Selecting the right solution depends on your business size, industry and cybersecurity needs. For businesses seeking a robust monitoring and alert system, Dark Web ID offers exceptional value. (The cost of Dark Web ID starts at just $5 per user.)

Detecting Cybersecurity Breaches Early

Dark web monitoring is an essential layer of cybersecurity, but it works best in tandem with real-time breach alerts. A cybersecurity breach alert notifies businesses of unauthorized access or suspicious activity, enabling swift action to contain the threat.

How Breach Alerts Work

Breach alert systems analyze traffic, monitor user behavior and detect anomalies that might indicate a potential intrusion. Coupled with dark web monitoring, these alerts ensure businesses have a full-picture view of their security posture.

• Tip: For breach detection, Datto AV is a solid antivirus solution that can detect threats that traditional antivirus software misses. (Datto AV pricing here.) For more robust security, consider Datto Endpoint Detection & Response. (Datto EDR pricing here.)

Best Practices for Implementing Dark Web Monitoring

Dark web monitoring is most effective when integrated into a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. Here’s how to make the most of it:

1. Conduct Regular Scans

Use a dark web monitoring solution that scans the dark web continuously, 24 hours a day. If continuous scanning is not an option, be sure to manually schedule routine scans to identify exposed data before it can be exploited.

2. Educate Your Team

Human error is a leading cause of compromised credentials and breaches. Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and maintain strong password hygiene.

3. Layer Your Security

Complement dark web monitoring with other tools like endpoint protection and disaster recovery. At Invenio IT, we offer an array of solutions that can work seamlessly with monitoring tools.

4. Act Quickly

If compromised data is detected, take immediate steps to secure your accounts and notify affected parties. Below, we outline some of the more important steps.

What If Your Credentials are Found on the Dark Web?

Let’s say your dark web monitoring solution has alerted you to compromised data on the dark web. What now?

Here are some specific steps you should take right away to prevent a breach.

• Change passwords immediately: Update passwords for all affected accounts and use strong, unique passwords for each account.
• Remove/edit affected accounts: In addition to changing passwords, it may be necessary to remove an affected account completely. For example, you may want to issue a new email address and/or login credentials to the user.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of security by enabling MFA wherever possible. This will help to prevent unauthorized logins, even if the attacker has the user’s credentials. You can check out Duo MFA pricing here.
• Identify and patch vulnerabilities: Determine how the credentials were leaked and implement applicable security measures as quickly as possible, such as system patches. If larger leaks are identified, conduct a thorough investigation to identify the source of the leak, how the data was compromised and whether additional information was accessed.

FAQs About Dark Web Monitoring

1. Is it possible to monitor the dark web?

Yes, dark web monitoring tools make it possible to monitor the dark web for compromised login credentials or other sensitive data. Solutions like Dark Web ID are designed specifically for businesses to identify data leaks and prevent a breach.

2. Is dark web monitoring a good idea?

Yes, dark web monitoring is a strongly recommended cybersecurity practice for businesses and individuals. It lets you know if your sensitive data is found on the dark web, so that you can take action to fill those security gaps and identify the source of the leak.

3. What is the dark web, and is it legal?

The “dark web” refers to encrypted online spaces that require specialized browsers to access. While the dark web itself is legal and can be used for legitimate purposes, it’s also used for illicit activities, including the sale of compromised login credentials.

4. How do businesses monitor the dark web for threats?

Businesses use tools like Dark Web ID to continuously scan for compromised data, such as login credentials or leaked intellectual property.

5. What happens if your data is found on the dark web?

If data is detected, businesses should:

1. Change compromised credentials immediately.
2. Investigate the source of the breach.
3. Strengthen their cybersecurity measures to prevent future incidents.

6. Can small businesses afford dark web monitoring?

Yes. Some tools, such Dark Web ID, offer scalable dark web monitoring at an affordable price for small to mid-size companies.

7. How often should businesses perform a dark web scan?

Ideally, businesses should use solutions that provide continuous monitoring to catch breaches in real-time.

Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Cyber Threats

The dark web is a growing threat to businesses of all sizes, but tools like Dark Web ID can provide the insights needed to stay ahead of cybercriminals. By integrating dark web monitoring into your cybersecurity strategy, you can reduce risks, protect sensitive data and safeguard your business.

Find Out if Your Company Data is on the Dark Web

Take action before it’s too late. Request Dark Web ID pricing for your organization to see if your credentials are exposed, so you can prevent a costly data breach. For more information, schedule a meeting with our IT specialists at Invenio IT, call us at (646) 395-1170 or email success@invenioIT.com.