What is the dark web? Is it as dark as it sounds? Why and how it should be avoided at all costs.
You’ve probably heard about the ‘dark web’, but do you really know what it is? Many actually don’t, so in this blog we debunk some of the myths about what it is, and why it is in your best interests to avoid your company credentials ending up on it…
What is the dark web?
The dark web is an aspect of the internet that isn’t as easily visible to standard search engines- it essentially isn’t even indexed in them. The dark web is that well-hidden, it can only actually be accessed via a specialist web browser.
What is on the dark web?
Pretty much everything that is illegal or of a criminalising nature. This could be anything from purchasing credit card numbers, sensitive business data, drugs, counterfeit money and much more. Basically, if it is criminalising, then it will be hidden in the murky shadows of the dark web.
Could I stumble across the dark web by accident?
This would be highly unlikely. As mentioned, the dark web can only really be accessed via a specialist web browser. Dark web material will generally not pop up in your average day to day searches. The material on there can only be found if you have the correct tools to access it.
Could my company credentials and sensitive business data be on the dark web without my knowledge?
Sadly yes, and as dark web material isn’t indexed in typical search engines, you can’t check this via a quick google search. In 2019, a study Into the Web of Profit conducted by Dr. Michael McGuires at the University of Surrey found that of all listings on the dark web (excluding those selling drugs), 60% could potentially harm enterprises*.
*Information as quoted on csoonline
My company is too small for hackers to take an interest in
False. This is one of the biggest myths out there, and unfortunately many SMEs actually believe it. Indeed it is true that we tend to only hear of big corporations that have suffered security hacks, but that doesn’t mean SMEs don’t fall foul to attacks too, it simply means it is less news worthy, as average joe will likely not have heard of the company if it is a smaller enterprise.
In fact, smaller businesses are actually more at risk of becoming a target of dark web hackers, as they tend to lack the cybersecurity resources needed to fight off the potential threats.
What can I do to protect myself from the elicit dark web?
Tighten up your cyber security measures. There are many ways you can do this- from always using sophisticated passwords, safely storing said passwords, installing relevant antivirus and antispyware software, and using two-factor identification. These are just some of the many ways you can up your business’s cyber security measures – to avoid falling prey to dark web hackers. As you can imagine, there are different security measures for different businesses, dependant on assets and measures already in place.
Resolve offer a specific dark web scanning service as well as other more in depth security services that effectively protect businesses from the dark web, and other compromising outside threats.
For further advice as to how you can protect your business from becoming a culprit of the dark web, give one of the friendly Resolve team a call to discuss your individual needs.
