Wikipedia defines dark web as “the World Wide Web content that exists on darknets, overlay networks that use the Internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorization to access.”
Simply put, the dark web is the hidden world of internet sites that can be accessed only by a specialized web browser. It is utilized to keep internet activity private and anonymous, which can be useful in both legal and illegal uses. While some use it to avoid censorship, it is the hub of illegal activities like contract killing and selling data
Let’s make it clearer.
You must have heard of the underground world that exists parallel to our world. It is a supernatural world. Although some might believe it exists, it is not visible to them. Same can be said about the dark web. It is the underground of the digital world.
It is beyond the reach of the commonly used browsers. It is also known as surface web or open web as it is not commonly visible. We use email. We visit Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Then, there are a lot of legitimate websites such as Tech Republic, New York Times, PC World and Wikipedia.
So this is how we browse the web every day. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. There is also another world wide web being available through particular browsers. Even it can’t be accessed via search engines like Google and Yahoo. It is just like exploring the hidden layers of an onion.
Interestingly, over 90% of online content is darknet or deep web. This is because the world of the dark web is endless and it is almost impossible to find how many pages or sites are active at one time.
It is only accessible with special tools like Tor and software or other protocol/browsers beyond direct links or credentials.
What You Can Find On the Dark Web
Dark Web is notorious for illegal activities and the trade of illegal goods, data and viruses. In fact, the dark web once had its own marketplace termed as the Silk Road modelled on Amazon to enable the sale of illegal products. Although the Silk Road is closed, and the man behind it was in jail, other illegal marketplaces are still booming on the Dark Web.
What are the Dangers of Dark Web?
So you must have understood that Dark Web is the part of the Internet which is not controlled by law and regulations. Anyone can do anything over here.
While it might be an exciting place for someone looking to evade censorships and buy illegitimate things, exploring the dark web is just like interacting with a person suffering from Coronavirus. You can get infected, too.
The risk of malware can’t be overlooked. It is created to infect a computer. It can be a common risk while visiting the dark web. According to one report, a careless visitor to a dark website can make their computers vulnerable to the following threats:
- Vawtrack to gain access to your financial accounts
- Skynet to setalbitcoins and launch DDOS attacks
- Nionspy to capture keystrokes, steal documents and record video/audio of the victim computer.
Apart from the dangers of malware, a dark web visitor might get into the surveillance of the government or security agencies. There are some nations where exploring a political website about democracy can send you behind the bars. That’s why the use of incognito browsers like Tor is on the rise. Such visitors should also keep in mind that dark websites are pinned down by cyber police.
Why Dark Web Monitoring is Important for Your Business?
The dark web is a dangerous place.
It is an illegal marketplace where the stolen sensitive data and credit card numbers are put on sale.
No wonder if you found your business data also found on sale over there.
This is especially true if you are a small business as you are likely to have fewer IT security resources than larger companies.
Singapore has a booming digital environment as many businesses have websites in the nation, making it the goldmine for threat actors. That’s why dark web monitoring should be one of the key IT solutions in Singapore to protect the websites.
Threat actors also know that you are less likely to identify a breach, so you are might not figure out the sale of stolen information on the dark web. That’s why your small business is an attractive target.
Therefore, it is important to be careful and protect your data from the clutches of the dark web crusaders.
And dark web monitoring can help you in that. This service or tool helps in theft prevention that lets you track your confidential data on the Dark Web and notifies you for the same.
Simply put, it lets you track your information on the dark web if it is there. The notification will be sent via email. The next steps to deal with that can also be suggested with this service.
Here are some key benefits of Dark Web Monitoring
Identifying Data Breaches:
Dark web monitoring services scan the dark web world to detect the traces of your data over there. It will track all the websites to see if your information is circulating on dark web networks and associated channels.
Identifying Physical Threats:
Some dark web monitoring tools can alert you when a threat actor lures or potentially threatens your employee or assets.
How Dark Web Monitoring Services Work
Luckily, many cybersecurity companies provide Dark Web Monitoring services. Here are some common features of this service.
· Dark Web Threat Alerts
· Data Tracking and Reporting
· Comprised Trending and Benchmarking of Data
· Supply Chain Threat Monitoring
· Client Management
How to Protect Your Small Business from Dark Web
Using Dark Web monitoring tools are not enough. You also need to stick to basic cybersecurity practices. Here’s how…
Listen to Your Gut Instinct:
Something sounds too good to be real? Or there is a website or add that promises to give a million-dollar reward if you take their quiz?
Here you need to do only one thing—avid them.
Protect Your Identity:
Avoid providing your email ID unless you are sure that you are dealing with a legitimate website. A throwaway email address can also be created. Avoid using the same password for every online account.
Minimize the Use of Credit Card:
Don’t use the credit card that can be tracked directly and make your financial information vulnerable. Instead, use single-use and prepaid cards for online transactions. Also, make sure the website URL starts with “https://” rather than “Http://”. The “s” on the former means “secure socket layer,” and it assures that the information is encrypted.
Besides, activate the notifications and alerts for sending and receiving money.
Avoid Download or Open Files Online From Suspicious Websites:
Antivirus software should be installed on your PC to scan and detect malicious files and viruses. Avoid open malicious links.
Update Your Browsers Regularly:
Make sure to update your web browser from time to time to prevent the attack of new threats.
So you must have understood the risk of dark web monitoring and why it is one of the key IT solutions in Singapore every small business should have.
What do you think? Let us know by commenting below!
