You have probably been hearing more people in business discussing using dark web monitoring as part of they cyber protection. The reason it is such a useful addition to protection is it helps you actively seek out any information that is compromised. Including passwords, intellectual property or sensitive data. This information may not be misused at this stage, just available to cybercriminals.
Being alerted to information being available allows businesses to create a plan of action to protect those assets. If you are seeing the same users’ credentials showing up on the dark web regularly, you can create a plan for training and frequent password updates, setting up MFA on that users devices, shared drive etc. The tech team will be proactive and make sure the user has not had any breaches of access on any company property.
The type of information you see available after running a dark web scan can also prompt businesses to change or create new policies for their company. An acceptable use policy is an easy way to introduce employees to being mindful of their work devices and creating some solid best practices that will help protect the business.
Dark web scanning can only show you what data is available; it cannot remove it. That will be up to your IT Team and management team to create a plan of action. Also, because it can be completed with out a password you will get even more information uncovered from a deep web scan.
However dark web scans can also map out sections of the dark web and provide sources of intelligence on where threats are coming from that allow businesses to mitigate or prevent hacking. It can identify emerging threats and protect businesses from targeted attacks. Without Dark web monitoring it would take months to be alerted that a data breach occurred. It also helps to reduce the window of opportunity for criminals to make copies of any information. Any information found on the dark web can be integrated into other security systems to create more accurate insights.
Whether a business is big or small dark web monitoring offers 24/7 surveillance and offers protection for stakeholders. Because dark web monitoring identifies sensitive information of employees, clients and executives that is available on the dark web, this information can be used to stop cyber criminals. This helps undermine risk and prevent data breaches.
Remember some tips to help prevent business information ending up on the dark web. Conduct security awareness training and be careful of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies. Use strong passwords, change them regularly and use MFA (Multi Factor Authentication). Browse securely use spam filters and have a good firewall in place.
Finally safeguard information. If a dark web scan has alerted the team that a company’s information is on the dark web. The relevant individuals or department should be notified, any unauthorized changes need to be monitored. Test and asses any vulnerabilities with a third-party assessment. Enforce MFA and make sure companies’ backups are safe.
If you need more information, you can schedule time to speak with our experts at any time and we can answer any questions you may have on how to keep your business more secure big or small.