Is your Data on the Auction Block?

Most people have heard of the dark web, but perhaps don’t know what it’s all about. This part of the web is ‘dark’ in two ways – because it’s hidden underneath our ‘surface’ internet, and because it’s a perilous place.

Traversals points out the differences between the three components of the Worldwide Web:
1: The Surface web of indexed sites that we all use every day is only about 5% of the web.

2: The Deep Web, where non-indexed but legitimate data comprises 95% of the web. This is where your passwords and other sensitive information is stored.

3: The Dark Web, which operates as a cyber ‘Black Market’ is only about .01% of the web, but it’s the most dangerous part.

You can’t get to the dark web from here with a simple Google search. You need special software to access its troubled waters. Criminals use the dark web for many bad things, including at least one documented and prosecuted ‘murder for hire.’ If your data ends up there, you should be the first to know.

Dark web monitoring services will keep you informed.

Should I use dark web monitoring?

As one might assume, dark web monitoring checks to see if your information has been stolen and put up for sale on the dark web. It can find stolen passwords, login credentials, banking information and credit card numbers – among many other things. This helps you know if someone stole your data

Monitoring Protects Your Identity

By monitoring you can catch it early if thieves are selling your stolen information on the dark web and react quickly by changing passwords to protect yourself.

Monitoring Helps Businesses

This is not just for consumers - businesses use dark web monitoring too. A consumer might suffer identity theft and stolen money, but a serious breach can put a company out of business. It shows them if someone hacked their data. They can act quickly to stop more damage – such as a full-on data breach.

How is dark web monitoring done?

It requires special tools to monitor the dark web -they search the dark web in real time, looking for specific information, like Social Security Numbers (SSNs), email addresses or credit card numbers.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a key component

Look for monitoring tools that incorporate artificial intelligence because it speeds up the search and performs better by spotting patterns that people might miss.

Alerts

Monitoring tools send an alert when they find your information. This tells you right away if someone stole your data.

A bit of advice: Do NOT try wandering around the dark web on your own. Enlist the help of an IT services professional.

What information can be found on the dark web?

Dark web monitoring can find many things. The top three:

Passwords

Credit Card Numbers

Social Security Numbers (SSNs)

Is Dark Web Monitoring Enough Protection?

No single entity is enough protection. You need a full palette of cybersecurity tools. Dark web monitoring is important, but it has limits. You still need to be careful online. Here are other things you can do:

Use strong passwords: Make long, hard-to-guess passwords. Use different ones for each account. Please reference ‘Creating Strong Passwords’ on this site.

Use caution with what you share: Don’t put too much personal info online. Be careful on social media.

Keep your software updated and patched: Always update your computer and phone. This helps keep hackers out.

How to start dark web monitoring?

You can get dark web monitoring in many ways:

Free Options: Some banks offer it for free. Check with your bank or credit card company.

Paid Services: Some companies focus just on dark web monitoring. They often have more features than free options.

Once you are monitoring the dark web, check it often – at least once a week is good. If you get an alert, check right away.

What if my personal information is found on the dark web?

Don’t panic if your info shows up on the dark web, but immediately do these things:

Change Passwords: Change the password for any account that was found. Use a new, strong password.

Check Your Accounts: Look at your bank and credit card statements. Make sure nothing looks wrong.

Freeze Your Credit: This makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.

Are dark web monitoring services worth it?

Yes, dark web monitoring is worth the cost. It helps organizations detect and respond to threats before they escalate into major breaches. Taking a proactive approach allows you to identify risks early, protect sensitive data and prevent financial losses. Dark web monitoring is very useful. It tells you when someone steals your information. You can then act fast to protect yourself.