Whether you’re a business owner, parent, or anyone surfing the Web, you must take precautions to keep your business information and private life off the Dark Web. A dark web scan can help.
Before discussing the dark web scan, we need to define the Dark Web. To do this, we’ll explore a metaphor that explains the entirety of the Internet. For this metaphor, we’ll use the ocean.
What is the Dark Web?
When we think about the ocean, we think about its vastness and depth. The same can be said for the Internet. The surface of the sea, where most of us spend our time surfing, is known as the Surface Web. The surface web makes up about 5% of the entire Internet.
Just below the Surface Web is the Deep Web. You might fish for information on the Deep Web, which covers 90% of the ocean. There’s still some light in the Deep Web, but as the water deepens, the temperature drops, and the light diminishes.
Finally, we have the Dark Web or the remaining percentage of the Internet. This area of the Internet is pitch black, so the information here goes undetected. Cybersecurity threats are the most dangerous catch.
Structure of the Web
The Surface Web is visible to everyone and indexed by search engines like Google. When you search for a term, Google knows to return your search using the website pages it indexes. This process uses Spider Bots – don’t worry, these are good guys.
Search engines don’t index the Deep Web; content is hidden behind a password. Think about logging into your bank account or pending web page redesigns in WordPress. This sensitive information is found here, but just because it isn’t indexed doesn’t mean it’s not stealable.
In the Dark Web area of the Internet, there is no indexing happening by traditional search engines because to access this part of the Internet, you need to use a specific browser.
What is TOR?
After reading all that, you may not be surprised that the Dark Web has roots connected to the U.S Naval Research Laboratory. In the early 2000s, The Naval Research Laboratory developed the TOR network to create open safe communication channels for intelligence operatives worldwide.
This TOR browser is the primary channel to access the Dark Web. You might think, “If The Naval Research Laboratory created a safe and open communication tool then I’d be okay, right?” Not necessarily.
As you begin to wade into the waters of the Deep Web, you put yourself at risk because these waters are not regulated.
Is the Dark Web Illegal?
Naturally, the question arises – is it illegal? The answer is no. Many TOR and Dark Web users use these tools because they believe they shouldn’t be tracked or regulated as individuals.
Anyone can access the Dark Web through the TOR browser, and this is where the trouble begins. Hackers and other Cybersecurity criminals have the same access and use it to buy and trade illegal materials.
Anytime you or an employee accesses the Dark Web, you put your organization at risk.
What are the Risks of Surfing the Dark Web?
How does this impact your business? Great question, and before we plunge into it, here’s a cybercriminal shopping list provided by Privacy Sharks.
All of the items listed below are the current 2023 pricing.
| Credit Card Data on the Dark Web | Dark Web Price |
| Mastercard (PIN included) | $20 |
| Visa (PIN included) | $20 |
| American Express (PIN included) | $25 |
| US credit card (CVV included) | $17 |
| Payment Platform Data on the Dark Web | Dark Web Price |
| Netflix subscription | $4-$25 (depending on type of account) |
| Hulu subscription | $5 |
| HBO subscription | $4 |
| Social Media Data on the Dark Web | Dark Web Price |
| Facebook account | $45 |
| Instagram account | $40 |
| Twitter account | $25 |
Other popular items for sale include passwords, physical addresses, and social security numbers. From a business perspective, hackers can also shop for things like medical records or confidential corporate web pages.
Cybersecurity criminals can hack all that information you have behind a password located on the Deep Web. All it takes is for one untrained employee to open a nefarious email, and it’s game over.
Tools For Hackers
Criminals deploy several tools to compromise your employees. Four of these main tools are:
- Botnet Malware
- Keyloggers
- Phishing Malware
- Ransomware
The fallout from a comprise can include but is not limited to:
- Reputational Damage
- Undermining Brand Trust and Authority
- Disruption of Business due to DDoS attacks impairing operations
- Defrauding the business, including IP theft leading to a financial loss
How ONE 2 ONE Can Help – FREE Scan!
Here’s a breakdown of why a scan is so important and what you can expect when you complete one.
We Put Security First
We offer a complimentary baseline security assessment that analyzes your business’ dark web presence. The scan looks at breached credentials and human-related security risks. To beat cybercriminals, we have to share the cybersecurity responsibility.
We Find What’s Compromised
We scan the Dark Web based on your domain and find all accounts involved in a breach. This information, including compromised credentials, is freely available on the dark Web.
What Would Your Employees Do?
Having compromised information on the dark Web can increase your risk of receiving a phishing email. See what your employees do when sent a fake phishing email and assess your human vulnerabilities.
Remediation with Education
We can provide you with engaging, video-based security awareness training. Educate your employees on the risks they face so you can help them better protect themselves and your business.
But Why?
Cybercriminals take advantage of businesses with limited budgets. Technology alone isn’t enough when employees are opening the door to cybercriminals. Let’s help your employees keep the door locked.