What is the dark web?

The dark web is a hidden area of the internet that is not accessible through regular search engines or browsers. It is a haven for cybercriminals who trade illegal goods and services, including stolen data. It is accessible only through specific software, such as the Tor browser, which allows users to remain anonymous while browsing the dark web.

Due to its anonymity, the dark web has become a breeding ground for criminal activities, including the trading of sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, credit card information, and other personally identifiable information (PII). This illegal trade of data can lead to identity theft, fraud, and other harmful consequences.

Why is it damaging to businesses?

Businesses are at high risk because of the large amount of sensitive data they store, which in the wrong hands can be used for malicious purposes. Companies that suffer data breaches, face significant legal and financial consequences, such as fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage.

Cybercriminals can use the stolen information for various fraudulent activities, including phishing scams, identity theft, and other types of cyberattacks. Businesses must take proactive measures to protect their data and their customers’ data, including monitoring the dark web for any breaches and leaks of sensitive information.

Types of dark web data theft and leaks

The threat of the dark web is very real. In 2020, 22 billion new data records were added to the dark web, and the number continues to grow. This data can be used for a variety of criminal purposes, including phishing emails, scam phone calls, and fraudulent purchases on company credit cards.

There are various types of data theft and leaks that businesses need to be aware of on the dark web. One common method is credential stuffing, where cybercriminals use a list of stolen usernames and passwords to gain unauthorised access to accounts. They can also use these credentials to launch phishing attacks, where they send targeted emails to individuals within the company, tricking them into giving away more sensitive information.

Phishing, cold calling and malware are the most common forms of data theft. There are also some less common, but very dangerous attacks that are made possible on the dark web. One of these is insider theft, where employees or former employees sell sensitive data on the dark web. Ransomware attacks are also a growing threat, where cybercriminals encrypt a company’s data and demand payment to restore it.

How can I protect my business against data theft?

So how does a business stay safe from these dangers? The first step is to set up protective measures for your business. These include firewalls, anti-virus and cybersecurity software, password encryption, secure file-sharing software and secure phone system and communication systems. Without the first layer of defence, your business will be at risk.

One of the biggest challenges of the dark web is that it is not accessible to most people. So your customers have no way of knowing whether their sensitive data has been leaked or not. That’s where SafeWeb comes in. By scanning the dark web on your business’ behalf, we bring this hidden world to light, empowering you to take action and stay protected.

SafeWeb scans the dark web for any sensitive data, such as email addresses, passwords, and credit card details. If it detects any breaches or leaks, you are immediately notified, so that you can take the necessary actions to secure your data. SafeWeb also provides ongoing monitoring and protection, ensuring that your business stays safe from future threats.

Protect your business with Pure Cloud Solutions

At Pure Cloud Solutions, we take cyber security seriously on your behalf. We know that businesses face an ever-growing array of threats in today’s digital landscape, and we are committed to providing the tools and support they need to stay safe. SafeWeb is just one of the ways that we are helping our customers protect their data and their business.

Our engineers are experienced in setting up the best layers of defence for your business IT, from choosing the safest software, to setting up firewalls and encryption. SafeWeb is just another layer of added security, and a revolutionised technology that can keep your business safe.