Dark Web Monitoring: The Key to Safeguarding Your Data

Around 978,957 cases of sensitive data exposure on the dark web have been reported for the last 6 months, which is a 10% increase when compared with the first half of 2024. Owing to its anonymity, the dark web has become a convenient source of sensitive data hackers can use to attack their victims.

For that reason, many businesses start to front-run these cyber threats and monitor dark web data leaks sites to know whether they’re at risk. In this article, we’ll describe what dark web monitoring is how it helps businesses stay protected, and what VeePN can do to shield your business from data breaches.

VeePN Research Lab

Jan 9, 2025

8 min read

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What is dark web monitoring?

Dark web monitoring is the process of tracking and scanning the dark web for sensitive or stolen data, such as login credentials, trade secrets, and proprietary information. Unlike the surface web, the dark web is not indexed by conventional search engines, making it a haven for cybercriminals. Specialized dark web monitoring tools and services delve into these hidden areas to search for and monitor information that could pose a threat to your organization. This proactive approach is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, helping businesses protect their sensitive data and prevent potential cyber-attacks.

What gets sold on dark web leak sites?

Before we talk about dark web monitoring, let’s find out what information can be sold on dark web data leaks sites: other sensitive data such as intellectual property and proprietary information, in addition to login credentials, can also be found.

Stolen credentials

Your login details, email addresses, and passwords can be “a valuable asset for sale” on dark web digital marketplaces. Buying and selling sensitive information on the dark web has become a routine for hackers. The infamous dating site Ashley Madison data breach can provide a chilling example in this respect. In 2015, hackers exposed over 30 million user accounts, revealing personal information and causing significant personal and professional damage by selling their user’s credentials on the dark web.

Corporate secrets and intellectual property

No organization is immune to cyber attacks which means corporate secrets and other sensitive information often leak to dark web marketplaces. For instance, NVIDIA suffered a data breach, where hackers not only stole employee credentials but also leaked proprietary information and design documents for sale. Such incidents can seriously damage a company’s competitive advantage, market position, and reputation.

Malware, ransomware, and phishing kits

Since the dark web has become a place where cybercriminals can prepare for their attacks anonymously, spread of such “services” as Ransomware-as-a-Service, phishing kits, and ready-to-go malware is also common. Anyone who intends to scam users and businesses can buy such instruments and target them towards their victims.

Under circumstances of constant threats stemming from the dark web, monitoring the hidden part of the Internet is essential for businesses if they want to be well-prepared for cyber attacks. So, it’s time to discuss how dark web monitoring works.

Common threats and risks

The dark web is a bustling marketplace for illegal activities, where cybercriminals trade in stolen data, malware, and hacking tools. Common threats lurking in these shadowy corners include stolen data and credentials, malware and ransomware, phishing and social engineering attacks, and identity theft and fraud. These threats can lead to severe consequences for businesses and individuals alike, including data breaches, financial loss, and significant reputational damage. Understanding these risks underscores the importance of robust dark web monitoring.

How dark web monitoring works

Dark web monitoring is one of the most reliable security measures as it works like a specialized search engine, penetrating areas of the Internet invisible to conventional security tools. These dark web monitoring tools include: A comprehensive dark web monitoring solution involves continuously tracking the dark web for compromised data.

🔎Threat intelligence. Continuous scanning of dark web forums, marketplaces, and communication channels to identify potential dark web threats before they affect a company. Dark web monitoring work involves a multistep process aimed at protecting organizations’ data from cybercriminals.

🔎Threat hunting. Proactively searching for signs of compromised sensitive information, leaked credentials, or planned cyberattacks targeting specific companies.

🔎Fast incident response. Rapid detection and mitigation of potential security breaches to reduce potential damage.

Features of a dark web monitoring service

A comprehensive dark web monitoring service offers several key features designed to protect your organization from cyber threats:

Real-time monitoring: Continuous surveillance of the dark web for any signs of sensitive or stolen data.
Advanced threat detection and analysis: Utilizing sophisticated algorithms to identify and assess potential threats.
Automated alerts and notifications: Immediate alerts when suspicious activity or data breaches are detected.
Comprehensive coverage: Monitoring a wide range of dark web platforms, including hidden forums, marketplaces, and encrypted chat rooms.
Proactive threat detection and response: Identifying threats before they can cause harm and enabling swift action.
Integration with other security systems: Seamlessly working with your existing security infrastructure to provide a holistic defense.

Benefits of dark web monitoring tools

Speaking about the major benefits of dark web monitoring tools, we can highlight the following:

😎Protection of sensitive data: Dark web monitoring identifies potential exposures before they can be exploited by hackers.

😎Financial loss reduction: Thanks to proactive dark web monitoring, it becomes possible to prevent costly data breaches and potential ransomware attacks.

😎Immediate detection: Dark web monitoring tools let companies have real-time awareness about potential security threats.

😎Dark web threats readiness: As soon as any digital threat emerges, businesses will know about it and take action to stay one step ahead of emerging threats.

But we need to say that dark web monitoring tools are obviously no silver bullet. That’s why you should take into account other aspects of cybersecurity to ensure 360-degree protection of your company.

Who needs dark web monitoring?

Dark web monitoring is essential for any organization that handles sensitive customer data or possesses valuable intellectual property. This includes businesses across various sectors, financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies. Additionally, individuals concerned about their personal data and the risk of identity theft can also benefit from dark web monitoring services. By keeping a vigilant eye on the dark web, these entities can better protect themselves from potential cyber threats.

Best practices to complement dark web monitoring

Adopting these best practices will significantly improve your ability to mitigate threats online. To safeguard your from potential risks and various cyber threats and complement your dark web monitoring activities: Integrating data from dark web monitoring platforms into various security systems enhances the overall accuracy of insights derived from the entire security stack.

☝️Educate employees. Human error remains the most significant security vulnerability. Regular cybersecurity training can dramatically reduce risks and raise awareness among your workers about the importance of cybersecurity in the company.

☝️Secure all endpoints. Implement comprehensive security protocols across all devices and network access points to ensure the risks of invasion “from the outside” are minimal.

☝️Use a VPN. Using a virtual private network (VPN) app is an essential layer of digital protection thanks to its ability to encrypt all your Internet traffic and mask real IP addresses. Actually, VPNs are an underrated cybersecurity tool ignored by many organizations. That’s why we would like to prove to you that using a VPN is essential for your digital security. Keep on reading to learn why!

How VPN enhances cybersecurity

Using a VPN can improve your online security in the following ways:

👍Protect Internet privacy. As we have mentioned, a VPN can encrypt Internet connections and mask IP addresses, so that nobody can see what your company staff is doing online and where it is located.

👍Secure data transfers. Since all Internet traffic is encrypted and goes through a remote server, you can create secure tunnels for sensitive information exchange.

👍Prevent unauthorized tracking. Once VPN lets you conceal your identity online, you can prevent tracking by third parties which ensures hackers won’t get any valuable information for preparing an attack on your company.

⚠️Warning: Free VPNs often lack robust security features and may even sell user data to third parties.

Why choose VeePN for cybersecurity protection?

VeePN can become your reliable cybersecurity tool as it offers a wide range of advanced security features and benefits to shield you against potential threats:

🛡️Anonymous Email: Creates a fake email address that forwards all messages to your real one that remains anonymous in such a way.

🛡️Data breach scanner: When data breach happens, this feature will immediately notify you.

🛡️AES 256-bit military-grade encryption: The most reliable encryption standard to date. Even if hackers intercept your traffic, they won’t be able to decipher it without a unique decryption key.

🛡️Money-back guarantee. VeePN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee period, so you can test our solution without investing much money upfront.

VeePN is compatible with all major operating systems and platforms, so you can use one subscription with up to 10 devices. Get VeePN today to complement your dark web monitoring with a robust all-in-one cybersecurity tool!

FAQ

Dark web monitoring is generally safe when performed by reputable services that use secure methods to scan for compromised data without exposing your personal information. These services monitor dark web marketplaces and forums to alert you if your sensitive data, like passwords or financial details, is found. However, ensure you use a trusted provider to avoid scams or misuse of your data.

Yes, it is legal to browse the dark web, as accessing it through tools like Tor is not inherently against the law. However, engaging in illegal activities, such as buying stolen data or illicit goods, is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe consequences. Always exercise caution and stay on the right side of the law when browsing.

Yes, there are dark web monitoring tools and software such as Have I Been Pwned or Aura that are designed to scan dark web forums, marketplaces, and databases for compromised information like email addresses, passwords, and credit card details. These tools notify users if their sensitive data appears on the dark web, helping them take action to protect their accounts and identity.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.