As a concept, dark web monitoring is a process of searching and continuously tracking information on the dark web. This type of Web content, also referred to as the Dark Net, is an encrypted section not indexed by search engines and requires a specific configuration to access. The Tor browser is one way to access the dark web as it uses layers of encryption to hide the source and destination of web traffic. Organizations utilize dark web monitoring to search for information such as corporate email addresses or information about their company.
The dark web differs from the deep and clear web as it is unable to be accessed by traditional web browsers and requires specialized tools. While the clear web can be accessed via search engines and the deep web is not indexed, the dark web is intentionally hidden. It is often used for illegal activities such as drug trafficking or identity theft, but could also have legal uses such as the exchange of proprietary business information or communication between political activists.
The importance of dark web monitoring stems from the need to prevent cybersecurity threats to both organizations and individuals. Individuals use dark web monitoring services to search for personal data in illicit marketplaces. Hackers often retrieve this data and use it for identity theft or phishing campaigns. Organizations use dark web monitoring for threat prevention of corporate data breaches and to enforce customer data protection.
Dark web monitoring requires specific intelligence platforms for enterprise use, many of which come as features in larger security software-as-a-service products. These services scan multiple sources on the dark web to report exposed assets or identities in real time and can be configured to send alerts when relevant information has been exposed on the dark web. Dark web monitoring can find personally identifiable information, financial information, medical information, credentials, business data, educational data, and communication.
There are many benefits to dark web monitoring, including threat detection, data exfiltration, compliance, reconnaissance, and automation. However, while there is valuable information on the dark web, not all of it is exclusive to the dark web. There are also limitations to dark web monitoring such as the availability of information on the clear web and the possibility of hackers using private communication channels.
As such, dark web monitoring should be used in conjunction with other traditional security practices, such as identity management, establishing a strong security culture, updating security policies, and practicing patch management. These practices help maintain a strong security posture and help prevent cybersecurity threats.