The “dark web.” Even the name is intimidating. It sounds like something from a hacker movie, but this is not fiction, and you should be on alert in case your data appears on the dark web and leaves you vulnerable to scams and attacks.
Fortunately, there are specific tools that can help you to keep you and your loved ones safe, and ensure that there is constant monitoring, even in the murkiest parts of the internet.
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a secret network of websites not indexed by major search engines, and only accessible via certain browsers and software. It has become known for illegal content and actions that people tend to want to hide.
To put things in physical world terms, you could compare it to the parts of a city where there are no streetlights or security cameras. The sort of spaces where illicit activities tend to happen.
What can people find on the dark web?
The dark web isn’t something you can easily stumble upon accidentally. It’s intentionally hidden, accessible only through special software like Tor (The Onion Router). Tor gives people anonymity by bouncing their connection through a maze of servers worldwide to make it much harder to trace your identity.
Not everyone on the dark web is up to no good. For some, it’s a tool for privacy, a way to communicate without being watched. Journalists and whistleblowers have been known to turn to this part of the internet to share information, but it is also used for criminal activities. Black markets thrive and this is where people need to be alert. Scammers can be found selling everything from counterfeit IDs to stolen credit card information.
What is dark web monitoring?
The dark web can be a place for criminals to trade stolen data. Some of the things that are bought and sold on the dark web include:
- Passwords
- Credit card numbers and details
- Email addresses
- Physical addresses
- Family details
- Usernames
Having these details stolen and exposed can be a scary thought. This is where monitoring steps in and serves as a digital scanner, keeping an eye on the places most people will never see and ensuring your details don’t come up.
It’s not just individuals using this tech, either. Companies rely on dark web monitoring to protect customer data and stop breaches from spreading.
How does personal information get on the dark web?
While there are some things you can do to prevent your data being leaked, there are also times when it is unavoidable, and you wouldn’t even necessarily know it had happened.
Just some of the many ways that personal data can get onto the dark web include:
- Data breaches: Massive hacks targeting companies or organizations can expose millions of users’ personal information. This is a fairly common occurrence, and it is something customers have very little control over.
- Phishing attacks: Deceptive emails or messages trick people into providing their login details, which are then sold or traded.
- Malware infections: Viruses or malicious software installed on devices can quietly collect sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal identifiers.
- Social engineering: Criminals manipulate individuals into giving away information through psychological tricks or by impersonating trusted entities like banks.
- Insider threats: Employees or contractors with access to sensitive data may intentionally or accidentally leak it.
- Third-party vulnerabilities: Breaches in apps, websites, or services connected to your accounts can lead to your data being sold on illicit markets.
Many internet users are most frustrated by the fact that they can take many precautions relating to their online safety but still find that their data gets leaked. Huge businesses and agencies can be targeted. Data broker Equifax suffered a data breach back in 2017 that affected over 150 million customers.
Why does dark web monitoring matter?
Many people won’t realize their personal information has been stolen until it’s already too late. Some of the people who were part of the Equifax leak probably never even knew that their data had been compromised in this way.
You don’t want to have to wait to find out until unauthorized charges show up or your identity is misused. Dark web monitoring can be considered an early warning system. It scans the shady corners of the internet for any sign of your data, giving you a dark web monitoring alert before cybercriminals have a chance to take advantage. As many as 9% of people in the United States are the victims of some form of identity theft each year.
You can take the correct action if you know your data has been leaked by changing passwords or even freezing accounts if needed. If you’re concerned about your personal information being exposed online, you may also want to take steps to remove your data from data broker sites.
Types of information it can detect
Specialized tools and services scan thousands of hidden sites for traces of your data. If something suspicious is found like your bank details or a login you use, you get notified. That early warning gives you a chance to change your passwords, freeze accounts, or even flag potential fraud before things get any worse.
Dark web monitoring tools are designed to search for a variety of sensitive details that could be breached. Here’s what they commonly look for:
- Login credentials. Usernames and passwords, often bundled together and sold in bulk.
- Financial information. Credit card numbers, bank account details, and payment methods used in fraudulent transactions.
Personal identifiers. Data like your address, phone number, Social Security number, or other key personal details.
Is dark web monitoring worth it?
Dark web monitoring is like having a watchful eye on the hidden risks most people can’t see. While it’s not a shield that stops data theft outright, it is a powerful tool to catch leaks early and take action before they cause real damage down the line.
Think of it as an extra layer of protection in your online security game plan. It’s there to help you stay informed, giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone, or something, is keeping an eye on potential threats. With the right monitoring, instead of being blindsided by stolen information you will be alerted in time to change things up and keep your information safe.
Since cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit data, dark web monitoring is less of a luxury and more of a necessity. It’s about staying ahead of the curve and making sure your digital life stays as secure as possible.
What should you do if your information is found on dark web?
If you get an alert about your data being found on the dark web, quick action is your best defence.
- Start by changing any exposed passwords immediately to make them strong and unique. Avoid reusing old ones, as that only makes it easier for cybercriminals to do more damage.
- If financial details, like credit card or bank account numbers, are part of the breach, contact your financial institutions right away. They can help secure your accounts and hopefully minimize any damage.
- For an added layer of security, consider enabling two-factor authentication on all your accounts. This small step can make it significantly harder for hackers to break in, even if they have your credentials.
- Check your credit reports for signs of any activities that you aren’t responsible for. If you notice issues then the credit bureaus will allow you to dispute and clarify things, and they can potentially be removed from your credit report.
- Report it. It is criminal to share your details online. You have options to report to The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) who runs a specific site, identitytheft.gov, which guides you through the process of reporting what has happened. You can also report the identity theft or fraud to your local police department, who may have steps they can also take.
- Freeze your credit. You can do this with all three of the major credit bureaus: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. This can prevent new borrowing being taken out in your name.
- Add a fraud alert with the credit bureaus. You can put a fraud alert on your credit report so that creditors can see that you might be the victim of identity theft. This encourages them to take extra checks on any lending requests.
There could be other fallout from your data being breached, so you may have to take each situation into account. For instance, if your SSN is breached then there are official channels you can use to seek help.
Integrating dark web monitoring into your routine
Dark web monitoring can only do so much. It needs to be paired with solid security habits and routines.
The basics include:
- Set up alerts on your dark web monitoring software. Malwarebytes dark web monitoring provides 24/7 alerts and this makes sure you can catch any leaks very quickly.
- Set a reminder to check weekly or perform a scan. This means anything you might have missed can be picked up and that you have another layer of protection.
- Follow up on anything suspicious. Advanced monitoring means that you can check things like address records or court records. If anything doesn’t seem right, it is important that you don’t ignore it. Follow up with the relevant authorities and report any criminal activity.
These are specific tips for dark web monitoring, but they need to fit with a wider strategy of cybersecurity, which includes:
- Using unique passwords for every account. Consider using a password manager to keep things organized.
- Keep your devices and apps up-to-date, as outdated software can be a weak spot for hackers to exploit.
- Be cautious about clicking links or downloading attachments from unfamiliar emails or messages.
- Regularly back up important data to a secure location, such as an external drive or a trusted cloud service, to prevent losing access in case of ransomware attacks.
- Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks like online banking or shopping. If you must, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.
In doing these steps, you’re not just reacting to threats–you’re staying ahead of them. Together, these steps create a more secure digital environment, making it much harder for cybercriminals to get ahead.