Although use of the Dark Web itself isn’t illegal, it does contain a vast number of illicit items and wares. Protect your business by monitoring for any Dark Web activity.
Regularly scanning for your information on the Dark Web can allow you to see what information has been leaked, and when. This can involve names and email accounts, as well as passwords and financial information.
Alongside this, you should also include the Dark Web in your Email and Internet Acceptable Use policy to prevent usage within your business. This can not only keep you safer, but also help you avoid any damages that might occur from accessed content.
A 2017 study by Burgess found that the Dark Web is frequently used for the sale and purchase of malware and other viruses. Not only does this keep hackers in business, but it also allows the usage and creation of viruses to grow.
In addition to active virus sales, not all Dark Web sites are safe. This means that usage may result in dangerous programs being installed on a user’s device. When this device is also used for business purposes, this can result in an infection spreading across your entire network.
Due to this, it is imperative that your team is trained on safe working practices to avoid any cyber threats.
Alongside the procurement of viruses, hackers themselves may find business on the Dark Web.
First, it is important to note that there are three types of hackers:
It can be frightening to think that your email address, passwords, or even financial information may be traded freely on the Dark Web.
While cyber threats are increasingly common, you can take a proactive approach to Dark Web security. The use of Dark Web monitoring allows us to continuously check the Dark Web for any of your information.
Utilising this for your business can protect both the company itself and your employees. Although the police and cyber-crime units try to combat cyber-crime as much as possible, you also need to do your part to ensure your business remains secure.
There are several ways that the Dark Web could damage your business reputation.
Firstly, employees who use the Dark Web could be putting you at risk. Even if they aren’t accessing illicit content, Dark Web usage is generally frowned upon or viewed as taboo simply due to the existence of that content. An employee who uses the Dark Web might do so simply to browse anonymously. However, it is important to remember that the Dark Web contains:
Should it become public knowledge that an employee regularly uses the Dark Web, especially during the working day, then this could affect your business reputation through concerns about that employee’s integrity, as well as the heightened risk of viruses.
A second way that your business reputation can be affected is through information found to exist on the Dark Web. Lax cyber security measures could increase your risk of successful cyber threats. This will result in prospective clients opting not to work with your company due to concerns about the security of their personal data. Being proactive about Dark Web scans for any information, and changing passwords or financial information regularly, can help to keep information safe and prevent your business from suffering reputational damage.
It is concerning that UK credit and debit cards are some of the most common found on the Dark Web, especially in comparison with other European countries. The sale of financial information to hackers and cyber-crime syndicates could result in identity theft or your accounts being drained within minutes.
Automated, 24/7 dark web monitoring can be imperative to help you avoid financial damage caused by cyber threats. Conduct a Dark Web scan today to check if any of your information has previously been leaked. Regardless of the outcome, you should implement a company-wide policy of regularly updating passwords and taking extra care when accessing websites, downloading attachments, or clicking links.
While you can never guarantee 100% protection from the variety of cyber threats and Dark Web activity, you can reduce the likelihood of successful attacks taking place.
Utilising team training can help your employees to avoid breaches in your cyber security. This will teach them to be more cautious when it comes to opening links or downloading attachments. Good cyber security policies and procedures can also help to promote safer working practices.
If you want some support with your business cyber security, including assistance with Dark Web Monitoring, then contact Syn-Star today. Within this obligation-free meeting we can showcase the different cyber security options we have on offer to help combat cyber threats when using technology.
Verity Armstrong
Verity is our resident wordsmith. She spent time honing her skills as a freelance writer for a number of different industries from 2020 to 2023. Now, Verity writes about IT support and cyber security for Syn-Star. Outside of this, she curates content for Mindful Me, a blog about well-being and leading a more positive lifestyle.
Qualifications: BA (hons) Psychology, MA (Merit) Youth Justice, Community Safety & Applied Criminology
In-house training: HubSpot SEO, SEO 2, Digital Marketing
Favourite movie: Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
Favourite band: Hollowstar
Favourite food: Pad Thai or enchiladas
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Verity Armstrong
Verity is our resident wordsmith. She spent time honing her skills as a freelance writer for a number of different industries from 2020 to 2023. Now, Verity writes about IT support and cyber security for Syn-Star. Outside of this, she curates content for Mindful Me, a blog about well-being and leading a more positive lifestyle.
Qualifications: BA (hons) Psychology, MA (Merit) Youth Justice, Community Safety & Applied Criminology
In-house training: HubSpot SEO, SEO 2, Digital Marketing
Favourite movie: Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings
Favourite band: Hollowstar
Favourite food: Pad Thai or enchiladas
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