Dark Web Monitoring: Safeguard Your Company’s Sensitive Data

Dark Web monitoring services use specialized tools and real-time scanning to search the internet for compromised information, such as company or customer email addresses, passwords, or personal financial information like credit card numbers or banking information. Monitoring tools can assess the context and specific identifiers of leaked data to confirm if the information originated from your company. If leaked data is found, the dark web monitor will immediately send an alert to your company and/or your business’s managed IT company, allowing you to act quickly and reduce your risk.

Here are some key features and benefits of dark web monitoring for your businesses:

Enhanced AI Detection

Many new monitoring tools use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to conduct faster, more accurate searches than previous monitoring methods. AI monitoring tools can identify data patterns and potential threats that manual searches may miss. If monitoring tools find a threat involving your company, the monitoring system will send an immediate alert. These alerts allow your business to take swift action to mitigate potential damage by recommending actions such as changing user passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, or requiring the use of secondary authentication code generators.

Comprehensive Data Searches

Dark web monitoring can find a range of compromised confidential data, such as passwords, credit card details, or confidential customer information. The monitoring tools can show the severity of the data leak, so you understand the extent of the breach, what steps you need to take to address it, and provide information how to prevent future leaks.

Dark Web Monitoring Shouldn’t Replace Strong Security Measures

Dark web monitoring is an important part of your overall cybersecurity strategy but doesn’t replace having strong security measures already in place. These include:

Using Strong Passwords: Use unique, hard-to-guess passwords for each account.

• Sharing Information Judiciously Online: Be careful what company information you share online, particularly on social media.
• Keeping Software Updated: Make sure your computer system always has the newest security and patch updates to reduce system vulnerabilities and the risk of cyber-attacks.

Finding a Dark Web Monitoring Service

Specialized IT firms offer dark web monitoring as a stand-alone service or include it as part of an overall cybersecurity package. Paid monitoring services often include advanced features and dedicated support which makes them a smart investment for your company.  Keeping your data and the data you’re entrusted with will keep your employees, customers, and lawyers happy!

Frequency of Dark Web Monitoring

Weekly monitoring is usually sufficient for most businesses, however if you get an alert take immediate action to mitigate damage and consult with your IT manager right away.

Responding to a Data Breach

If any confidential company information shows up on the dark web, follow these steps:

• Change Passwords: Change any compromised passwords. Use a new complex and unique password for each account. Your IT support company may be able to provide you with a password generator for extra security.
• Monitor Financial Accounts: Check bank and credit card statements for any inaccuracies or unexplained transactions.
• Contact the Credit Bureaus to Freeze Your Credit: If your credit account is frozen, it’s very hard for a hacker to open new accounts using stolen credit information.
• Work with your IT service provider to assess the extent of the breach and implement additional safeguards.

Is Dark Web Monitoring Worth the Investment?

Dark web monitoring pays for itself by protecting your company’s data and reputation if there is a breach. If you’re aware of compromised information early, you can act quickly to change passwords and work with your IT support team to improve security measures. These steps will block unauthorized access and reduce your risk of a cyberattack. Quick, effective action also keeps your business compliant with data protection regulations and maintains customer trust. It’s important to stay calm and get ahead of the situation early.  Listen to your IT support team and have a plan in place with protocols about what to do, who to notify, and next steps.

Ready to Protect Your Data?

At Transcend Networks, we work with companies of varying sizes to help them find the cybersecurity measures to best meet their needs. From the smallest of start-ups to the most seasoned of enterprises, we can help you with dark web monitoring and other cybersecurity measures. It’s your data. Don’t let cybercriminals get the upper hand. The best approach is to protect your information now. For more information, contact Transcend Networks at 888-609-0884 or visit www.tnius.com.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Sources:

Agility Recovery: Top Five Advantages of Dark Web Monitoring: https://www.agilityrecovery.com/article/top-five-advantages-dark-web-monitoring-and-why-its-critical-businesses

Before Its News: Why is Dark Web Monitoring Crucial For Your Organization?: https://beforeitsnews.com/business/2024/11/why-is-dark-web-monitoring-crucial-for-your-organization-3738054.html

Hoplon InfoSec: Why Dark Web Monitoring is Crucial: https://hoploninfosec.com/why-dark-web-monitoring-is-crucial/