Imagine the dark web as an unlit, secret room that you cannot see inside of. In this secret room people are moving freely, anonymously with little if any accountability for their actions. The dark web, just like this secret room, is concealed from conventional search engines. It is only accessible via special web browsers or software that allow users to remain anonymous. For these reasons, the dark web is a cyber-criminal’s playground. They use the dark web because it is a place to buy and sell drugs, stolen data, credit cards, guns, hacking tools, you name it, and they do it with minimal risk of being caught. Heck, even human organs have been known to be transacted on the dark web.
When a cyber-criminal hacks and steals a piece of data like a credit card, password, or some other form of sensitive information they typically will sell it on the dark web to another criminal who uses it to extort money or other information. This platform is used like the popular Offer Up application.
How can you protect your sensitive information from ending up on the Dark Web?
Use Strong and Varied Passwords. the chances of a hacker accessing your data increases if you use the same password across different accounts. You should use a strong and unique password for each online profile or website or application you access. You can also use a password manager to help generate and store your passwords. Enabling multi-factor authentication will also ensure hackers cannot easily access your credentials.
Be on the lookout for suspicious emails and text messages. Any email asking you to take immediate action should cause you to stop and think. Criminals use these tactics to trick users into clicking on malicious links or giving out personal information.
Stay informed on recent data breeches. Watch for breach notices from relevant companies. Also create security notices on accounts that offer them such as your bank so they can notify you of suspicious activity on your account.
Subscribe to a security solution that includes dark web monitoring. This will alert you if your personal details like date of birth, social security number, email address or credit card numbers show up on the dark web. Once you are alerted you can take further action to protect yourself.
Want a FREE Cyber Security Risk Assessment to Reveal Where Your Company is at Substantial Risk to Ransomware, Hackers, and other Devastating Cyber-Attacks? Visit our website at www.cybertools/cyber-security-assessment and sign up for discovery call to see if your business qualifies.
