The web that we’re all familiar with is the global public network that we can easily access from any browser on any device with an internet connection. The web comprises the surface web and the deep web. The surface refers to all the content that’s indexed by the search engines, namely websites and public forums, whereas the deep web refers to everything that’s locked behind login forms, such as email services, online bank accounts, and anything protected by a paywall.
Though commonly confused with the deep web, the dark web is a completely different network that most people don’t access, and many don’t even know exists. In fact, you can’t even reach the dark web using a conventional browser. Instead, you need to download special software like the TOR Browser. In terms of functionality, the dark web is much the same — it consists of websites, search engines, and even email and other subscription-based services, although the addresses look very different and end in the top-level domain .onion.
Another thing that also sets the dark web apart from the regular web is that it allows users to browse in complete anonymity. Dark web servers use multiple layers of security and mask their real IP addresses. Communications through the network are randomly routed through a global network of hidden relays.
What is the dark web used for?
As one might expect, the anonymity offered by the dark web makes it a hotbed of criminal activity. Dark web marketplaces are go-to places for almost any illegal item or substance in the world, and purchases are made in various cryptocurrencies owing to their lack of traceability. Many dark web marketplaces also sell things like stolen credit cards, account credentials, and even malware. Although some of the largest and most infamous dark web marketplaces have been taken down by law enforcement, others come and go all the time.
From a business perspective, the dark web is more important than many people give it credit for. That’s because data stolen from businesses almost invariably ends up being sold on the dark web. For example, “fullz” is dark web slang for full package, which refers to any record for sale that includes a person’s full name, Social Security number, birth data, account numbers, and other high-value data. Cybercriminals often make their fortunes from selling such data, while others use it for identity theft and other criminal activities.
Why you need a dark web monitoring service
Most companies that suffer data breaches don’t find out about it until months after the attack was carried out. By this point, the compromised data may have been sold and misused on the dark web. By monitoring the dark web constantly, you can greatly reduce the time it takes to detect most data breaches, thereby allowing you to alert law enforcement and take steps to recover much sooner. A dark web monitoring service will send alerts when it detects any stolen information, such as confidential records or intellectual property, on the various underground marketplaces while also providing recommended steps on protective and remediation efforts.
Simplified IT Consulting helps protect your business from the dangers lurking on the dark web with monitoring services you can depend on. We also pinpoint your most vulnerable data and recommend state-of-the-art solutions to ensure your cybersecurity. Call us today to schedule your free consultation.
