Dark web scans should be an essential part of a small business’ cybersecurity plan because it’s not always in your control when your data gets leaked onto the dark web. If a data breach happens with a third party, you may not always be made aware of it, and this means malicious actors can leverage the stolen data to launch attacks against your business before you know your information has been stolen. But how do dark web scans work? The dark web is a dangerous part of the internet where most people shouldn’t go, so this is a good question, and we want to outline for you the process of a dark web scan! Â
Searching With the Right Information
Although the dark web isn’t accessible through normal internet browsers, it still functions similarly to the side of the internet everyone is used to seeing. Dark web scans function by searching through as much of the dark web as possible with special cybersecurity tools that scour every possible area malicious actors could be active in. However, just like with a normal internet search, you have to look for the right things. You should always provide your managed service provider (MSP) any domain names your company has used for email addresses, including personal ones for newer small businesses. This way, any stolen credentials relevant to your company can be searched to reveal potential threats!
What is being Searched?
Once you’ve provided all the information your MSP needs for an adequate scan, dark web scans will search the dark web for your information. Periodic scans can be implemented to keep a close eye on any new data breaches that may include your information. But what is actually searched? Malicious actors use websites and internet tools that are similar to the ones on the normal web, but their sites and networks have a level of anonymity not possible on the regular internet. Dark web scans will look through as much of the dark web as possible, which includes:
- Chat rooms
- Peer-to-peer networks
- IRC channels
- Botnets
- Dark web websites
What Gets Found on the Dark Web Scans?
Once complete, dark web scans can reveal an alarming amount of stolen information. Parts of passwords, whole passwords, personal email addresses, names, phone numbers, social security numbers, credit card numbers, and much more appear on dark web scans if malicious actors have gotten ahold of this information. Most dark web scans will show all of the information stolen from your business, where it was found, and which data breach led to your information being stolen. Small businesses can then have a strong outline for how and when their information was stolen before making plans to improve their cybersecurity posture to close gaps they may have only now just found out about.
Summary
Small businesses can only protect themselves from threats they know exist, and dark web scans brings unseen threats to the forefront. This allows your business to work with its IT team and IT consultants to patch up vulnerable areas and improve your cybersecurity posture. Here at Robinett Consulting, our team of cybersecurity experts value protecting and empowering small businesses, and that’s why we recommend dark web scans for every business along with custom tailored solutions that solve the unique cybersecurity problems of your business!
