A new research study has determined that any companies that are ever mentioned on the dark web will be much more vulnerable to cyberattacks. In collaboration with Marsh McLennan's Cyber Risk Intelligence Center, Searchlight Cyber has carried out research on more than 9,000 organizations, revealing that dark web exposure has a strong link to breaches in cybersecurity. This has established a critical urgency for businesses to track their presence online and develop better security protocols.
How the Dark Web Poses a Threat to Businesses
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where cybercriminals operate anonymously. It is commonly used for illegal activities, including the sale of stolen data such as passwords, financial records, and personal information. Many businesses are unaware that their sensitive data is already circulating on the dark web, making them prime targets for cyberattacks.
Based on the study, companies that experienced any type of exposure on the dark web suffered a 3.7% breach rate over four years. This simply means that after an organization's information hits underground marketplaces, hacking forums, or leaked databases, the chance of a security breach becomes a lot higher.
The researchers found several routes through which a company's information can find its way to the dark web, each step of which heightens the potential for cyberattacks:
1. Exposed Employee Credentials
In case employee login credentials (e.g., email and password) are leaked, the chances of hacking into a company increase by 2.56 times. The hackers use these leaked credentials to infiltrate internal systems without authorization.
2. References on Dark Web Marketplaces
Being associated with an underground trading platform increases a company's chance of being targeted by 2.41 times. Mainly, the hackers sell the stolen information to other attackers for use.
3. Company Network Tied to Dark Web
If an organization's IT systems have activity on the dark web, whether intentional or accidental, an attack will happen 2.11 times more frequently.
4. Paste Sites Data Leaks
Pastes are commonly used by hackers to share data that they have stolen from an organization. If a company's data is posted on such sites, there is an 88% increase in the possibility of breach.
5. Public Exposure through OSINT
At times, some companies' information might be published due to either a misconfigured environment or breaches in data storage. If there is a firm's exposure within OSINT reports, then that increases the business's risk level by 2.05 times.
This research also demonstrated that companies featured in five or more of these risk categories had a 77% chance of facing a cyberattack than companies without any.
How Companies Can Protect Themselves
Cyberattacks have been increasing by the day. Businesses, therefore, have to take proactive steps to ensure the security of their sensitive data. Experts say companies should consider taking the following actions:
- Check the Dark Web Daily
Businesses must employ cybersecurity that scans the dark web for data breaches and responds immediately if data belonging to a company is located.
- Strong Password Policies
Employees must be compelled to use strong passwords and to also activate MFA to block hackers from unauthorized access.
- Frequently Update Security Systems
Software updates and system patches keep cybercriminals from exploiting vulnerabilities in outdated technology.
- Train Employees on Cybersecurity Risks
Human error is one of the biggest causes of cyber breaches. Educating staff on how to identify phishing scams and suspicious activities can significantly reduce security threats.
Why Dark Web Awareness is Crucial
According to Ben Jones, CEO of Searchlight Cyber, companies must be aware of their dark web exposure. Hackers, he explained, plan cyberattacks in underground forums and marketplaces and use leaked credentials to gain access to company systems.
By monitoring their exposure, strengthening their security policies, and educating employees, businesses will be able to minimize their risk and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Protect sensitive information before an attack happens and save money on security breaches.
