According to the 2023 Insider Threat Report by Cybersecurity Insiders, 74% of organizations are at least moderately vulnerable to insider threats. This statistic underscores a critical issue: Insider threats are notoriously difficult to detect because they originate from individuals with authorized access and intimate knowledge of your systems. While traditional security measures focus on external threats, they often fall short when it comes to spotting insider threats. Organizations can leverage dark web monitoring to address this challenge proactively. By delving into the hidden corners of the internet, organizations can potentially uncover signs of insider activity before it causes irreparable harm.
Demystifying the dark web
The deep web includes parts of the internet not indexed by standard search engines, such as private databases and internal company networks. The dark web, unlike the deep web, is a deliberately concealed part of the internet that can only be accessed using specialized anonymity tools such as Tor. The dark web is infamous for facilitating illicit activities, including the trade of stolen data and discussions around malicious hacking.
Real-world applications of dark web monitoring
Dark web monitoring is an essential component of modern cybersecurity, offering critical insights and early alerts to prevent significant security breaches. A major application of dark web monitoring is insider threat detection.
The risk of compromised credentials
Compromised credentials are a gateway to severe security breaches. If an employee’s login information is exposed, it can lead to account takeovers, where malicious actors use these credentials to infiltrate corporate systems. Once inside, cybercriminals can access sensitive data and critical infrastructure, potentially escalating their privileges and causing extensive harm. Dark web monitoring allows organizations to identify these risks and mitigate threats effectively.
Preventing data exfiltration
The appearance of login credentials on the dark web often signals an imminent data exfiltration threat. Insider threats, both deliberate and unintentional, present considerable dangers. Employees with access to confidential information might sell their credentials for monetary gain or be compelled by external parties. Dark web monitoring can uncover these transactions, allowing security teams to investigate and address potential issues before any data is stolen. Early detection helps organizations protect their intellectual property and customer data, maintaining trust and regulatory compliance.
Broader cybersecurity advantages
Beyond insider threats, dark web monitoring provides various benefits that enhance overall cybersecurity. It offers early warnings of data breaches, enabling organizations to respond quickly and minimize damage. By monitoring dark web forums and marketplaces, security teams can identify discussions about vulnerabilities and exploits targeting their industry, allowing them to implement preemptive defenses.
Brand hijacking is another significant risk mitigated through dark web monitoring. Cybercriminals often use the dark web to plan attacks that impersonate well-known brands, aiming to deceive customers and steal their information. Detecting these schemes early enables organizations to protect their brand reputation and customer trust.
See how Log360’s dark web monitoring can alert you to potential threats.
How dark web monitoring works
Dark web monitoring involves specialized techniques to track and analyze activity that may pose a threat to your organization. Here’s how it functions:
Data crawling: Specialized crawlers navigate through hidden forums, marketplaces, and chat rooms on the dark web. These crawlers are designed to penetrate anonymity layers and access hidden data.
Keyword monitoring: This involves tracking specific keywords related to your company’s data, personnel, or vulnerabilities. Keywords can include company names, employee credentials, or specific technical terms related to your proprietary information.
Alerting and analysis: When relevant keywords are detected, alerts are generated. Security teams can then investigate these alerts to determine the severity and potential impact of the threat.
Log360’s comprehensive dark web monitoring
Log360, recognized in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for SIEM, utilizes real-time threat intelligence from Constella Intelligence for dark web monitoring. This intelligence is processed by Vigil IQ, Log360’s threat detection and incident response engine, to identify potential threats. Log360 offers extensive visibility into dark web threats, such as botnet leaks, for proactive threat mitigation.
The Incident Workbench feature triggers investigations and provides contextual data and analysis on the threat’s history. Additionally, Log360 generates real-time alerts upon detecting potential threats, including leaked credentials or exposed information. You can then implement remediation measures to address these threats.
