The Importance of Dark Web Intelligence

While we are sure that some good stuff is being shared on the dark web, it is no secret that many who turn to the dark web do so for nefarious purposes. It isn’t uncommon to find stolen data, including credit card information, up for sale. Many businesses have been brought to their knees when key information has been stolen and sold on the dark web.

Multiple services have helped to counteract this threat to businesses and individuals. This type of offering is known as a dark web intelligence service. 

What Is Dark Web Intelligence?

Dark web intelligence is the name for a selection of intelligence-gathering methods.

The problem with the dark web is that the entire network has been designed to be impenetrable. There is a reason why people are offering products illegally on the dark web but not going anywhere near the world wide web. It is hard to be detected.

Companies utilize these tools to scan for potential threats to a business. These tools will often scan keywords related to the company purchasing the service. These keywords are scanned for on the most hidden websites using sophisticated algorithms that the intelligence-gathering companies have put together.

If a threat is spotted, then the software will send out an alert to the intelligence gathering team, which, in turn, will lead to further inspection to see whether the threat is viable. If the threat is viable, the business will be informed, allowing them to decide on the best way to proceed. This may be strengthening the security of a site or contacting customers about potential data breaches. 

Intelligence-gathering firms won’t tell you exactly how their tools work because if they did, they could be beaten by those lurking on the dark web. However, reputable companies will use many techniques, often tailored to the business they represent, to ensure that companies receive the best protection online.

The Importance of Dark Web Intelligence

For medium to large businesses, dark web intelligence is essential.

When a company gains a bit of traction, it will likely store a wealth of data. This can include business information, customer information, and key financial details.

People want to get their hands on this information, and they often stop at nothing. If they haven’t managed to gain access to the information already, there is always a risk that these people will target unsecured (and secured) web servers to access the data. It is a risk that all businesses of note will face.

Dark web intelligence will stop these threats before they become viable. Dark web intelligence can help to scour the dark web for any hints that an attack may be planned. The scanners can also check to see whether information has already been stolen and is up for sale.

Companies utilize dark web intelligence as it allows them to stay ahead of the pack. By spotting threats before they become real, companies can take proactive action that can help to protect themselves and their customers.

The same principle applies if the information is already on the dark web. While the information stolen can be tough to claw back, and it is never suggested that companies do so for a myriad of reasons, proactive companies can mitigate the fallout from this, which is vital.

Essentially, dark web intelligence is all about protecting businesses and people. It allows companies to strengthen themselves from attacks and mitigate any issues should they fall prey to hackers online. Companies have been brought down due to significant data theft and hacks, and companies that take a proactive approach will considerably mitigate the risk. 

Final Thoughts

Dark web intelligence is a relatively new process, but it is one that companies and individuals have taken heavy advantage of. It helps protect businesses from the ever-looming threat of the dark web. While intelligence-gathering companies rarely share information about the exact tools they utilize, dark web intelligence in the right hands can save businesses from disaster.