How businesses can address the threat of the dark web

Hackers will continue launching attacks against small businesses for data that will return a profit on the black market, as long as there is a demand for stolen goods on the dark web. Fortunately, small businesses don't have to wait for their sensitive information to pop up on the dark web as small businesses can make moves to push back against the threat of the dark web.

Deploy dark web monitoring tools

There's a real possibility that stolen information will find its way on to the black market whenever a business is breached. Small businesses should use dark-web monitoring tools to alert companies when any activity associated with sensitive information is detected on the dark web. By using these tools, companies can choose what identifiable information to monitor and receive timely notifications when that data is discovered on marketplaces, bins and dump sites. This can help alert these businesses to breaches they may not even be aware of and shorten disaster recovery-response times to mitigate further damage.

Eradicate vulnerabilities through training and security exercises

Bad employee habits, such as reutilising the same password for multiple accounts, can compromise a small businesses' Cyber Security measures and make it easier for hackers to breach company servers. Instead, companies should provide regular training and security exercises. That way, employees can reinforce security best practices among employees who might not even know how to approach a threat.

To date, all businesses are a potential target for cybercriminals - but not every business are ready to deal with the threat of the dark web. As small businesses develop robust Cyber Security programs, they also need to keep a close eye on the dark web to mitigate the risk of becoming the next victim of fraud.