The shadowy web has since long been a formidable risk to cybersecurity, and this trend has escalated in 2024. The anonymity that shrouds the dark web adds complexity to identifying and neutralizing cyber threats, such as high-level malware, unauthorized data access incidents, and deceptive phishing schemes. Also, it serves as a breeding ground for illicit activities, making it a constant challenge for cybersecurity professionals to keep up with the evolving threats.

A recent search of the Dark Web discovered more than 160 million compromised records exfiltrated from over twelve organizations up for sale. This data comprised personal information, including identities, passwords, and email addresses.

A different Dark Web search found over 500,000 compromised Zoom accounts up for grabs.

Evidently, the Dark Web is a bustling hub for cybercriminal activities. It functions as a marketplace for trading personal information, cybercrime tools, and corporate intelligence, including proprietary information, patents, and access credentials. Malicious actors then use this arsenal to launch costly and damaging cyberattacks.

What the Dark Web means for your cybersecurity

Proactively scanning the Dark Web for data that could be exploited against your organization is crucial in staying ahead of potential threats. One area of significant concern is the theft of login details, which accounted for 37% of the breaches examined in Verizon's 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report. Illicit dark web marketplaces and platforms are notorious for trading in stolen credentials, exfiltrated data, and harmful software. Cybercriminals often utilize this ill-gotten information to orchestrate attacks on businesses, seeking to infiltrate networks for purposes such as deploying ransomware.

Moreover, phishing campaigns can leverage stolen corporate data to make the stolen data appear more legitimate. As a result, unsuspecting victims may be duped into divulging their login details or accidentally introducing malware into company networks.

Besides, credential stuffing is also a common attack vector, where cybercriminals use large volumes of stolen login details to exploit the tendency of users to reuse passwords or neglect regular password updates. These attacks aim to identify a successful match within your business network to enable unauthorized access.

How the Dark Web endangers organizational  cybersecurity

1.    A haven for all types of cybercrime tools

The dark web provides a comprehensive marketplace for cybercriminal tools and includes numerous resources that can be leveraged to launch attacks on organizations.

Ransomware is one such tool that has become alarmingly accessible. For approximately $1000, a potential attacker can procure a variant of malware that can be reused multiple times.

While individual users are often the victims of ransomware attacks, the real jackpot for cybercriminals lies in targeting organizations. The potential payoff from ransoming an organization is significantly higher, making them an attractive target. This is reflected in the escalating ransom demands observed in recent years. For instance, the average ransom payment per incident escalated from approximately $7,000 in the last quarter of 2018 to nearly $13,000 in 2019.

The dark web marketplace extends beyond digital commodities. It also offers physical tools that malicious actors can use to perpetrate cybercrime. These include USB drives pre-loaded with malicious software and credit card skimmers.

In a recent incident, a former student incapacitated fifty-nine computers at a small New York college in one night using a USB Killer. A USB Killer is a USB flash drive programmed to emit an electrical discharge potent enough to incapacitate any connected device. Surprisingly, the "USB Killer" is legally available for purchase, but similar devices can also be procured from the dark web by those who prefer to keep their transactions untraceable. These physical tools can be incredibly potent when wielded by a rogue insider with access to workstations and servers.

Furthermore, the dark web serves as a sanctuary for novices in digital cybercrime. Numerous fraudulent manuals are accessible to those keen on understanding various attacks, including brute-force, phishing, and straightforward account hijackings. These guides are remarkably affordable, costing an individual merely five to ten dollars.

Additionally, hacking services are easily obtainable. Darkode, a recently revived platform, is known for its specialization in bespoke hacking tasks. It also offers more basic services, such as renting botnets to launch a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack.

2.    A marketplace for selling stolen data

The primary objective of numerous malware variants is to infiltrate systems and exfiltrate data. Cybercriminals can exploit these stolen credentials for nefarious purposes, such as identity theft.

However, the scale of these breaches often results in a data haul that exceeds what a single individual could exploit in their lifetime. Consequently, these cybercriminals find selling these stolen credentials more profitable than using the data themselves.

The dark web is the most suitable and preferred platform for these illicit transactions. A notorious hacker, Gnosticsplayers, has reportedly listed hundreds of millions of compromised accounts for sale on the dark web, amassing thousands of dollars in Bitcoin.

The dark web marketplace is not limited to just usernames and passwords. It's a hub where an individual's complete identity can be bought, encompassing everything from social security numbers to banking details. For instance, outdated tax returns stolen from legal and accounting firms are easily accessible at token prices. A W2 form could be procured for a few dollars, enabling the buyer to file deceptive tax returns, open unauthorized accounts, and execute various other identity fraud schemes.

The illicit trade of stolen data on the dark web also increasingly deals with digital trust elements and machine identities, including SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) certificates. These certificates, which are integral to establishing secure connections on the internet, can be exploited to launch a variety of cyberattacks.

As the types of data available for sale on the dark web continue to expand, it inevitably erodes the confidence that organizations and users have in the overall security of the internet.

How to protect against Dark Web cyber threats

1.    Training on cybersecurity awareness

Many cyber threats originate from phishing attempts – emails embedded with malicious software that can trigger ransomware or exfiltrate valuable information once infiltrated into your system.

It's crucial that every member of your organization, not just the IT team, is equipped with the knowledge to identify malware.

2.    Password management practices

In addition to employing complex passwords that are updated frequently, enterprises should also implement two-factor authentication: a security measure that requires a password and a second element, such as a security token or biometric data like a fingerprint. MFA and 2FA add an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

3.    Internet usage and email protocol policies for employees

Employees may unintentionally jeopardize corporate cybersecurity by using work computers for personal internet browsing. Therefore, it's crucial to establish clear guidelines outlining permissible and prohibited online activities. Such policies also encompass rules regarding connecting personal devices to company computers.

Implementing email guidelines – such as cautioning against clicking on suspicious links – can further bolster your business's protection.

4.    Utilization of virtual private networks (VPNs)

A VPN conceals your geographical location and online activities, rendering them inaccessible to cybercriminals.

5.    Mitigating economic consequences of a Dark Web Attack

Cyber threats can inflict significant financial damage, affecting your cash flow and operations, leading to customer attrition, and damaging your reputation. Implementing a thoroughly practiced cyber response strategy, establishing a mechanism to communicate with customers during a security breach, and maintaining a dedicated cyber insurance policy are all effective measures that can help alleviate the financial burden. These strategies ensure your organization is prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to cyber threats, minimizing potential losses.

Leveraging Dark Web assessments for proactive cybersecurity

A Dark Web assessment involves the systematic searching, monitoring, and analyzing of the Dark Web to detect and alert businesses about the existence of their compromised or exposed data.

The objective is not necessarily to avert a security breach but to serve as an early alert system for those whose data has been stolen, allowing them to respond before adversaries can exploit their compromised information.

Performing a Dark Web assessment employs a blend of expertise and automated solutions. These tools scan marketplaces, cybercrime forums, and Dark Web chatrooms and sites for distinct data markers, including email addresses, banking details, and other personal identification elements.

Pulsar Security is a trusted name in the cybersecurity field. Organizations can rely on Pulsar Security for a comprehensive dark web assessment for various reasons.

First, our team of certified professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of the dark web and its potential threats. Our security engineers have undergone rigorous training and deeply understand the latest cybersecurity threats and trends.

Also, Pulsar utilizes state-of-the-art automated tools capable of scanning even the most obscure corners of the dark web. These tools are continuously updated to ensure they can effectively identify and assess potential threats.

More importantly, Pulsar provides real-time alerts when data related to your organization is discovered on the dark web. This capability allows for immediate action to mitigate potential damage.

In short, Pulsar's combination of expert professionals, advanced tools, and prompt alert systems make it a reliable choice for organizations seeking to safeguard themselves against the threats lurking in the dark web.