Did you know that in 2023 there was a 72% increase in data breaches compared to 2022?

This is an alarming increase in data breaches. In 2023 the number of breaches was an all-time record. In most cases when data gets leaked, it ends up on the Dark Web…a place where hackers share stolen information.

So, what can you do about that to keep your business data secure?

In this blog, we discuss what Dark Web monitoring is and the pros and cons of monitoring it. We will also briefly discuss the difference between manually and automatically monitoring the Dark Web.

What is the Dark Web?

There are three main parts of the internet; the Surface Web, the Deep Web and the Dark Web.

Believe it or not, the Deep Web and the Dark Web account for 96% of the entire internet which is a lot of the internet we do not see.

But if that’s the case, what are the differences between the Surface, Dark and Deep Web?

The Surface Web is the part of the internet that is discoverable from a simple search of the internet. Things that are on the Surface web could be news outlets, blogs, Youtube, etc.

The Deep Web is what search engines cannot view and it’s not as scary as it sounds. This web content usually consists of password-protected pages, databases, or content that web admins block search engines from crawling.

There are some illegal things that can be on the Deep Web like pirated music or movies…but it’s not nearly as nefarious as the Dark Web.

To access the Dark Web you need to already be on the Deep Web, and in some cases need to have another password to access.

Being on the Dark Web isn’t inherently illegal, it’s what you do on there that can get you in trouble. The Dark Web provides anonymity and encryption, which means you can be on there with nobody knowing it's you (if you take the right steps to protect yourself while entering it).

Due to the anonymity of the Dark Web, people perform illegal acts, such as trafficking drugs, weapons, as well as stolen data.

What is Dark Web Monitoring?

Now that you know what the Dark web is, what is Dark Web Monitoring?

Well…it’s kind of in the name. Dark Web Monitoring is the process of monitoring the Dark web for your information.

But, what exactly does that mean? Essentially, these services look for stolen passwords or other sensitive information that ended up on the Dark Web.

The most efficient way to monitor the Dark Web would be to source an automated tool that does it for you in realtime.

Our K2 Cyber offering does exactly that. It searches for any breaches that might’ve affected your employee’s email address by scanning the Dark Web around the clock. If it finds any leaked data, it will notify the employee and supervisor immediately of what it found and remediation steps to take.

It even provides information explaining how the leaked data ended up on the Dark Web in the first place.

Why is Dark Web Monitoring important for your business?

So, now that you know what Dark Web Monitoring is, why is this important for you to be proactive and not reactive?

By being proactive in monitoring the Dark Web, you ensure all of your business's data stays secure. This includes sensitive information associated with your company like usernames and passwords to mission-critical third-party services.

Compared to being reactive where if your information gets leaked on the Dark Web you’re risking your reputation as you will lose the trust of your consumers and employees.

As an example, let’s talk about the recent massive healthcare breach that affected practically every US citizen. A ransomware attack happened to Change Healthcare in February of 2024.

Hackers found leaked username and password details for an admin’s account of the organization’s patient management system. Once inside, they were able to encrypt ALL of Change Healthcare’s data and systems and demand a ransom for millions of dollars.

This breach affected practically every healthcare organization in the US, as well as a huge population of patients. It took 129 days after the breach occurred for Change Healthcare to notify its vendors about the specifics of what happened. With Dark Web monitoring, it would’ve only taken 57 days. That’s a lot of time to get ahead of third-party breaches that might affect your organization.

Another thing that can happen if your information is legal trouble. If you fail to have a properly secured system, you could get sued.

How do you monitor the Dark Web?

There are two different ways you can monitor the Dark Web, either manually, or can hire a third-party organization to automatically monitor it. If you were to monitor it manually, it can be very overwhelming to do constantly.

Due to the ever updating Dark Web, it is virtually impossible to monitor all of the Dark Web, all the time manually. Not to mention that being on the dark web is a risk in itself…if the employees assigned to monitor it on behalf of an organization don’t take the proper security precautions, the organization could immediately get hit with ransomware for just entering the Dark Web.

Thus, many organizations rely on an automated system to help them. This allows them to get an alert if their information ends up on this nefarious side of the internet.

I mentioned this earlier, but our Dark Web monitoring service sends notifications out in real time if it finds any of your company's information on the Dark Web. The notification will tell you what information is on the Dark Web, and your next steps. Once it detects your information and reports it, the system goes back to searching the Dark Web for more of your information.

5 Challenges of Manual Dark Web Monitoring

Challenge 1: Time-Consuming Process

Manually searching the Dark Web demands hours of effort. IT and Security Professionals spend an average of 4,300 hours a year maintaining compliance as it is. Manually monitoring the dark web for leaked data triples that time spent at least.

The Dark Web’s structure, with its hidden marketplaces and private forums, makes navigation slow and complex. For businesses, this time could be better spent on core operations.

Challenge 2: Access and Expertise Requirements

Reaching the Dark Web requires specialized tools like Tor browsers and a deep understanding of how it operates.

Without proper expertise, individuals risk exposing themselves or their organization to hackers and malicious actors.

Challenge 3: Inconsistent Results

Manual monitoring relies heavily on the skills of the individual performing it. No one can guarantee consistent results and critical information may go unnoticed.

Automated tools, on the other hand, offer broader and more reliable scanning capabilities.

Challenge 4: Exposure to Cyber Threats

Manually accessing the Dark Web increases the chance of encountering malware, phishing attempts, or other cyber threats. One wrong click can compromise your business systems or personal data.

Challenge 5: Limited Scope

Even with significant effort, manual monitoring cannot cover the Dark Web comprehensively.

Hidden networks and encrypted communications prevent individuals from identifying all threats, leaving major gaps in your security.

5 Benefits of Automated Dark Web Monitoring

So, what are the three biggest benefits of Dark Web monitoring?

Benefit 1: Preventing Financial Loss

In 2024, the average cost of a data breach in the US amounted to $9.36 million.

Dark Web Monitoring helps you stop financial disasters before they happen. When hackers post sensitive information, like employee passwords or customer payment details, on the Dark Web, it puts your business at risk. Lawsuits, fines, and a damaged reputation often follow.

By spotting breaches early, you can take quick action. Revoke stolen credentials, notify affected parties, and block further attacks. Acting fast avoids fines, keeps customers confident, and protects your revenue. Dark Web Monitoring ensures your business stays secure and avoids costly mistakes.

Benefit 2: Remaining Compliant with Data Privacy Regulations

Dark Web Monitoring helps you meet strict data privacy rules like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA. These laws demand that businesses protect sensitive information and take quick action if a breach occurs. Failing to comply leads to heavy fines, legal battles, and loss of trust.

By tracking stolen data on the Dark Web, you can identify breaches before they escalate. This allows you to follow reporting guidelines, notify affected individuals, and fix security gaps right away.

Staying compliant isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about showing customers you value their privacy. Dark Web Monitoring keeps you ahead of the game, protecting both your reputation and your bottom line.

Benefit 3: Early Data Leak Identification

I hinted at this earlier when walking you through the Change Healthcare breach. But, the average time it takes to identify the data breaches is 194 days.

Dark Web Monitoring alerts you to data leaks before they become full-blown crises. Hackers often sell or share sensitive information on hidden marketplaces long before you notice the breach. By catching these leaks early, you can stop criminals from using your data against you.

When you act quickly, you can reset compromised passwords, shut down exposed accounts, and strengthen your defenses. Early detection means less time for attackers to cause damage and fewer opportunities for breaches to spread. Dark Web Monitoring gives you a head start in protecting your business and its valuable information.

Benefit 4: Meeting Cybersecurity Insurance Requirements

Dark Web Monitoring helps you meet the strict requirements of cybersecurity insurance policies.

Insurers often demand proof that you actively protect sensitive data and monitor for breaches. The fact of the matter is that practically every cybersecurity insurance company requires organizations to put in place ways to safeguard sensitive information.

Without these measures, you risk higher premiums or even policy denial.

By tracking stolen data on the Dark Web, you show insurers that you take cybersecurity seriously. This proactive approach lowers your risk profile, which can lead to better coverage terms and reduced costs. Dark Web Monitoring not only strengthens your security but also ensures you meet insurance requirements, making it easier to recover financially if a breach happens.

Benefit 5: Peace of Mind

The number one priority for businesses with regard to cybersecurity is limiting outsider threats. Dark Web monitoring is arguably one of the best ways to do that.

It gives you confidence that your business stays protected. Knowing you have a system that constantly scans for stolen data removes the stress of wondering if hackers are targeting you. It allows you to focus on running your business instead of worrying about hidden threats.

When you catch breaches early, you can act fast to reduce harm. This proactive approach helps you sleep better at night, knowing you’ve done everything possible to safeguard your company, employees, and customers. Peace of mind isn’t just a feeling—it’s a valuable advantage that keeps your business moving forward without fear of the unknown.

Conclusion

Even though there has been a rise in security threats that does not need to scare you. You can monitor the Dark Web in case of any data leaks that may have occurred in your company. Monitoring the Dark Web can help ensure your company stays secured from the increased risk of security threats.

It is important to stay up to date with data security training especially when it comes to data security. It is also vital to stay updated with the newest Dark Web Monitoring tools or tips.