Dark Web Exposure From These 9 Sources Increases Cyberattack Risk

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Did you know that the dark web is estimated to be the third-largest economy in the world? If the dark web economy were measured like a country, only the United States and China would surpass it, and it continues to grow. Cybercrime Magazine projects that the dark web economy will continue to flourish, predicting 15% annually over the next five years, with a significant portion of that revenue driven by cybercrime.

Activities such as phishing and ransomware operations, often fueled by stolen data, keep this illicit market thriving. Cybercrime is anticipated to generate a staggering $9.5 trillion in revenue in 2024. So, where does all that stolen data come from? Businesses. Recent data shows a clear and concerning link between an organization’s exposure on the dark web and an increased likelihood of cyber incidents.

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How do cybercriminals use data from the dark web to facilitate cyberattacks?

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Data from the dark web plays a central role in various cyberattacks against businesses. Here are some ways cybercriminals leverage dark-web-sourced data to conduct cyberattacks on businesses:

1. Credential stuffing Cybercriminals can use stolen credentials to launch credential stuffing attacks, in which they automate attempts to access multiple accounts using these compromised login details. If employees or customers reuse passwords across different platforms, attackers can gain unauthorized access to sensitive accounts and systems, leading to data breaches or identity theft.
2. Phishing and social engineering: By using personal and organizational data obtained from dark web listings, attackers can personalize phishing emails to make them appear more credible. This increases the likelihood that recipients will fall for the scam.
3. Ransomware attacks: Stolen business data, including customer information, employee data, intellectual property and trade secrets, can be leveraged to launch ransomware attacks. This data is especially useful for personalizing phishing, vishing or smishing attacks.
4. Financial fraud and identity theft: Attackers use stolen financial data, such as credit card details and bank account information, to carry out fraudulent financial transactions or create false identities for business purposes. This type of data coupled with personal data often captured through phishing, may also be used for financial fraud through business email compromise attacks.
5. Espionage and insider threats: The dark web is also a source of intellectual property and business-sensitive information, which cybercriminals or competitors can use in corporate espionage. Attackers may exploit data leaks from the dark web to access confidential documents, trade secrets and internal communications. This data can be utilized for a variety of nefarious purposes, including sabotage and exposure of vulnerabilities.  

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A few factors double a company’s cyberattack risk

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Evidence from a study sponsored by insurer Marsh McLennan breaks down the types and combinations of data about a company on the dark web that increase its dark-web-based cyber-risk. Unsurprisingly, compromised credentials are at the top of the list. Organizations with compromised credentials are more than twice as likely to experience a cyberattack. Even public discussions about a company in dark web forums or Telegram chats are enough to make it a target. Listings of corporate information on dark web markets amplify risks by offering cybercriminals the tools they need to exploit vulnerabilities, including human vulnerabilities. However, these aren’t the only risk factors that companies must consider.

Sources of dark web exposure with the biggest impact on cyberattack risk

Intelligence source	Incident rate without findings	Incident rate with findings	Cyber incident likelihood
Compromised users	1.87%	4.78%	2.56x
Dark web market listings	3.61%	8.69%	2,41x
Outgoing dark web traffic	2.47%	5.21%	2.11x
OSINT results	3.41%	7.00%	2.05x
PASE Results	3.20%	6.01%	1.88x
Telegram chats	4.28%	7.47%	1.75x
Incoming dark web traffic	4.35%	7.08%	1.63x
Forum posts	3.95%	6.23%	1.58x
Dark Web pages	4.20%	5.42%	1.29%

Source: Marsh McLennan

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10 tips to strengthen protection against dark web risks

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This data underscores the importance of companies acting proactively to ensure their exposure to dark web risk is minimal. Inaction leaves businesses vulnerable. These tips can help IT professionals bolster a company’s defenses to protect their business and clients from the threats posed by the dark web. 

1. Implement proactive dark web monitoring

• Use dark web scanning tools to detect compromised credentials and exposed sensitive data.
• Monitor for stolen information like passwords, corporate emails and personally identifiable information to respond quickly to breaches.

2. Enforce strong access controls

• Require complex passwords and enforce regular password updates.
• Use multifactor authentication (MFA) to secure accounts, making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit stolen credentials.
• Limit access to sensitive systems and data based on job roles (principle of least privilege).

3. Invest in AI-powered anti-phishing technology

• Deploy email security solutions that use AI to detect phishing attempts in real-time.
• Automate email scanning for malicious links, suspicious attachments and impersonation attempts.
• Block phishing emails before they reach users.

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4. Conduct regular security awareness training

• Educate employees about phishing, social engineering tactics and the risks of sharing sensitive information.
• Use phishing simulations to test employee knowledge and reinforce good practices

5. Strengthen endpoint security

• Install endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify and block threats at the device level.
• Regularly update antivirus software to protect against malware originating from dark web tools.

6. Adopt advanced identity protection measures

• Use a centralized password management solution to reduce the risk of credential theft.
• Detect and respond to anomalies in login behavior to catch unauthorized access early.

7. Perform regular risk assessments

• Audit current security measures and identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
• Include penetration testing to simulate potential attacks and understand how well defenses hold up.

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8. Develop a comprehensive incident response plan

• Create clear protocols for responding to security incidents, including those involving data exposure on the dark web.
• Include steps for notifying stakeholders, mitigating damage and securing systems.

9. Leverage cyber insurance

• Ensure businesses have adequate cyber insurance coverage to mitigate financial losses from breaches.
• Work with insurance providers to ensure compliance with security requirements.

10. Stay current with threat intelligence

• Monitor trends in dark web activity and cybercriminal tactics to anticipate emerging threats.
• Share relevant intelligence with clients to reinforce the importance of proactive security measures.

Businesses face significant risks from the dark web as cybercriminal activity continues to evolve. By acting now to put smart protection in place, businesses can gain some protection from dark web risks today and be well-positioned to navigate future risks.

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Our cutting-edge solutions help you mitigate dark web risk

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Our smart solutions help IT professionals mitigate cyber risk no matter its point of origin without breaking the bank.

BullPhish ID – This effective, automated security awareness training and phishing simulation solution provides critical training that improves compliance, prevents employee mistakes and reduces a company’s risk of being hit by a cyberattack.     

Dark Web ID – Our award-winning dark web monitoring solution is the channel leader for good reason. It provides the greatest amount of protection around with 24/7/365 human- and machine-powered monitoring of business and personal credentials, including domains, IP addresses and email addresses.    

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