What You Must Do If You Find Your Info on the Dark Web

A business accumulates plenty of sensitive data, which is not meant to be shared with everyone. Even within a workplace, there are only particular employees, assigned as the authorized users. 

Nevertheless, data breaches are a big component of harsh reality. This is due to the tactics of cyber criminals becoming advanced so rapidly. Therefore, it is possible your business information is published on a very unexpected place, the dark web.

Just to support you better, we have this guide that has incorporated the immediate and imperative steps to take.

Comprehending Dark Web

Dark web is a concealed section of the internet, which is intentionally left that way. Also, it is a subset of deep web. Therefore, search engines, such as Google, have not indexed it. 

The dark web covers a small portion, and you cannot effortlessly enter keywords to search such sites. You have to make use of software, like Tor, to access these websites. Additionally, one of the eminent domains is ‘.onion’.

There are various reasons behind anonymity of the dark web. And unluckily, they are the illegal activities which associate themselves the most with this terminology. 

Moreover, many people living in countries or regions of the world where sources are being protected rely on this World Wide Web content for freedom of speech.

What Kind of Information Goes on the Dark Web?

  • Login credentials: No matter what kind of accounts you try to access, like gaming or streaming services, such particulars are valuable on the dark web. This allows criminals to send phishing emails to contacts or make unauthorized purchases.
  • Bank account information: Gaining access to your account information and displaying it on the dark web leads to direct fraud. Criminals then make unauthorized transactions that might result in a major loss of money. They might even apply for loans in your name.
  • Email addresses & phone numbers: These are the basic contact details of a person or a business. Lawbreakers add them to gigantic spam lists, which leads to you receiving unwanted emails, comprising malicious links. The purpose behind it is to steal more data.

Both individuals and businesses are prone to such sorts of dangers. Nevertheless, the list goes on when it comes to the types of information that can end up on the dark web.

Essential Protective Measures

Act Instantly

Whatever you are about to do, such as contacting Genius Fixers or taking the matter into your own hands, you must take an astute action. Besides, keep in mind that removing data once it is on the dark web cannot be done, or there are very few chances to do so.

Ponder on Affected Accounts

If your login credentials have been stolen, instead of looking for ways to erase them from the dark web, it is better to work on password modification. You might have different email accounts logged in your office systems. This change is important for all major accounts.

Furthermore, the same goes for social media profiles. There are many companies that have a strong presence on social media. In order to prevent sabotaging your reputation, take such an essential step immediately. More include ecommerce platforms and financial accounts.

Contact a Cybersecurity Service Provider

If you suspect the leakage of your essential data and even it being ending up on the dark web, you can definitely go for professional cybersecurity services. A managed service provider like us is an ideal example to get expert support from.

We, being in the IT service provision industry for quite some time, can take imperative steps to ensure that you are no longer harmed by such incidents. Also, we recommend acquiring our offerings from day one, prior to anything dangerous like this happening. 

Safeguarding Your Data: How Can Genius Fixers Help?

  • Understanding the scope & consequences: Our experts verify whether or not a breach has occurred. Investigating the findings and analyzing the intensity can aid us in progressing our duties. We will determine the impact and see what sorts of risks your business or your customers might encounter.
  • Breach containment: After the data breach confirmation, we move on to other steps. For example, we will commence knowing the source from where the data was leaked. Moreover, any systems that are prone to such breaches will be secured immediately. We might even recommend you alter the infected credentials.
  • Dark web monitoring: Our professional dark web monitoring services can scan the dark web to further learn whether or not any other sort of sensitive data is on that platform. 
  • Response strategy: Next in line is the construction of an effective response strategy. It comprises the primary steps you must follow. Being a reputable MSP, we will guide you every step of the way to successful implementation. 
  • Planning for future prevention: Our job does not end here. We will make sure anything unpleasant like it does not happen again. Thus, we will strengthen your security measures. We can even instruct your staff on how to be cautious or what actions to take if a cyberattack occurs.

Wrapping Up

Today, we hope to have satisfied your urgent needs in terms of looking for solutions when your business information reaches the dark web. Prioritize taking instant actions and call a professional service provider, like Genius Fixers, for an effective plan.

FAQs

Are the dark web and deep web considered the same?

Not really. But they do have a slight bit of connection. Deep web is a bigger portion of the internet that the search engines have not indexed. The examples are private social media profiles, databases and email inboxes.

Conversely, the dark web is a hidden part of the deep web and is quite small. There is a particular software for accessing it. The dark web is also often linked with unlawful activities.

Is it alarming to have my information on the dark web?

Yes, it is certainly menacing to have your important information on the dark web. As illustrated before, people have an eye on this part of the internet usually for unlawful acts. Therefore, the probability is high that your data is being misused.

Is it possible for me to remove my business data from the dark web?

It is actually quite difficult to remove this information from the dark web. However, instead of focusing on this matter, it is better to take other instant actions. 

For instance, you can modify the passwords of the accounts that are affected. Conducting awareness sessions for employees is also applicable. Leaning towards Genius Fixers services is a profitable solution here.