As its name suggests, dark web monitoring refers to the process of keeping track or searching for sensitive information that’s found on an area of the World Wide Web that isn’t accessible through normal means. This place—dark web—is essentially made up of networks of websites that are generally hidden and require specific browsers to gain access into. It is not visible to search engines, but it also enables users to conceal their respective IP addresses, making it a venue for those who are after anonymity and privacy, be it for some innocuous reason like crime.

It’s also a place where hackers sell information procured through questionable means, such as Social Security numbers, credit card details, and more. For this reason, monitoring this part of the web is essential because it’ll give you an idea of any information—personal or financial—that may have been leaked or stolen and help you prepare and protect yourself better.

How does it work?

Monitoring solutions for the dark web scan hundreds, if not thousands, of online properties every day to search for any information of yours that cybercriminals may have possession of and are looking to sell or use. This includes but isn’t necessarily limited to the following:

• Social security
• Email address
• Bank account details
• Contact information
• Debit/credit cards
• Membership cards
• Driver’s license or passport

By investing in surveillance services, you’ll be able to go through many websites on the dark web and be notified if there are any potential compromising data that you should know.

Tips for dark web protection

There’s no denying that monitoring dark web domains will enable you to prepare for the fallout of having your information out there, but you must take steps to remain safe. After all, it’ll save you the trouble of dealing with problems that could arise from the information theft. So here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Only use strong passwords. With so much of our lives online, it's crucial that your credentials are hard to guess or crack. As such, you must only use strong passwords. Make sure they’re long and contain various types of characters. It will also help you change them regularly. Doing so will keep them safe even if they get leaked or stolen.
• Practice secure browsing. Whenever you go online—especially on public networks like shopping malls or coffee shops—you should always practice secure internet browsing. To do this, use a reliable virtual private network or VPN because it will encrypt and render your connection invisible. Also, be sure to browse only trusted and secure websites.
• Remain diligent. With all of the digital correspondence and messages we receive daily, it's easy to take them for granted and start clicking on links and opening attachments. However, this is an easy way to get hacked. Thus, it would be best to always remain diligent and only open emails and links that come from reputable sources.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the process of monitoring the dark web is done to help safeguard data and prepare for any potential problems that may arise due to leaked information. With the increasing volume of cyberattacks, it’s a proactive approach that no one should ignore because it can help keep you protected from the risks and threats of these attacks.