When business data is found on the dark web, it poses significant risks. These risks vary based on the type of data, how it is traded, and the individuals or entities that ultimately receive it.
Taking proactive measures can help prevent the damaging consequences of a data breach before they occur. Read on to learn how to respond if your data is exposed on the dark web.
Dark Web Exposure
The dark web is a part of the internet that is not accessible by typical means. Websites within it are specially indexed and require a particular browser called Tor to both access and anonymise users. This area of the internet is often a haven for cybercriminals, where illegal activities take place, including the sale of stolen business data, critical operational information, network addresses, and various documents, all traded for significant sums of money.
The exposure of sensitive data on the dark web does not always lead to immediate loss. It largely depends on how cybercriminals choose to exploit the information. However, just the exposure itself should prompt a response from the affected company. These responses may vary but must focus on mitigating potential damage or loss.
Responding Effectively to a Breach
When a company’s data is reportedly exposed on the dark web, it is essential to take a measured and logical response. Typically, the following steps are recommended:
1. Immediate Assessment
You cannot control what you can’t measure. Assessing the authenticity of the threat, the extent of exposed data, and the tactics involved is important in determining appropriate preventive actions. Consider these aspects:
- Is the threat new or rehashed? Determine whether the threat is linked to a past data leak that has already been addressed. If it is a new threat, prompt and decisive action should be taken. A rehashed or recycled threat carries fewer risks since it may involve outdated information. However, it can still be useful to cybercriminals if certain data, such as company email patterns and login credentials, are similar or if passwords have reverted to their default settings.
- What is the extent of the breach? Assess if it is surface-level data or deep, operational data. For instance, stolen information from a compromised device at the end of the network architecture is less sensitive compared to the login information of the database server.
- What tools are used for the breach? Identify whether it is malware, ransomware, virus, or something else. Depending on the tactic used for the breach, appropriate and specific software applications can be used to eliminate the injected files and programs.
2. Containment
Contain the infection or vulnerability by isolating the incoming and outgoing ports of confirmed affected systems. Furthermore, the suspected branch systems should be limited or isolated to prevent the spread. Implement total disconnection if necessary.
3. Communication
Inform stakeholders, including customers, so that they can implement their preventive actions. Avoid causing panic and assure them that appropriate actions have been taken.
Simultaneously, notify financial institutions to monitor for unusual monetary transactions that the business typically does not engage in. Alert regulatory agencies to ensure compliance and to promote heightened awareness and support.
4. Remediation
Install immediate security updates to address identified network vulnerabilities and to prevent recurrence. Run a full system scan to detect and eliminate the tool used to breach the system, and review and update network policies. Some network security, antivirus, and antimalware applications modify policies automatically — ensure these are aligned with the target protection type.
Also, keep in mind that in the case of ransomware, following the threat actor’s orders is not recommended. After all, the cybercriminal is already untrustworthy — there is no assurance that the stolen data exists in only a single copy.
5. Monitoring
Monitor devices and operational data transactions over the network. There should be an anticipated range of data traffic and projected information requests at specific points of operation. Any unusual increase in traffic should trigger an alert.
Monitoring financial accounts is similarly important. Hackers may directly attack financial transactions and use available funds for cryptocurrency, stock investments, and money laundering activities. Take the Bangladesh Bank heist as an example, where New York Federal authorities successfully blocked most of the transactions, preventing stolen money from reaching USD 1 billion.
Additionally, use dark web monitoring services to continuously scan for your business’s data being traded or exposed. These services alert you early, allowing faster response and damage control.
Final Thoughts
Preventing a data breach is the responsibility of not just the cybersecurity team but the entire organisation. Awareness and vigilance, combined with a robust network security system, are the best primary defence. Cyber threat handling should be appropriate and strategic to minimise consequences. If business data does end up on the dark web, there are still actions that can be taken based on the type of threat to prevent further damage and avoid adding self-inflicted harm.
