Q: What is the Dark Web?
Answer: The Dark Web exists as a concealed realm within the “Deep Web,” a layer of the Internet inaccessible to standard search engines. Major search engines like Google, Bing, and Yahoo only scratch the surface, indexing a mere 0.04% of the Internet. The remaining 99.96% comprises databases, private academic and government networks, and the Dark Web. Estimated to be 550 times larger than the visible Web, the Dark Web serves as a hub for stolen data and illicit activities due to its anonymous nature.
Q: HOW ARE THE STOLEN OR EXPOSED CREDENTIALS FOUND ON THE DARK WEB?
Answer: At SilverStorm, we specialize in addressing cyber threats unique to our clients’ environments. We actively monitor the Dark Web and underground hacker communities for any exposure of our clients’ credentials to malicious actors. Our focus lies in identifying our clients’ primary email domains and extracting any compromised credentials. While we extract data from conventional hacker platforms like Pastebin, a significant portion originates from exclusive sites requiring credibility or membership within the hacker community. Our monitoring extends across 500 distinct Internet relay chatroom (IRC) channels, 600,000 private websites, 600 Twitter feeds, and 10,000 refined daily queries.
Q: DOES THE IDENTIFICATION OF MY ORGANIZATION’S EXPOSED CREDENTIALS IMPLY WE ARE BEING TARGETED BY HACKERS?
Answer: While we cannot definitively confirm whether the discovered data has been exploited against your organization, the mere presence of such data raises significant concerns. We adopt a proactive approach with our clients to assess the extent of any breach and determine its current status.
Q: IF YOUR PERSONAL DATA IS FOUND ON THE DARK WEB, CAN IT BE REMOVED?
Answer: Once personal data surfaces on the Dark Web for sale, it rapidly spreads and gets duplicated among numerous cybercriminals within a short span. Removing data disseminated on the Dark Web is usually unfeasible. Individuals whose personal information is exposed on the Dark Web are strongly advised to promptly enroll in identity and credit monitoring services for protection.
Best practice: Avoid reusing passwords across multiple websites; use a password manager to generate unique and secure passwords.
