22 Aug What is the Dark Web and How can you protect yourself against it?
The Dark Web is essentially a collection of websites found on an encrypted network which cannot be accessed by traditional search engines or web browsers.
How is the dark web accessed?
The dark web may be accessed using encryption tools, one of which is called Tor. This tool must be the same as the one used by the website.
Difference between ‘Dark Web’ and ‘Deep Web’
The Deep web includes all web pages that search engines cannot find, including the Dark Web. The Deep web is mostly innocuous with staging versions of websites, databases, webmail, etc. The dark web, on the other hand, covers more illicit activity including drugs, guns and human trafficking, credit card and banking information, etc. and some harmless activities such as anonymous communication in hostile regions.
What is the big fuss?
The threat of the dark web is more pertinent today than ever. Dark websites have increased by 20% since 2016, 60% of which could cause damage to firms.
The problem is that 26 percent of small business employees have no awareness of the existence of the dark web and more importantly its function in enabling data breaches and cyber espionage. Even if there was awareness, these small businesses are so focused on the core functions that they have no early detection mechanisms in place to warn of incoming cyber-attacks; and when they do realize the threat, the problem has escalated. The dark web is treacherous and explosive with constantly changing web addresses and anonymous identities.
Threat and scope of cyberattacks
Cyber-attacks are rampant and pervasive and can result in the following consequences:
- Disparaged brand reputation, diminished value for and loss in market share for a company.
- Interrupted business continuity because of potential distributed denial-of-service attacks or other forms of malware or viruses.
- Loss of stakeholder trust because of a security breach, including IP theft and cyber espionage.
The Solution-Penetration Testing
As discussed in our previous blog on penetration testing, a penetration test is a holistic solution for assessing an organization’s cybersecurity weaknesses. It assesses the strength of potential vectors an attacker can use to breach a company’s security system and the probability of success of these covert attacks. This assessment or pen-testing analyses the firm’s network, applications, devices, and even physical security through the lens of an attacker as well as a cybersecurity professional.
Pen testing does not just operate in a hypothetical realm; It simulates an authentic attack to assess the strength of the security mechanism.
When should you do Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing can be conducted for a number of reasons including, to:
- Detect vulnerabilities that are difficult to identify with automated software.
- Assess the response mechanism of the existing security system and the impact of any existing attack on business operations.
- Provide a foundation for justifying a stronger security mechanism and assisting in implementing new security protocols.
Why Pen-test with Cyber Chasse
Cyber Chasse uses a hybrid of software and manual techniques to conduct a holistic analysis of your security network. We are committed to understanding your needs and providing a customized solution to your cybersecurity needs. Our team of experts keeps you in the loop in every stage of the process, adapting as needed. Our support does not end post-completion; we continue to help you with any updates in the mechanism.
