Data has become one of the most highly sought-after commodities in the convoluted digital world and cyber criminals are aware of this fact. Some of the most valuable data that is often circulated on the dark web includes personally identifiable information (PII) such as customer information, business plans, and financial information among many others.
Therefore, it’s understandable that many businesses are now implementing dark web monitoring. The most important question for businesses is for which industries dark web monitoring is the most useful.
Dark web monitoring allows organizations to identify potential threats and take appropriate action before they become a problem. More specifically, there are all sorts of hidden online channels such as marketplaces, forums, and communications channels, where your credentials could be leaked, stolen, threatened or a planned attack communicated on.
Let’s explore the various industries that can benefit from dark web monitoring and ultimately promote security for their organizations.
1. Finance and Banking
Banks and financial institutions work with highly sensitive information, both personal client information and transactions. As a result, banks are prime targets for cybercriminals trying to use stolen credentials or orchestrate a more sophisticated attack on an institution. Often, banks monitor the dark web so they can observe compromised account credentials or any leaked financial information sooner than later.
For instance, if a cybercriminal publicly posts logins for stolen credentials on a forum, financial institutions can take actions to prevent fraud quickly. Financial institutions are some of the main industries that benefit from dark web monitoring because having information earlier can save the institution’s customers and their reputation.
2. Healthcare
Healthcare providers have a tremendous amount of personal health information (PHI), and a breach within this industry can be costly, with the possible consequences including regulatory penalties, as well as losing patients’ trust.
Hospitals and other healthcare organizations can use dark web monitoring to identify stolen patient records, private patient health information, or even individuals discussing a possible ransomware attack against an organization.
For example, if a hospital finds out on the dark web that an entity is selling its patient database, the organization will have the ability to take preventive measures. Because of the nature of the data associated with health care, it is certainly one of the fields that can benefit from dark-web monitoring.
3. Government and Public Sector
Government entities work with classified information, strategic policy information, and citizens’ personal information. Unauthorized disclosure can have national or local security ramifications. Dark web monitoring gives the government the ability to prevent the execution of exploited emails, internal email communications, and sensitive documents before they are inappropriately used. Governments provide safety and public service continuity, as well as taxpayer money, which makes dark web monitored agencies some of the most pressing needs in the industry.
4. Retail and E-Commerce
Retailers are in possession of customer payment information, loyalty program information, and personal information. A single compromise can erode brand trust and cost the retailer monetary losses. With dark web monitoring, retail companies can gain awareness of compromised or stolen credit card numbers, stolen login credentials, and even gain visibility into conversations about fraud schemes that may occur.
For example, a retail chain learning about leaked customer data being sold on a marketplace can intervene before a fraudulent transaction can occur. When you consider all the exposure and prescription the retail industry, organizations benefit from dark web monitoring because an ounce of prevention keeps customers safe and revenue intact.
5. Educational Institutions
Educational institutions: schools, colleges, and universities keep student records, research data, and intellectual property. Educational institutions often leave themselves vulnerable to identity theft and collecting research stolen by cybercriminals. Dark web monitoring helps educational institutions find compromised student credentials, research data, and information shared inappropriately.
For example, if a university finds hackers possessing student data on the dark web, it can prevent them from selling or using the student data inappropriately. Education is clearly one of the most benefited sectors from dark web monitoring, protecting student interests and legitimacy of the institution itself.
6. Technology and Software Companies
Technology firms possess proprietary software, source code, and solutions. A loss could lead to an unfair competitive advantage or loss of revenue. Dark web monitoring can help firms identify compromised code, stolen intellectual property, or someone chatting about their next hack or exploit.
For example, it would be very useful for a software company to learn their source code was openly available on a dark web forum. A company could act on this legal and technical aspect quickly. Technology companies are amongst those that can benefit the most from dark web monitoring.
7. Energy and Utilities
Energy firms, including electricity, oil, and gas companies, are critical infrastructure targets. Cyberattacks can disrupt services, cause financial damage, and even threaten public safety.
Dark web monitoring helps these organizations identify threats targeting operational systems, such as stolen credentials or plans for sabotage. For example, if hackers discuss vulnerabilities in a power grid on dark web forums, energy companies can act to secure systems. This sector is among the industries that benefit the most from dark web monitoring for both safety and operational reliability.
8. Legal and Professional Services
Law firms and consulting companies handle sensitive client data, case information, and strategic plans. A data leak can result in legal liabilities and reputational damage.
Monitoring the dark web allows these organizations to track stolen client documents, emails, or login credentials. For example, a law firm can identify if sensitive case files are being shared illegally and respond immediately. Legal services are part of the industries that gain from dark-web monitoring because protection ensures client trust.
9. Telecommunications
Telecom companies manage customer data, billing information, and network infrastructure. They are often targets for hackers seeking financial or operational gain.
Dark web monitoring helps telecom firms detect compromised customer accounts, SIM card fraud, or planned cyberattacks. For instance, spotting leaked credentials early allows companies to notify customers and secure networks. Telecoms are clearly among the industries most in need of dark web monitoring.
10. Manufacturing
Manufacturers often store trade secrets, product designs, and operational details. Cyberattacks can disrupt supply chains, cause financial loss, or expose confidential designs.
By monitoring the dark web, manufacturing companies can detect stolen designs, leaked credentials, or discussions about insider threats. A company discovering a leaked blueprint of a new product can act before competitors or criminals misuse it. Manufacturing is one of the industries that can benefit from dark web monitoring for protecting both intellectual property and operational integrity.
How Dark Web Monitoring Works
Dark web monitoring isn’t just about scanning forums. Platforms like Cyble’s Cyber Threat Intelligence Platform use advanced tools to gather, analyze, evaluate, and deliver actionable insights.
- Gather: Collect data from Deep and Dark Web sources including TOR, I2P, ZeroNet, and paste sites.
- Analyze: Use AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to detect leaked data or discussions about attacks.
- Evaluate: Assess risks and vulnerabilities related to executives, brands, customers, and vendors.
- Deliver: Provide vetted alerts about compromised data, login credentials, or fraudulent activity.
For organizations across industries, Cyble’s solution gives real-time visibility into emerging threats. It allows companies to act proactively rather than reactively, reducing risk and ensuring business continuity.
Conclusion
Cyber threats are continuing to grow at an alarming pace. Companies that manage sensitive information, valuable intellectual property, or critical infrastructure have a lot to risk. These may range from mitigating fraud, protecting consumer information, and protecting trade secrets. Having dark web monitoring offers organizations the type of early warning system that gives them the chance to respond accordingly.
The 10 industries discussed above all have something in common – the need for visibility. Once that visibility is compromised it is easy to overlook incidents or breaches that can have disastrous repercussions. With dark web monitoring, an organization has an opportunity to be proactive in assessing threat factors, and to understand an incident and its implications, before it occurs.
