What You Need to Know About the Dark Web
The dark web sounds mysterious and it should.
It’s the hidden part of the internet where cybercriminals buy, sell, and trade stolen data, malware, and illegal services. Understanding the dark web is essential to protecting your information and staying safe online.
Learn how it works, how your data could end up there, and what you can do to protect yourself.
What is the dark web?
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that isn't indexed by traditional search engines like Google. It requires special software, such as Tor, to access. While not everything on the dark web is illegal, a significant portion involves black markets, stolen data, hacking services, and other cybercrime activities.
How do hackers use the dark web for selling stolen data?
Hackers use the dark web to anonymously buy and sell:
- Stolen credit card numbers
- Password databases
- Personal identification details (SSNs, driver's licenses)
- Corporate data breaches
- Hacking tools and malware
- Transactions are typically made using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to preserve anonymity.
How could my personal information end up on the dark web?
Your information could end up on the dark web if:
- A company you use suffers a data breach
- Your email or password is stolen via phishing attacks
- Malware on your device captures your data
- You use weak passwords that are easy to crack
- Once exposed, your data can circulate for years among cybercriminals.
How can I find out if my data is on the dark web?
Dark web monitoring services scan known breach repositories and dark web marketplaces for your personal information. These services look for things like:
- Email addresses
- Passwords
- Social Security Numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Bellator Cyber provides dark web scanning solutions to alert you if your data appears.
What should I do if my information is found on the dark web?
- Immediately change passwords for all affected accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
- Alert your bank or credit card company if financial data is involved.
- Monitor your accounts closely for suspicious activity.
- Consider identity theft protection services if sensitive personal data was exposed.
- Quick action can limit the damage.
Is it illegal or dangerous to access the dark web?
Accessing the dark web itself is not illegal in most countries, including the U.S. However, many activities on the dark web are illegal. Simply browsing carries risks:
- Exposure to malware
- Scams or fraud attempts
- Law enforcement scrutiny if you interact with illegal content
- If you’re not experienced with cybersecurity tools, it's best to stay away.
How can I protect my data from being sold on the dark web?
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)
- Keep your systems and apps updated
- Avoid phishing emails and suspicious links
- Regularly monitor your accounts for unusual activity
- Use professional dark web monitoring services
- Prevention is easier than recovery.
What is a dark web scan or monitoring service?
A dark web monitoring service continuously checks underground forums, marketplaces, and leak sites for your compromised information. If a match is found, you receive an alert so you can act quickly to secure your accounts and identity. Bellator Cyber offers dark web monitoring solutions to help keep you informed and protected.
How Bellator Cyber Helps Protect You
Bellator Cyber provides dark web scanning, breach monitoring, password security solutions, and actionable protection strategies to safeguard your identity and sensitive information before criminals can exploit it.
Ready to See If Your Data Has Been Compromised?
Stay ahead of cybercriminals with dark web monitoring and proactive protection.
