When it comes to protecting our family and privacy we often overlook the things that are right under our noses, like our laptops and smart devices. Although it may sound like something out of a horror movie, the Dark Web is a real thing and can be as ominous as it sounds. In this article, we have put together 3 expert tips to protect your data and privacy from malicious cyber attacks from the Dark Web.
What is the Dark Web?
Simply put the Dark Web is a network that allows people to maintain complete anonymity. As it can only be accessed by browsers like Tor, the request, destination, and identity of people using the Dark Web stays completely anonymous. Although used by regular people, the Dark Web has become a happy haven for hackers to hide their identity and carry out serious cybercrime. The good news is there are some ways you can protect yourself.
Tip #1: Dark Web Protection
Your mom was right, the best form of protection is prevention. Most people set up a basic anti-virus and happily put all of their most private information online without giving it a second thought. The issue is that anti-virus solutions are only good after you have been attacked.
For the Dark Web, that could mean your information and identity are now being used illegally on the Dark Web and regular anti-virus software has no way to retrieve it. Luckily, cyber-security experts, like BlackFog, have developed a next-generation behavioral analysis that actually prevents your information from getting there in the first place!
Keeping yourself and your loved ones off the Dark Web is imperative to data and personal security. Do not wait until it is too late to choose a preventative solution.
Tip #2: Practical Every Day Measures
When it comes to Dark Web Protection some people may think that as long as they stay away from Tor and other browsers they are safe. Unfortunately, most people are making very common mistakes that put them at risk for cyber attacks. Stolen identities are sold and bought all over the Dark Web for a variety of criminal activities. Make sure you and your family always do the following practical things:
Passwords – ALWAYS make sure your passwords are unique and complex for every account you have. Today, you can use a password manager to easily
2FA – Use a two-factor authentification process for additional security. This is most often something physical backed by something digital (like a debit card and a pin)
Phishing – Never click on an email from an unknown source – cybercriminals use this as an easy tactic to deliver malware
Tip #3: To Scan or Not to Scan
If you are concerned your identity is being used on the Dark Web you can run a simple scan to find out. These dark web scans can be useful but because of the multiple layers of the Dark Web, these scans can only find superficial info from data dumps.
Instead, it is much more effective to protect yourself using multiple layers of defense. Some of the most popular defense systems are:
- Spyware and Ransomware
- Malvertising
- Profiling and Tracking
- Geofencing
Takeaway
The Dark Web is an anonymous place and can only be accessed by unique browsers like TOR. Although it can and is used by people in countries to avoid censorship it has also become a playground for a heinous crime. There are everyday measures you can take to prevent your information from reaching the Dark Web like unique and complex passwords knowing how to detect phishing and other unwanted hacking attempts. Scans are not as effective as they sound but choosing an expert like BlackFog that has created multiple layers of security and a next-generation behavioral analysis to prevent and protect your data from reaching the Dark Web.
