What is Dark Web? 

The dark web exists on networks and uses specific software. It is a part of the darknet. The dark Web is usually associated with illegal activities. However, people who want to anonymize their identity on the web utilize the dark web too. We can say that the dark web is not a place where only illegal activities are taking place. 

Internet users generally use the surface web. Surface web refers to the known web browsers that we use in our daily activities. People can access the surface web via many networks. On the other hand, you need a specific network to access the dark web. Common networks can not provide access to the dark net. Tor is one of the networks that offer dark web reach. It is the most popular one. Many users utilize Tor to enter the dark web. The opportunity that Tor offers is an anonymous Internet experience. Invisible Internet Project (I2P) is another network that offers dark web access. I2P has similar features to Tor and also offers anonymous hosting on websites. 

These networks mask the user’s location, identification, and entrance point information. These specific web browsers present layered encryption. Thanks to this encryption, no one can track users on the dark web. Moreover, these browsers use different routing techniques and route online traffic to different places. The routing process adds an extra benefit to the user’s anonymity. 

Cybersecurity Threats of the dark web 

Data breaches 

Data breaches are the current concern for many data processors and data subjects. Data leak incidents are common among corporations and government authorities. We hear news about big data breaches even in popular corporations. Data security is not an option for modern businesses because data resources are the main target for cybercriminals. The reason is that cybercriminals can sell personal data at high prices on the web. However, they prefer the dark web to do that because they can not do this on surface web networks. Data security breach is the first threat against network security. 

Malware, viruses, and ransomware 

On the other hand, the dark web is full of cybercriminals, hackers, and malicious people. Although some legal activities exist on the dark web, criminals are still there and pose a risk to your security. When a user access to the dark web, it is clear that he increases the risk level. First of all, there are many files and content on the dark web that have viruses and malware. Unexperienced and uninformed users can click harmful content. Malware and viruses damage user devices. Users can lose their data and confidential information. Ransomware is another danger. Cybercriminals can capture private data and demand ransom to give it back. They threaten people to disclose their private information and confidential data. 

Phishing

Phishing activities are also crucial. Although people can understand some malware or ransomware, phishing attacks are harder to understand. Phishing occurs in e-mail, appear reliable content, etc. Phishing attacks are more dangerous since they seem ordinary and secure. An average Internet user can not distinguish the difference between reliable and phishing-related links or e-mails. 

Remote access security threats to organizations 

Remote access is another threat against networks. It is more challenging for enterprises to control remote employees compared to office workers. Remote access poses a great risk in terms of dark web threats. The number of companies that switch their work models to hybrid or remote has been increasing. The growing number of remote employees means growing risks. The first reason is that a remote workforce needs remote access to company resources. They use cloud environments too. These implementations make company data more prone to cyber-attacks. It is easier for hackers to capture data from cloud environments. 

It is a fact that organizations utilize the dark web to run their work. They obtain some crucial information about the market, clients, and corporate secrets. Although these activities seem beneficial to the companies, they can cause a data breach. Data breaches affect companies’ reputations and financials negatively. Organizations should consider data security from all angles to avoid unwanted consequences. 

How to avoid dark web threats to network security?

Companies can protect their networks from dark web threats by utilizing security tools. Let’s take a glance at tips on how to ensure network security in organizations. These security recommendations are also effective to safeguard data resources against dark web risks. 

Create a data security plan 

The dark web can cause data breaches. Organizations must have a data security plan and policies to minimize data loss. First of all, they should determine the data types that they have on their resources. User access to these resources is crucial. Company managers and IT staff should monitor user activities, especially in remote access models. Identity and Access Management is a smart solution in terms of user access control. This tool helps companies to control user identities when they ask for access permission. Companies can limit user access to crucial resources according to their job descriptions. If a user does not need to access specific resources, then the company should avoid this user from accessing the specific data resources. 

Staff training 

Training the staff about the dark web and network security threats is vital. Companies must consider employee training to provide ideal security. Even if an organization adopts up-to-date security tools and implements security techniques, it can not provide total security without informed staff. 

As a business owner or IT specialist, you can work on the staff training process of your company. Remote and office employees can require different information about cybersecurity. Try to create proper training for them to avoid breaches and attacks that are based on human neglect. 

In conclusion 

The dark web poses a risk to networks. Data breaches, phishing attacks, malware, and ransomware are some risks. All of these risks damage a company’s reputation and financials. However, it is possible to diminish threat possibilities by utilizing security methods. 

Organizations can fight against data breaches and ransomware attacks via proper solutions. The important thing is to analyze, and understand the risks and create a robust security model. That is how companies can protect their networks from dark web threats.