How cybercriminals target your organization and what you can do about it

You walk through an unknown city and suddenly find yourself in a shadowy neighborhood. Identities are traded, stolen goods are exchanged, and criminals work together without ever physically meeting each other. This is not science fiction, but the reality of the Dark Web. A place where cybercriminals operate 24/7 and see sensitive company data as a commodity.

The Dark Web: A parallel underworld

The internet is like an iceberg. The top part, about 10%, is the Surface Web: everything we use every day, from news websites to social media. Underneath is the Deep Web, a much larger and non-public part of the internet where corporate networks, databases and medical records can be accessed via authentication. But deep below that is the Dark Web, a hidden world where cybercriminals operate and confidential information is traded.

Access to the Dark Web is not just possible. You need special software. But beware: doing your own research is not a good idea. Just as you don't just walk into a seedy pub to observe criminals, you also don't want to enter the Dark Web without the right expertise and security measures. Once inside, you will find an illegal marketplace full of stolen passwords, customer data and even access to entire company networks. And what is perhaps even more shocking: there is a good chance that data from your organization is already being offered.

Why the Dark Web poses a risk to your organization

Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly organized and use business models that minimize costs and maximize profits. This means that they no longer operate alone, but work together in networks. The Dark Web offers them:

• Stolen credentials – Usernames, passwords, and VPN access to corporate networks are sold for just a few cents each.

• Phishing kits – Ready-to-use templates that criminals can use to carry out convincing phishing attacks.

• Access to company networks – Leaked RDP credentials allow hackers to gain direct access to critical systems.

• Ransomware services – Malware can be easily purchased and deployed, without the need for the attacker to have technical knowledge.

Recently, large organizations such as Colonial Pipeline and Nvidia have fallen victim to cyberattacks that originated on the Dark Web. This led to operational disruptions, millions of euros in ransom and irreparable reputational damage.

How to protect your organization

The question is not whether your data will ever appear on the Dark Web, but when. Therefore, it is essential to have a robust strategy in place to minimize risks:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Without a second verification factor, stolen passwords are much less useful.

2. Strong password management – Use password managers and enforce unique, complex passwords for all employees.

3. Endpoint security – Make sure every device on your network is actively managed and equipped with up-to-date security software.

4. Data Encryption – By encrypting sensitive files, they remain unreadable even if they fall into the wrong hands.

5. Dark Web Monitoring – By actively scanning for leaked company data, you can take early action.

Proactive monitoring: stay ahead of cybercriminals

The Dark Web is constantly changing. That's why it's crucial to be not only reactive, but also proactive. Dark web Monitoring helps you gain real-time insight into leaked data, so you can react immediately before criminals misuse your information. This prevents image damage, financial losses and legal consequences.