The dark web has emerged as a clandestine marketplace where cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data. Consequently, businesses must understand the types of data found in dark web exposure reports. This knowledge helps fortify defenses and safeguard sensitive information. Moreover, these reports reveal compromised data, which enable organizations to take proactive measures against potential threats. In this blog, we will explore five common types of data found in dark web exposure reports.
5 Common Types of Data Found in Dark Web Exposure Reports
Dark web exposure reports often include these five common types of data:
1. Login Credentials
Dark web exposure reports frequently reveal login credentials. These include usernames, passwords, and email addresses obtained through platform breaches. Cybercriminals can use these login credentials for identity theft, financial fraud, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Businesses must check employees’ email addresses on dark web exposure reports regularly. Compromised login credentials pose a significant security risk to organizations.
According to Uber’s security update, an attacker compromised an Uber EXT contractor’s account. The attacker likely purchased the corporate password from the dark web. This incident highlights that sensitive credentials are among the most common types of data dark web exposure reports find.
2. Personal Information
Cybercriminals search for personal information like names, addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, and credit card numbers. Then, identity thieves can use this information to assume another person’s identity. For instance, they can open credit accounts, make purchases, and engage in other fraudulent activities.
Organizations must have strict policies in place to protect their employees and customers personal information. This includes secure storage, sensitive data encryption, and regular monitoring for any unusual activity. Additionally, it involves employee training on handling personal information.
In addition, individuals should take precautions to protect their personal information. Use strong passwords for online accounts and be cautious about the information you share on social media. Additionally, it involves checking credit reports for any suspicious activity regularly.
3. Financial Information
Financial information is one of the most sought-after types of personal data by hackers and identity thieves. This includes credit card numbers, bank account details, and other financial records. Therefore, you must protect this information to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or financial theft. Here are some ways to safeguard your financial information:
- Use strong and unique passwords for all of your online accounts, especially those related to banking or finances.
- Avoid using public computers or unsecured Wi-Fi networks when accessing sensitive financial information.
- Keep an eye out for phishing scams. They often target individuals by posing as legitimate companies and requesting personal information.
- Check credit reports for any suspicious activity regularly. This can help identify potential fraudulent charges or attempts at opening new lines of credit in your name.
- Be cautious about the information you share on social media. Oversharing personal details can make it easier for hackers to target you.
4. Intellectual Property and Proprietary Data
Intellectual property and proprietary data play a crucial role in the success of businesses and organizations. Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind. This includes inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce. On the other hand, proprietary data includes sensitive information that is exclusive to a company or organization.
Businesses must protect intellectual property and proprietary data from cyber threats to maintain a competitive advantage. It also ensures the privacy and security of your customers. Here are some measures you can take to safeguard these assets:
- Encryption: Encrypting your files and communications can prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Regular backups: Make regular backups of your data. This ensures you have a secure and retrievable copy in case of a cyber attack or data loss.
- Access control: Limit access to sensitive information only to those who need it for their job responsibilities. Also, use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for extra security.
- Employee education: Train your employees on cybersecurity best practices. This includes how to identify phishing scams and handle confidential information safely.
- Network security: Protect your network by implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and other security measures.
- Incident response plan: Have an incident response plan in place. This preparation ensures you can respond quickly and mitigate any potential cyber attacks.
5. Protected Health Information (PHI) Security
Healthcare organizations create, receive, transmit, or maintain any individually identifiable health information, referred to as PHI. This includes patient names, addresses, social security numbers, medical records, and other personal information.
As more healthcare organizations transition to electronic health records (EHRs), the risk of PHI breaches increases. Therefore, organizations must have strong cybersecurity measures in place to protect sensitive patient data.
Here are some tips for securing PHI:
- Review and update policies and procedures related to PHI regularly.
- Encrypt all electronic devices that store or transmit PHI.
- Limit access to PHI only to authorized employees who need it for their job duties.
- Conduct regular audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address potential security risks.
- Train employees on proper handling and safeguarding of PHI.
- Have a response plan in place in case of a data breach or other cybersecurity incident.
Conclusion
The dark web threatens organizational security significantly by facilitating the illicit trade of various types of sensitive data. Understanding data types in dark web exposure reports helps businesses recognize risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
To assist businesses in identifying and addressing potential data exposures, SwiftTech Solutions offers a free dark web exposure report tool. This service scans the dark web for your organization’s sensitive information. Then, it provides a comprehensive report detailing any exposures. By leveraging this tool, businesses can gain valuable insights into their security posture. From there, they can take necessary actions to protect their assets. Contact us at 877-794-3811 or info@swifttechsolutions.com to learn more about our services.