Watching the Dark Web: Discussion with BrandShield CEO

In an increasingly digital world, cybersecurity threats are evolving at an alarming rate. One of the most significant sources of these threats is the dark web, a hidden layer of the internet that has become a breeding ground for cybercriminal activities. 

From ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) to the trading of stolen personal data, the dark web poses a formidable challenge to businesses and individuals alike.

But what can be done to shine a light on this shadowy corner of the internet accessible only through specialised browsers like Tor?

To find out more about the dark web and its implications for cybersecurity, we spoke with Yoav Keren, CEO at BrandShield, a leader in global digital risk protection.

A haven for cybercriminals

BrandShield, is a brand-oriented digital risk protection company that specialises in monitoring, detection, and removal of digital threats, yet it recently decided to implement  Dark Web Monitoring to its suite of products.

Yoav explains the rationale behind BrandShield's decision to add Dark Web Monitoring to its suite of products: "With more than 40 million bitcoin transactions occurring on the dark web between 2011-2021, this ominous layer of the internet has become a hotbed for illegal activity.”

The dark web's anonymity and encryption have made it an attractive platform for cybercriminals to operate with relative impunity. 

 “From trading information acquired from data leaks to selling pre-packaged phishing attacks (phishing kits), among other illegal and counterfeit goods and services, it was essential that BrandShield customers were protected on every corner of the internet,” he explains.

This has led to a proliferation of cyber threats, ranging from data breaches to ransomware attacks, that originate from this hidden part of the internet.

One of the most concerning trends emerging from the dark web is the rise of RaaS. 

"We're noticing the widespread availability of advanced RaaS tools, sophisticated AI-driven impersonation attacks, and a market for premade phishing kits, that is, kits for sale designed to exploit one particular organisation,” Yoav notes.

RaaS has lowered the barrier to entry for cybercriminals, allowing even those with limited technical skills to launch devastating ransomware attacks. This business model, where ransomware developers lease out their malicious software to other criminals, has led to a surge in ransomware incidents globally.

Another significant concern is the rampant trading of stolen personal and financial data on the dark web. 

This illicit trade in personal information fuels identity theft, financial fraud, and other forms of cybercrime. 

In a recent incident, around 100,000 compromised ChatGPT users login information was sold on the dark web in 2023. Such breaches highlight the ongoing threat to personal and corporate data security.

Combating dark web threats

In response to these growing threats, BrandShield has developed a Dark Web Monitoring solution. 

"By combining Dark Web Monitoring with our advanced scraping methodologies and human intelligence, we are able to analyse a wide range of dark web sources, including darknet websites and specialised forums,” explains Yoav. 

“Within these facets of the internet, our technology covers a wide range of risks, from leaked credentials and sensitive personal data to intellectual property and ransomware".

This approach allows companies to stay ahead of potential threats by identifying leaked data, monitoring for planned attacks, and tracking the activities of cybercriminal groups on the dark web.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the importance of dark web monitoring in cybersecurity strategies cannot be overstated.

By shining a light on this hidden corner of the internet, businesses can get a head start on the array of cyber threats originating from the dark web.

"As online attacks, phishing, and Gen AI threats increase in both severity and frequency, businesses need to be vigilant against cybercriminals looking to exploit vulnerabilities and weaknesses," Yoav concludes.

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