What is Dark Web Intelligence?

Data gathered from the Deep Web and the Dark Web is referred to as “Dark Web intelligence”. Its purpose is to proactively combat fraud and cut down on losses. This information may originate from any number of places, including but not limited to malware networks, botnets, and other technological infrastructure used by cybercriminals (including the Dark Web and Deep Web).

The Dark Web has grown popular among hackers because of the anonymity it provides its users. It’s important to note, though, that the Dark Web wasn’t always intended for such evil.

What is the Dark Web?

The Dark Web is the portion of the Internet where users access encrypted information that is not indexed by standard search engines. There are specialized browsers, like the TOR Browser, required to access it. It has become well-known due to the proliferation of online black markets selling illicit goods and services, such as narcotics and stolen data, because of the high levels of secrecy and anonymity it affords its customers.

However, as was previously indicated, some users visit the Dark Web for genuine reasons, such as avoiding legal repercussions associated with voicing political opposition or desiring more anonymity. Take a look at this old post we produced if you’re interested in finding out more about the Dark Web. Some of the most common concerns regarding the underground web are addressed.

Also Read: 10 Best Free Password Manager Software (2021) For Windows 10/11

Are There Differences Between the Dark Web and the Deep Web?

While “Dark Web” and “Deep Web” are sometimes used interchangeably, there are important distinctions between the two. There is more to the Deep Web than just the Dark Web. Accessing them, however, requires the use of specialist browsers like TOR.

The Deep Web is a layer beneath the Surface Web, which is what we often utilize to find pages and websites on the internet. As 90% of all websites, it is substantially larger than the Surface Web. The totality of the Internet has been metaphorically compared to an iceberg by several experts. The Surface Web is the visible portion of the Internet, which exists above the ocean. The remaining portion, known as the Deep Web, is an underground network that houses the Dark Web.

How Can We Recognize Dark Web Intelligence?

There are essentially types of intelligence on the dark web, and they are as follows:

Credentials for Accessing Account

This information is the personally identifiable data (PII) of users that have been stolen and can be used by hackers to gain access to users’ accounts on targeted websites. In cybercriminal underground markets on the Dark Web, they are commonly sold in bulk to anybody interested in files known as “fullz,” short for “full information.” Information such as a person’s name, address, phone number, email address, IP address, and even their Social Security number, are all included (SSN).

Credit Card Numbers

This information includes credit, debit, prepaid, and gift card numbers that have been stolen and can be used by criminals for fraudulent purposes. There is a thriving market on the Dark Web for both this and stolen account credentials. The details include the name, card number, and CVV of the cardholder (CVV).

Mule account details

This information reveals sham bank accounts used in illegal activities including money laundering and fraud. It contains a mule’s name, email address, phone number, and even bank account number that security professionals may use to match dubious transaction information. Money launderers, or “mules,” are often used by cybercrime syndicates to wash their dirty money. With the use of online payment systems, wire transfers, and auction sites, they are able to convert stolen items and money into “clean” currency and commodities.

Targeted attack information

Details of planned targeted assaults by cybercriminals are often discussed on the Dark Web. Cybersecurity experts can benefit from overhearing such talks since they provide early warning of potential indicators of compromise (IoCs), which can then be blocked to reduce risk.

Attacks that take advantage of weaknesses

Threat actors never cease developing new ways to launch the most effective strikes conceivable. And just as they would communicate about imminent targeted assaults, they also exchange information about freshly identified vulnerabilities ripe for the taking. If cybersecurity experts stumble across these discussions, they may be able to identify workarounds before the vulnerabilities are really exploited.

Conclusion

Today, protecting yourself online means taking measures to prevent harm from not only the Deep Web but also the Dark Web. Integrating Dark Web intelligence into the arsenal of cybersecurity experts is a step up from traditional methods of acquiring threat intelligence.