Company executives discovering that stolen data has been found on the dark web is the stuff of nightmares. Serious data breaches can get executives fired. That begs the following question: can organizations retrieve stolen data from the dark web? Technically, yes. But practically speaking, complete data retrieval is rare.
The dark web is a collection of intentionally hidden and encrypted sites that are not easily tracked or accessed. Just to get on to the dark web you need specialized software. Making matters worse is the fact that stolen data is frequently sold and redistributed across the darknet. So basic dark web monitoring and threat intelligence often aren’t enough to fully retrieve data.
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When Retrieval Is Possible
Even when data retrieval is possible, it is not easy. One of the nation’s leading providers of darknet intelligence, DarkOwl, knows this firsthand. Take a look at this statement from their website:
“DarkOwl analysts can help navigate data acquisition that may require direct communication with threat actors, authentication and darknet expertise.”
It’s clear from this quote that any attempt to retrieve stolen information could force an entity to deal directly with the threat actors they fear. That is not a good position to be in. Fortunately, organizations like DarkOwl are happy to act as intermediaries.
Source: newcomglobal.com
Prevention and Mediation Are Better Strategies
In addition to stolen data retrieval being rare, it can also be time consuming and expensive. Data retrieval is a reactive strategy only brought into play after the fact. Doesn’t it seem better to be proactive? Of course. Prevention and mediation are better strategies than trying to retrieve stolen data. Here’s how organizations do it:
- Dark web monitoring – Enterprises, government agencies, and organizations of other types contract with security companies to provide dark web monitoring on their behalf. Monitoring alerts to potential breaches in the earliest possible stages.
- Routine scans – Routine scans of darknet forums, marketplaces, etc. can keep an organization apprised of any potential threats.
- Data intelligence platforms – A robust threat intelligence platform, like the one DarkOwl offers, takes monitoring to a whole new level. It searches, scrapes, and analyzes data from a variety of sources.
Being proactive is all about looking everywhere and anywhere for possible clues. It is about paying attention to what’s going on within the broader security ecosystem. And just like anything else, being proactive reduces risks considerably.
When Data Can’t Be Retrieved
Given that full data retrieval is extremely rare, it is in an organization’s best interests to have contingency plans in place. Not being able to retrieve data could mean having to reset countless numbers of usernames and passwords. It could mean having to purge sensitive customer data before rebuilding databases from scratch.
Organizations also need to be cognizant of the liability issue. Allowing data breaches opens an organization to civil liability leading to potentially expensive lawsuits. Any amount saved by not protecting data from theft could easily go out the window in a sizable monetary award.
Source: blog.nordnet.com
Don’t Take Any Chances
Is it possible to retrieve stolen data from the darknet? Sure. Anything is possible on a good day when all the stars are aligned. But complete retrieval is not the norm. The lesson here is to not take any chances. Rather than wondering how easy data retrieval might be, organizations should invest in dark web monitoring, threat intelligence platforms, and other prevention and mitigation strategies.
The darknet is an unfriendly place. It’s better to not have to deal with it at all rather than having to retrieve stolen data after the fact.
