Cyber threats are escalating at an alarming rate, and businesses of all sizes are at risk. According to IBM’s 2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report, the average data breach cost reached $4.88 million—the biggest jump since the pandemic. One of the most dangerous places where stolen business data ends up is the dark web.
This guide will break down what the dark web is, how your company’s data can end up there, and the most effective cybersecurity strategies—backed by research and expert recommendations—to prevent a breach.
What Is the Dark Web?
A portion of the internet that search engines like Google don’t index is known as the “dark web.” Rather, it necessitates specific software like Tor or I2P, which are dark web browsers made to protect user privacy.
While not all activities on dark web are illegal, a significant portion involves hacked corporate databases, malware distribution, and illicit financial transactions. Reports from the cybersecurity firm Recorded Future indicate that thousands of stolen credentials from Fortune 500 companies appear on dark web websites every week.
How Do Hackers Access Dark Web?
Hackers and cybercriminals use free dark web browsers like Tor to browse anonymously and conduct illegal transactions. According to a 2023 Digital Shadows report, over 15 billion stolen credentials are available on the dark web, many from corporate data breaches.
Among the top threats businesses face include Credential leaks, Ransomware listings, and Corporate espionage, where sensitive business data is sold to competitors.
Without active dark web monitoring, businesses might not even know their data is compromised until it’s too late.
How Does Business Data End Up on Dark Web?
Business data can reach dark web through breaches, phishing, insider threats, weak passwords, and unsecured remote access. Dark web monitoring is essential to detect and prevent these risks before they cause harm.
Data Breaches and Hacking
Cybercriminal groups target company databases through zero-day exploits, phishing, and ransomware. According to Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report, 68% of data breaches involve human error or stolen credentials. Attackers exploit unpatched vulnerabilities, infiltrating corporate networks and exfiltrating data that later appears for sale on dark web websites.
Phishing Attacks and Social Engineering
Hackers use phishing emails to trick employees into revealing login credentials. The Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG) reported over 9 million phishing attacks in Q3 2024 alone. These fraudulent emails often impersonate executives or trusted entities, urging recipients to click malicious links or download infected attachments, leading to credential theft.
Insider Threats
A report by Cybersecurity Insiders found that 60% of insider threats come from negligent employees, while 40% are malicious actors within the company. Insiders may sell sensitive information on dark web links or unwittingly expose data through poor cybersecurity practices. Organizations that fail to monitor privileged user activity face a higher risk of data leaks.
Poor Password Hygiene
Weak passwords continue to be a major issue. Attackers use brute-force techniques and credential-stuffing attacks to gain unauthorized access to accounts, and once passwords are compromised, they often end up in dark web repositories.
Remembering strong and unique passwords for every platform is a hassle and that is why it is always recommended to use a secure Password Manager to keep all your passwords under one roof.
Unsecured Remote Work Policies
Many businesses allow employees to use personal devices or public Wi-Fi without security protocols, making them vulnerable to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. Without corporate-enforced VPN usage, remote employees risk exposing company data to cybercriminals who intercept traffic and steal credentials for resale on dark web marketplaces.
How to Protect Your Company Data from Dark Web?
Keeping company data off the dark web requires strong cybersecurity. Businesses should use dark web monitoring, secure authentication, employee training, and data encryption to block unauthorized access and prevent leaks.
Monitor for Data Leaks Regularly
Invest in dark web monitoring services to track stolen credentials and data leaks in real-time. Some leading tools include PureVPN, Have I Been Pwned, and DarkTracer
Enforce Strong Authentication Measures
Weak credentials are a leading cause of data breaches. Businesses should implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all corporate accounts, password managers to enforce complex and unique passwords, and zero trust security models, ensuring that even authenticated users only have access to necessary systems.
Employee Cybersecurity Training
Employees remain the weakest link in security. According to Proofpoint’s 2023 State of the Phish Report, 74% of organizations fell victim to phishing attacks due to poor employee training.
Training should cover:
- How to recognize phishing emails and scams.
- The risks of using dark web internet browsers for research.
- How to report suspected security threats.
Secure Cloud Storage & Backup Strategies
Cloud misconfigurations expose sensitive company data. According to IBM’s 2024 Data Security Report, 12% of cloud security incidents were due to misconfigured access controls.
To prevent data leaks:
- Encrypt all sensitive files before storing them.
- Use secure cloud platforms with built-in encryption (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud).
- Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to limit data exposure.
Performing regular security audits ensures compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR.
Get a White Label VPN
A White Label VPN ensures secure and encrypted communication between employees and company networks. According to Accenture, 43% of cyberattacks target small businesses, and using a VPN adds an essential layer of protection.
A VPN boosts security by encrypting internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers. It protects remote employees working from home or on public networks, keeping business data safe. Companies can also provide custom-branded VPNs for employees and clients, adding an extra layer of trust. Additionally, VPNs help prevent cybercriminals from intercepting corporate data, reducing dark web threats and strengthening overall security.
How Can PureVPN Help?
As cyber threats grow more advanced, businesses need strong security measures to protect their data. PureVPN’s White Label VPN gives companies a secure and private way to communicate, reducing the risk of unauthorized access, data theft, and leaked credentials.
With a White Label VPN, businesses can encrypt network traffic, secure remote employee access, and block cybercriminals from spying on sensitive information. With ransomware and data breaches on the rise, using an encrypted, company-branded VPN ensures employees, contractors, and partners connect safely to corporate systems.
Conclusion
The dark web is a hotspot for cybercriminals, making data protection critical for every business. Understanding how it works and taking proactive security steps can help prevent corporate data from being exposed.
PureVPN strengthens cybersecurity with dark web monitoring, a White Label VPN, and a Password Manager. These tools help businesses detect data leaks, secure online access, and protect sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.