Breathe. Inhale. Hold it. 1, 2, 3… Exhale. Take a moment and imagine the thing you dread the most in the world. The thing that brings you the most anxiety when you know it’s coming up. Everybody has something. Got it? I bet at least a quarter of you thought of an appointment with your doctor or dentist. There’s just something so nerve-wracking about going to the doctor’s because you know that there’s a chance they’re going to tell you something that you don’t like. Maybe you need to exercise more. Shed a few pounds. Maybe you need to change your diet. Maybe you need to get blood drawn. Needles? Does anyone like them? The thought of any of these unpleasant experiences is enough to make a shiver run up your spine. So why don’t we just put it off and not go?
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” – Benjamin Franklin. If we don’t go, then we won’t know what’s wrong with us. If there’s an issue, there will be no way to detect it until it’s a bigger problem than it ever needed to be. If we don’t know what’s wrong with us early on before it becomes a greater health concern, we won’t be able to fix it in time to nip it in the bud. If we don’t fix it, we won’t get better. In fact, it’ll get worse. Well, what if I told you there was something similar to a doctor’s visit that you’ve potentially been putting off? Something that may not affect your physical health but could certainly change your life if you don’t pay attention to it. I’m talking about the Dark Web. If you’ve never heard of it, please keep reading. This article will discuss some of the most important ways to protect your data from the dark web.
What Is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that can only be accessed with special software. It’s often used by criminals to buy and sell drugs, weapons, and stolen data. It’s also occasionally used for less nefarious purposes by journalists, activists, and whistleblowers to keep their activities secret. Because it’s hidden from search engines and normal users, it’s a great place for criminals to hide their activities.
The Underbelly of the Internet
Just in case you were wondering, it definitely is not a good idea to log onto the dark web for fun. The dark web is a dangerous place, and you can easily get yourself into deep trouble if you’re not careful. Second, the content on the dark web is often illegal. This means that you could be arrested for visiting websites or chat rooms that contain this kind of illegal content, drug deals, or even arms dealings. Third, the dark web is a haven for cybercriminals. By visiting websites and chat rooms on the dark web, you could be exposing yourself to malware and other cyber threats. Fourth, the dark web is very difficult to navigate. It can be easy to get lost in the maze of websites and chat rooms, and it’s easy to stumble upon something that you shouldn’t see. Ultimately, the dark web is not safe and not a place to visit out of curiosity. There have been cases where people have been robbed or even killed after visiting websites or chat rooms on the dark web.
Keep Your Wits about You
Cybercriminals use the dark web to buy and sell stolen information. It’s a sordid, bizarre network where a lot of illegal activities go on, and obviously, you can’t ignore the risks it poses to your professional and personal privacy and security. It’s incredibly important to you and your business’s cybersecurity that you are constantly and thoroughly monitoring the dark web. You need to know if your passwords, emails addresses, phone numbers, or even your SSN has been breached so you can deal with it before it becomes a problem. Not knowing whether your data has been breached is just as bad as refusing to go to the doctor because you’re afraid of what they might tell you. You can’t fix the problem if you don’t know what it is. Overall, it is not a good idea to log onto the dark web just to see what it looks like. There are a number of risks associated with visiting the dark web, and it’s best to stay away unless you absolutely need to access it for work or research purposes.
Protecting Your Data from the Dark Web
There are a few things you can do to prevent your data from being stolen and put on the dark web.
- First, make sure you have strong passwords and use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Second, be careful about what you share online. Don’t post personal information like your address or phone number, and be careful about which websites you visit. Third, update your software regularly and install antivirus software on your computer.
- Finally, be aware of phishing scams and never give out your personal information to someone you don’t know.
Protect and Monitor Your Data with Cyber Security Strategies
Luckily, we can provide constant dark web monitoring for you. All you’ll have to do is continue using your cybersecurity strategies and procedures as you have been, and we will tell you if any of your data has been breached. That way if a password or email has been compromised you can change it immediately. And if any of your other sensitive data has been leaked, you can contact the proper authorities. It really is that easy. You may not like what you find once you start dark web monitoring. Ignorance really is bliss. But ignorance also leads to data breaches that can cost you your job, your savings, and everything else.
When you’re sick or hurt, your body tells you, so you have no excuse not to see a doctor. But without dark web monitoring, you won’t be able to tell if your personally identifiable information (PII) has been stolen until it’s too late. Don’t let that happen! Contact us about our dark web monitoring service today!
Remember, you’re eligible for Kirkham.IT’s free cybersecurity risk assessment. Protect your business, your loved ones, and your own privacy from cyberattacks such as identity theft and much more. Know the risks and stay vigilant. Book your free assessment today and be cyber safe.
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