What Is the Dark Web?
Think of the internet like an iceberg.
- The surface web is what we browse every day (Google, LinkedIn, etc.).
- The deep web holds private databases and internal systems.
- And beneath that lies the dark web — a hidden part of the internet where stolen data is often traded anonymously.
Originally built for privacy and free speech, the dark web has evolved into a thriving black market for cybercriminals selling stolen passwords, financial information, and access to company systems.
How Cybercrime on the Dark Web Grew
The dark web’s economy exploded with the rise of Tor (The Onion Router) and cryptocurrency.
Anonymous access plus untraceable payments created perfect conditions for cybercrime.
Today, millions of users log on daily to buy and sell:
- Stolen credit card and banking data
- Corporate credentials and remote access tools
- Malware kits and ransomware services
For small and midsize businesses, this means you may already be exposed without realizing it.
How Your Data Ends Up on the Dark Web
You don’t have to be hacked directly.
Your company’s credentials could leak through:
- A vendor breach (a supplier gets hacked)
- Phishing attacks on employees
- Reused passwords across multiple services
- Old accounts still connected to your domain
In one 2023 case, attackers exploited the Citrix Bleed vulnerability to steal and leak 43GB of corporate data to the dark web—without the victim company realizing until weeks later.
What Dark Web Monitoring Does
Dark web monitoring is your early-warning system.
It scans dark web markets, breach databases, and hidden forums for data linked to your company domain, such as:
- Usernames and passwords
- Financial records
- Personal identifiable information (PII)
- Intellectual property
When found, you’re alerted immediately so you can act fast—changing credentials, tightening security, and protecting your business reputation.
Should You Build It In-House?
Creating your own monitoring setup is complex, expensive, and requires constant updates.
The dark web changes constantly—URLs disappear, forums move, and languages vary.
That’s why most businesses outsource dark web monitoring to trusted cybersecurity experts like Boston IT Services (BITS), who already have the tools, access, and analysts in place.
What to Do if You’re Exposed
If your data surfaces on the dark web:
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all accounts.
- Reset and strengthen passwords.
- Watch for unusual login attempts.
- Educate employees on phishing and password hygiene.
- Use CAPTCHAs to block automated bot attacks.
You can’t remove data once it’s posted—but you can limit the damage and stop criminals from using it.
BITS Has You Covered
At Boston IT Services (BITS), we believe cybersecurity should be simple, proactive, and human.
We’re offering a Free Dark Web Scan for businesses in Boston and nationwide.
We’ll:
- Check if your company’s credentials are exposed
- Deliver a simple report (no jargon)
- Recommend clear, affordable steps to secure your systems
BITS offers flexible plans to protect all your devices and security needs—from everyday IT support to 24×7 cybersecurity monitoring.
Schedule Your Free Dark Web Scan
The dark web never sleeps—but with BITS on your side, you can.
Book your free Dark Web Scan
It only takes a minute, and it might save your business from a costly breach
