Like An Iceberg
Like an iceberg, you can see part of that ice, (or internet) above the horizon, but much of the ice (and internet) resides deep below the surface. This “deep web” is part of the internet that we can’t see or access via search engines. But it is ALL THE SAME iceberg – or the same internet. Now below the surface, in the deepest part of the ocean, in the darkest waters, you’ll find the Dark Web. The information that is shared on the Dark Web is done via the darknet.
How Do You Get There?
First, not everything below the surface is dangerous. And above the surface, you can easily find what you’re looking for (search engines provide easy-to-use directions), but below, you’re going to need specialized gear…. goggles, a wetsuit, and a flashlight if you wish to navigate the underwater tunnels. And that kind of gear allows you to swim around anonymously, where nobody can see your face. Next, you’ll need a means of transportation. This transportation is called The Onion Router, or TOR. Why? Because like an onion, there are many layers to the deep web, and TOR is the gateway to getting access.
So, you’re geared up, no one can identify you, you have transportation, and you are about to jump into the deep web. Is the whole place dangerous? Short answer, no. It is just where the unsearchable information is stored on the internet. By some accounts, this is 500 times bigger than what you find above the water. For example, a Google search will tell you how to log onto a bank’s website (that’s a site that is above water), but your specific banking information isn’t searchable. With the proper credentials to log in, you can access your own account – that’s stored on the deep web. It is the same for your email or health records.
Let’s Dive Deeper
Those darkest, deepest waters…that’s where the Dark Web is. This is where the marketplace exists that sells personal information, stolen credentials, and sometimes worse. There are files here for sale that are organic and always growing with data that is acquired through breaches. Yes, there is likely a file with your name on it, and some of your credentials. The cybercriminals will purchase that information and use it to gain unlawful access to your accounts or to threaten you with an email that contains a password that you once used. This is why understanding cybercriminals’ current tactics and best practices to protect yourself and your accounts are so vital.
How to Stay Afloat
Staying ahead of cybercriminals is an ongoing battle. As soon as you learn new cybersecurity habits, they learn new tactics to fool you. That’s why an ongoing training program is essential to the protection of any business – we’re all human and humans make mistakes. We can offset the risk that those mistakes present with a plan of attack when it comes to identifying gaps and mitigating the risk of human error.
Root Level Solutions offers tools to strengthen the superhuman firewalls of your organization? Interested in learning more about how we can help you add human security training to your solution stack? Contact us at HIPAA@Rootlevelsolutions.com
Michael Garcia
VP Compliant Services
210-883-6141
Root Level Solutions, LLC
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