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What is Dark Web?

A hidden part of the internet, reachable only with special software, where stolen data and criminal services are bought and sold.

The dark web is a portion of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and can only be reached with special software such as Tor, which anonymizes users. It has legitimate privacy uses, but it is also where criminals trade stolen credentials, breached databases, malware, and ransomware-as-a-service. For businesses, the practical relevance is exposure: when your employees' passwords or your customers' data show up for sale there, it is a signal of a breach somewhere. Dark-web monitoring services watch for your organization's data appearing in these markets.

  • A part of the internet reachable only with special software like Tor.
  • A marketplace for stolen credentials, breached databases, and malware-as-a-service.
  • Your data appearing there is a signal of a breach somewhere.

En français

Web clandestin (dark web)

Une partie cachée d'Internet, accessible seulement avec un logiciel spécial, où l'on achète et vend des données volées et des services criminels.

Le web clandestin (dark web) est une partie d'Internet qui n'est pas indexée par les moteurs de recherche et n'est accessible qu'avec un logiciel spécial comme Tor, qui anonymise les utilisateurs. Il a des usages légitimes liés à la vie privée, mais c'est aussi là que des criminels échangent identifiants volés, bases de données piratées, maliciels et rançongiciels en service. Pour les entreprises, l'enjeu concret est l'exposition : quand les mots de passe de vos employés ou les données de vos clients y sont mis en vente, c'est le signe d'une atteinte quelque part. Des services de surveillance guettent l'apparition de vos données dans ces marchés.

Dark Web: frequently asked questions

Is it illegal to access the dark web?

Accessing it isn't illegal in itself — it has legitimate privacy uses. Buying stolen data or illegal goods there is. For businesses, the relevant concern is monitoring for your own data being traded.

What is dark web monitoring?

A service that watches dark-web markets and forums for your organization's data — leaked employee passwords, customer records — and alerts you so you can respond before the exposure is abused.

Want to talk through how this fits your environment?

Book a no-obligation consultation and we'll explain how this plays out for an organization like yours.

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