The Dark Web: How Cybercriminals Target Small Businesses

Introduction

The internet is vast. One can barely imagine life without it. While it has helped bring the world to everyone’s doorstep, there is a side that is not so helpful. So, what is dark web? The dark web is that part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. Accessing it requires different software, like Tor. 

While it has legitimate uses, the dark web sites are mostly associated with illegal activity and are notorious for their anonymity. Here, cybercriminals use dark web search engine tools to target marketplaces, community forums, and small businesses to hack and steal their data and commit fraud.

Despite being small, these businesses contain valuable customer data, making them prime targets of cybercriminals. These small businesses lack robust cybersecurity measures, and cybercriminals pick on their vulnerable spots and impact their very existence. A look at the most common methods of attack and how small businesses can strengthen themselves against this malicious practice of dark web threats and be cybersecure.

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How is the dark web different from the regular internet?

• Surface Web – These are websites that are open to the public (e.g., news websites, social media).

• Deep Web – Private pages that are protected by passwords (e.g,. private accounts, online banking).

• Dark Web – Anonymous networks that are encrypted and used for legal as well as illegal activities. 

Why Are Small Businesses Targeted?

According to a Guardz Research Unit, small businesses constitute 50% of the world’s GDP! Even though they represent 90% of all businesses, they lack robust security systems like those of bigger corporations thus making them susceptible to cyberattacks and cyber terrorism.

These small businesses contain valuable data related to:

• Customers' financial records

• Intellectual property

• Personally identifiable information (PII)

These cybercriminals are so emboldened that one dark web listing stated – Attack-as-a-Service for administrative access to a U.S. law firm’s network for $600. The dark web serves as a marketplace for stolen data, hacking services, dark web images or videos on the dark web to promote cyber terrorism.

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A Look at Common Cyber Attacks on Small Businesses

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1. Phishing: This is the number one attack method against small businesses. In a phishing attack, hackers send deceptive emails or messages from trusted sources (cleverly misspelt) and trick employees into revealing sensitive data like passwords, credit card pins, or bank details. 

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2. Malware: It is the most common attack aimed at small businesses. It is a kind of script, code, or software that is installed onto a victim’s computer without the owner’s knowledge. The intention is to cause harm to the server, computer, or network. Once it is downloaded unintentionally, it can corrupt or steal information. Malware types could be viruses, Trojans, botnets, rootkits, spyware, or ransomware.
   
   
3. Credential Thef: User credentials of small businesses are often compromised and sold on the dark web. Hackers then use these stolen or guessed passwords to infiltrate and hack your accounts.
   
   
4. Ransomware: This is a type of malware that allows an attacker to encrypt and make a company’s data unavailable until a ransom is paid. Unfortunately, even after the ransom is paid, there is no guarantee that the attacker will keep his word and return the data or not make it public. It can happen to any company; size does not matter. In 2021, 37% of ransomware attacks were on companies that had fewer than 100 employees.
   
   
5. Unpatched Vulnerabilities Exploited: Software vulnerabilities and outdated systems, like EternalBlue in Windows Server Message Block protocol, can easily be exploited by hackers.
   
   
6. Man-in-the-Middle Attack: Communication between two endpoints is intercepted. E.g., an attacker intercepts a message between a website and a user trying to log in. The attacker then impersonates one of the parties and steals sensitive information.
   
   
7. Denial-of-Service Attacks: When a company’s server or network is flooded with a huge amount of traffic, it is a denial-of-service attack. It hampers the company from carrying out its business. The reason could be anything. Personal revenge, malicious attack, or reputation damage. Often, it is to extort payment from the organisation. DoS attacks on small businesses are on the rise.
   
   

Impact of Cyber Attacks

For small businesses, such cyberattacks can affect their very existence. It results in:

• Financial losses: Small businesses may not have deep pockets to recover from attacks. 

• Operational downtime: A cyber-attack could lead to significant downtime. Over 94% of ransomware victims reported disruption of operations as per Guardz Research Unit.

• Business failure: Almost 60% of businesses shut down within six months of a major security attack, as per StationX Limited.

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How to Prevent Cyber Attacks

Often, small businesses feel that cyberattacks happen to bigger companies. They believe they are too small, and why would hackers attack such a small company? Unfortunately, that is precisely the reason why small companies are hacked. They are easier targets that have fewer security systems in place.

How can smaller companies defend themselves against attacks from dark web threats? Some steps that small businesses can take:

1. Employee awareness: Employees need to be trained in cybersecurity practices. Stiff penalties can be attached to a lack of compliance. Training employees on how to keep the bad guys out of the system is important.
   
   
2. Top Priority: Security needs to be a top priority from the top to the lowest-ranking employee. Policies must be documented and be easily accessible, and a security-minded culture must be embraced by all. Dry runs should be conducted. Important for everyone in the organisation to know who is responsible in case of an attack, and a step-by-step guide is laid out for all in case of an attack.
   
   
3.  Regular Backups and updates: A robust backup solution can help companies get back on their feet after a ransomware attack. Keep systems updated with upgrades to close patch vulnerabilities.
   
   
4. Monitor Dark Web Activity: Yes, know your enemy. Use the right tools to scan dark web engine search platforms for any leaked credentials of your company.
   
   
5. Invest in Robust Security: Invest in hardware and software to prevent cyberattacks. Install antivirus software and have firewalls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add layers of security to stay safe.
   
   

Conclusion

Small businesses need to know the enemy and understand threats to their existence from the dark web. Making security a priority, investing in a culture of vigilance, and being cybersecure will help small businesses thrive in any environment. 

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