Inside the Shadows: Why Dark Web Monitoring is Essential to Protect Individuals and Businesses in 2025

Into the Dark Web: The Threat Escalates 

In the past year, more than half of small businesses suffered a data breach and it cost them an average $200,000. For most small businesses, it means they won’t recover. 

Stolen or compromised credentials are now the #1 cyber attack vector and are often the hardest to resolve, taking an average 88 days to detect and contain. 

What’s more, the tactics used by cyber criminals are evolving. “Sophisticated criminal gangs now work together in real time, staging coordinated “hackathons” where they pool resources to breach specific industries, countries or organizations,” adds Brooks. 

Recent high-profile examples underscore the scale of this underground economy. More than 2.9 billion personal records were leaked onto the dark web as a result of the 2024 National Public Data Breach – impacting Canadians, Americans and Britons. That same year, Ticketmaster suffered a global breach that compromised the data of over 500 million users, with stolen information quickly appearing on dark web forums. 

Since 95% of data breaches in 2024 were tied to human error – often from leaked or reused credentials – the need for vigilant Dark Web Monitoring has never been more critical. 

What is Dark Web Monitoring — and Why It’s Changing the Game 

Dark Web Monitoring entails continuously scanning and analyzing hidden online forums, criminal marketplaces, encrypted messaging platforms and other dark web networks where cyber criminals share or trade compromised data.  

“For businesses and individuals alike, it’s an early warning system that gives you visibility into whether your credentials, brand, identity or sensitive information are being shared, discussed or sold, so you can take swift action to mitigate potential breaches,” Jardine says. “We believe prevention is always better than loss.” 

With Cyberboxx® Assist, BOXX’s clients are alerted by the Dark Web Monitoring feature if their credentials or passwords are leaked, their brand is mentioned and if sensitive employee information shows up. Compromised domains, even those of your vendors, can also be detected by the feature, so you can monitor your business’ supply chain. 

Importantly, BOXX actively monitors “Hacker Chatter” — real-time conversations among attackers looking to exploit security weaknesses.

“Hacker forums aren’t just data dumps, they’re collaboration spaces,” explains Brooks. “One hacker might post: ‘I’ve breached Company X but need help escalating privileges. Anyone seen this config before?’ That’s the kind of early intelligence we’re listening for. Even if your credentials haven’t been compromised, your industry, software stack or geographic region may be on a criminal gang’s radar.” 

BOXX proactively tracks these trends, including emerging chatter driven by coordinated campaigns triggered by the geopolitical environment and public announcements — and alerts clients with recommended actions when threats escalate. 

Protect Your Business: From Blind Spots to Strategic Intelligence 

Dark Web Monitoring provides critical visibility beyond the firewall of your network. Small businesses are especially vulnerable – they’re targeted four times more often than larger organizations. 

With 93% of cyber attacks on businesses starting with compromised credentials, waiting for a breach notification isn’t a strategy – it’s a liability. 

Dark Web Monitoring empowers businesses to detect credential leaks and brand mentions before they’re exploited. BOXX also monitors for third-party risk — flagging vulnerabilities in vendors and suppliers before they become a backdoor into your systems.  

“One weak vendor login can compromise an entire network – including yours,” Brooks says. 

Combined with BOXX’s Attack Surface Management, businesses can detect public-facing cyber security weaknesses across their entire ecosystem, including exposed assets and supply chain dependencies before the threat reaches them. 

“Monitoring isn’t just about breach detection, it’s about gaining strategic intelligence,” says Jardine. “If you’re being mentioned, BOXX will know.” 

Working with a partner like BOXX means your small business has all-in-one cyber insurance and protection when it matters most.

Cyberboxx® Assist equips your business with essential information, security policy resources and employee training content — all designed to reduce exposures.  

BOXX also helps prevent incidents from turning into claims. The Hackbusters® Incident Response team successfully resolved over 80% of clients’ reported cyber incidents without the need to make a claim — saving clients time, money and stress.  

“Whether you operate 10 or 10,000 endpoints, Hackbusters® responds 24/7 to contain threats and restore systems,” Brooks says. “And for organizations without an in-house security team, BOXX provides vCISO support, giving clients direct access to expert guidance that helps translate alerts and analytics into clear action plans.” 

Protect Yourself, Your Home and Loved Ones: You Might Be Breached and Not Even Know It 

Cyber crime doesn’t just affect corporations. Personal data — from emails and passwords to phone numbers, banking info and social media logins — gets actively traded on the dark web.  

Once exposed, it can be used for identity theft, financial fraud, credential stuffing attacks and increasingly, AI-powered cyber attacks and deepfake scams. 

“Passwords remain a huge weak point,” Brooks says. 

In fact, 62% of people admit to reusing passwords across multiple sites. Even complex passwords can now be cracked in under an hour by AI tools. 

“Variants, like adding a different number to the beginning or end, don’t work anymore,” Brooks warns. “Most people think they don’t reuse passwords — they do. Sometimes without realizing it. Hackers count on that.” 

To reduce your risk, use a password manager, turn on MFA (multi factor authentication) and take advantage of monitoring services like BOXX’s Dark Web Monitoring. “Monitoring matters more than ever. It’s often the only clue that your data is floating on criminal marketplaces before identity theft or extortion begins,” says Jardine. 

BOXX makes it easy to keep you, your family and home safe online with Cyberboxx® Home, which includes Cyberboxx® Assist – so you always have the best coverage and the right tools and expert support to predict, prevent and respond to today’s cyber threats. 

When your personal data appears on the dark web, you’ll get an alert and step-by-step support for next steps – from MFA resets to fraud alerts. That way you can detect stolen credentials and personal info before it’s used for fraud, extortion or identity theft. You’ll also get guidance, support and cyber security training for your whole family to help prevent cyber attacks and scams, including cyber bullying and extortion – helping you protect seniors, children and shared accounts in your household. 

“You lock your front door. Who’s watching your digital identity? Stay informed and stay vigilant. You don’t have to face these cyber threats alone. We’re here to help,” Brooks adds. 

Embracing Proactive Cyber Protection 

The dark web reveals what perimeter security can’t: intent, chatter and leaked data. It’s where attackers plan, coordinate and execute their next move, often months before a breach goes public. 

By working with a cyber partner like BOXX who understands today’s risk landscape and proactively embeds Dark Web Monitoring into its services, businesses and individuals aren’t just insured – they’re equipped. Continuous monitoring, real-time alerts and expert support ensure you can respond faster, act smarter and reduce risk – making Dark Web Monitoring an essential part of your cyber security defences.  

“In today’s cyber risk environment, businesses need threat intelligence and individuals need peace of mind,” Brooks says. “While dark web monitoring doesn’t eliminate cyber threats, it gives you time, clarity and control – a chance to stay ahead.”