The internet has long been a haven for criminals, from identity thieves and scammers to drug dealers and hackers. For many years, the dark web has been their preferred platform for buying and selling illicit goods and services. However, recent developments have led to a shift in the cybercriminal landscape, with many bad actors now turning to the deep web to conduct their illegal activities.
The deep web is the portion of the internet that is not indexed by search engines and requires specific software or authorization to access. Unlike the dark web, which is intentionally hidden and used for illegal activities, the deep web encompasses a much broader range of content, including private databases, academic journals, and corporate intranets.
So why are cybercriminals moving from the dark web to the deep web? One major reason is that law enforcement agencies have become more effective at tracking and shutting down dark web marketplaces and forums that cybercriminals have traditionally used to buy and sell illicit goods and services. In recent years, several high-profile dark web marketplaces, such as Silk Road and AlphaBay, have been taken down by law enforcement.
As a result, cybercriminals are turning to more obscure parts of the internet to avoid detection. The deep web offers a larger and less monitored space where they can operate with relative impunity. This shift presents new challenges for law enforcement, as the deep web is much larger and more difficult to monitor than the dark web.
However, companies should not assume that they are safe from cyber threats simply because they are not conducting business on the dark web. The same techniques and tools that are used on the dark web can also be applied to the deep web, and cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to exploit vulnerabilities.
It is crucial for businesses to be proactive in protecting themselves against cyber threats, regardless of where those threats originate. This includes implementing strong encryption and multi-factor authentication, regularly updating software and security protocols, and providing ongoing employee training on cybersecurity best practices.
Staying informed about emerging cyber threats is also essential. Companies should regularly review their security measures and adapt them to stay ahead of cybercriminals. As the cyber landscape continues to evolve, businesses that take a proactive and vigilant approach to cybersecurity will be best positioned to protect their assets and avoid costly data breaches.
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Source: https://www.techrepublic.com/article/cybercriminals-swap-dark-web-deep-web/
