Professional IT support
Our proactive IT support team relates to the challenges faced by other businesses and offers our own unique approach to help optimise your IT infrastructure and workflows. If you need helpdesk IT support, network management, cloud solutions, cybersecurity expertise, or strategic IT consulting, connect with us.
Learn more ->IT Support
Outsourced IT Support Packages & Pricing Remote IT Support Proactive IT Support Apple IT Support Switching ProvidersRegional IT support
IT Support in Melksham IT Support in Chippenham IT Support in Trowbridge IT Support in Bristol IT Support in Salisbury IT Support in Corsham IT Support in Devizes IT Support in SwindonFeatured Posts
Fully managed IT services
IT is at the heart of every business. Make sure it’s managed reliably and professionally.
Learn more ->Main Services
Core IT Services Microsoft Solutions Cloud & Hosted Services Unified Communications IT Consultancy Data Connectivity
Cyber Security services
IT is at the heart of every business. Make sure it’s managed reliably and professionally.
Learn more ->Featured Posts
Insights into IT systems and security
By gaining practical insight into IT infrastructure and security—from networks and cloud platforms to access control and threat detection—you can see not just how technology works, but how it is defended, where it fails, and why good security is as much about smart design as it is about strong controls.
Learn more ->Featured Posts
Our Vision
Our vision is to make the organisations we partner with the very best they can be.
Learn more ->Featured Posts
Request Quote
What data does the dark web hold on you?
In a world where data protection is more important than ever it is increasingly important that you know what data personal to you is being sold online. The Dark Web is the platform of choice for cyber criminals interested in purchasing and selling personal information in bulk lots. We are going to discuss how to protect yourself and even check if your information is available for sale. This article will assist you in protecting yourself today and in the future.
Ok so let’s start with what the darknet is exactly
The darknet exists parallel to the well known internet we use everyday. Accessing it can not be done through a standard browser or google searches. You will require TOR browser which operates much like Edge, Chrome, Firefox etc, but functions differently and serves the darknet website domains which all end in .onion instead of a typical .com address. The reason for this is to provide privacy to users and is the backbone of the original creation, however nefarious users use the darknet for highly illegal purposes including the exchange of business records and personal information on millions of people.
Because of its secrecy, the dark web makes it hard to find and delete data that has already been shared.
Networks like Tor make the dark web possible by encrypting data and sending it through multiple nodes to hide the names of users. Anonymity is both a good and a bad thing because it lets people speak freely and privately, but it also makes it easier for illegal things to happen. The dark web is different from the surface web and the deep web. You can use normal browsers to access the surface web, but databases and medical records are only accessible through the deep web. The dark web is purposely hidden.
To understand why it's so hard to get info off of the dark web, you need to know how it works and how it's organized. It is very hard to find and delete all copies of your personal information after it has been leaked because there is no central authority and data can be easily copied across many platforms. So if you find your information is available on the darknet, is it possible to take if off again? That is a very valid question lets answer that in the next section.
Can my personal data be removed from the dark web?
Unfortunately once your information is released on the darknet, it will be copied by many data harvesters and scammers, forever being listed in personal information datasets. Knowing this is an important step, it teaches you to revolve your passwords more frequently and to take step to limit any exposure of your personal information to scammers on the dark web.
Focus on future protection
The primary method today is to use data protection and monitoring services that consistently check for any breaches in your identity and provide protection advice before something happens. Enable additional security features such as two factor authentication, use strong passwords and ensue that you have a different password for all of your accounts. If you struggle with this then use a password manager tool, this will help you completed login much more quickly. There are darknet monitoring services available that will actively look for your detail on the darknet and provide you with alerts so you can take action straight away.
How Can I Enhance My Digital Security?
Short answer is to use privacy tools to remove your information from the internet before it is passed to the darknet. Data tends to flow from hacked internet accounts that are then passed to darknet brokers, who then pass the data onto darknet buyers. You can request that data brokers remove your information by contacting them directly or using automated services like Privacy Bee. These services work with data brokers on your behalf requesting removal of your personal information form their records. The less there is online about you the better as fraudsters use all the information they can get to target you.
Implementing Robust Security Practices
This includes using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly updating your software to ensure you have the latest security patches. Utilizing a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can also help mask your IP address and protect your browsing activity from being tracked.
Additionally, being cautious with emails and downloads, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and educating yourself on cybersecurity best practices can significantly enhance your digital security.
Want some help with Cyber Security?
If you have any questions or related problems, please get in touch with your support contact who will be happy to help you.
!What to do if your information is found on the dark web
If your information is found on the dark web, it's essential to act quickly to protect your identity. This involves changing all passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring your accounts for suspicious activity. Using identity theft protection services can also help detect and mitigate any potential threats.
If you discover that your information is on the dark web, the first step is to secure all your online accounts. Change your passwords to strong, unique ones, and enable two-factor authentication where possible. This adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorised access. To re-iterate, you will need to change all your passwords for all your email accounts, and anything not secured by two factor authentication.
Summary
- Use TwoFactor Authentication.
- Use sperate passwords for each account.
- Use a VPN when using the internet.
- Never to use public WiFi or hotspots.
- Use privacy tools to remove data from the normal internet before it is transferred to darknet shadow operators.
- Use the tools provided by your IT team.
- Enforce Two Factor Authentication.
Protect your future today
If you're concerned about your personal data security or need assistance in protecting your digital footprint, contact us today. We can provide you with expert guidance and tools to help safeguard your identity and ensure your peace of mind in the digital world. Contact Us
Sound Networks
01225 701650networks@soundnetworks.net
Let's work together
01225 701650Strattons House, Melksham, Wiltshire, SN12 6JL
networks@soundnetworks.net08:30 AM - 17:00 PM
Get support tailored to your company's specific requirements!
Our mission is to provide technology guidance, expertise and support to enable our customers to grow their business.
Start Here
Sign up to receive useful information regarding your IT without the fluff
By Subscribing you are agreeing to receive our IT updates newsletter released each Month. You will not receive anything else.
