How the Dark Web Powers Phishing & Social Engineering Attacks

Some of them are Phishing Attacks, Social Engineering, and Dark Web Scams. Cybercriminals feed on stolen data, leveraging it to carry out targeted phishing attacks and social engineering scams.

World of Business Network Security as a Service Solution

But how does the dark web facilitate this increasing cybercrime? And what can you do to keep safe? Let’s dive in.

Phishing & The Connection To The Dark Web

The dark web is a shadowy region of the internet where stolen credentials, payment information, and corporate data are traded. This underground marketplace is used by hackers and cybercriminals to fuel phishing scams and social engineering attacks.

How Stolen Data Is Used to Carry Out Phishing Attacks

• Credentials for Sale: Cybercriminals package and sell usernames, passwords, and emails that have been exposed through breaches. Once acquired, attackers employ them to gain entry into company systems.
• Spear Phishing: Hackers use stolen information to create emails that appear as if they’re from real employees, CEOs, and vendors. These emails are quite convincing and typically bypass other security measures.
• Business Email Compromise (BEC): Hackers steal company email accounts to impersonate executives or employees by sending emails to staff in finance departments requesting wire transfers or sensitive information.
• Fake Login Pages: Using real credentials, scammers create fake login portals that mimic company resources to steal even more credentials from employees.

And businesses without robust cybersecurity are the victims of data breaches on the dark web.

Common Social Engineering Tactics

Social engineering is not just about email phishing—attacks involve manipulating human behavior to gain unauthorized access to systems. Now, we will reveal the most widespread of them:

1. Pretexting

Cybercriminals introduce a false situation to get employees to divulge sensitive data. For example:

• IT support impersonation and asking for login credentials.
• Fake HR representatives ask an employee for payroll information.

2. Impersonation Attacks

Attackers impersonate fellow employees, managers, or vendors utilizing real company data. Red flags include:

• Payments or password resets needed urgently.
• Funny-looking email addresses that are similar but not quite right.

3. Vishing (Voice Phishing)

Hackers trick themselves into being customer service, IT support, or even law enforcement agents. Beware of:

• Demands for immediate action.
• Company-specific credential or payment information requests.

4. Examples of Getting Attacked: Baiting & Quid Pro Quo

Some hackers offer fake job offers, security alerts, or free software downloads to trick employees into giving their login information.

These tactics can successfully entice an employee most of the time if the employee isn’t aware of social engineering practices and thus they end up compromising the company’s networks.

Protecting Against Phishing

And cybercriminals rely on human error. Businesses need to take preventative measures to mitigate these phishing attacks before they occur.

1. Train Your Employees

Awareness is the best defense against phishing attempts. Train employees to:

• Identify phishing emails and social engineering scams.
• Be wary of links or attachments you don’t know about.
• Verify financial transaction requests or requests for sensitive data.

2. Securing Your Accounts: MFA

Two-factor authentication adds another layer of security that makes it difficult for hackers to use stolen credentials. In the case of stolen login details, MFA can prevent unauthorized access.

3. Start With A Rental Firewalls, Servers & Routers

Acquiring costly security gear is not always a reasonable option. Another aspect is renting enterprise-grade firewalls and servers to ensure security standards of customers and avoid a large investment.

4. Monitor for Data Leaks on the Dark Web

Find out if company credentials have already been acquired on the dark web and take preventive action before hackers misuse it for fraudulent purposes.

5. Use Anti-Phishing Solutions

Advanced security software can identify and halt email phishing scams before they hit employees.

Anti-Phishing Solutions by PJ Networks

Network infrastructure is a critical segment of all businesses that requires reliable cybersecurity solutions. PJ Networks provides phishing and social engineering security that is affordable and designed to protect organizations from current threats.

Why Rent Instead of Buy?

• Budget Friendly: Rent for security scaling without a big upfront cost.
• Timely Security Updates: Enjoy the latest in firewall & server security updates without the costs of hardware replacement.
• Specialist Support: PJ Networks offers 24/7 monitoring & support to minimize the risk of phishing.

PJ Networks Security Solutions for Rent

• Training Data: Up to October 2023.
• Servers: This ensures your data is stored securely, protecting both client and company information from breaches.
• Routers: Ensure safe encrypted connections, protecting sensitive data from leaks or cyber threats.

With a solid cybersecurity strategy and the right protection, businesses should never fall victim to a dark web scam or phishing attack.

Conclusion

Cybercriminals use the dark web to sell stolen data, fueling phishing campaigns and social engineering fraud. Insufficient cybersecurity can lead to data breaches, financial losses, and damaged reputations for businesses.

Companies need to take preventive measures — harden their networks, train employees, and invest in enterprise-level protection. FRPC provides an affordable way to strengthen cybersecurity by renting firewalls, routers, and servers from PJ Networks for struggling organizations.

And don’t leave your business vulnerable — security strategies can help to counter phishing attacks, social engineering, and dark web scams.