The Darkweb: Latest findings... Is your data being sold on the dark web?

Do you want to know if your data is being sold on the darkweb?

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Introduction: In an effort to gauge awareness and concerns regarding data exposure on the dark web, we conducted a survey via different polls on LinkedIn. The survey aimed to understand respondents' familiarity with the dark web, their interest in knowing if their data is being sold on the dark web, and their overall knowledge of this hidden online realm. A total of 86 respondents participated in the survey.

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The majority of these respondents are professionals. They are in management roles.

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Survey Results:

1. Awareness of the Dark Web:

• 65% of respondents indicated that they would like to know if their data is being sold on the dark web, suggesting a significant level of awareness and concern about potential data breaches and exposure.
• 26% of respondents stated that they do not have an interest in knowing if their data is being sold on the dark web. While this percentage is lower, it still indicates that a quarter of the respondents may not perceive this as a significant concern.

1. Familiarity with the Dark Web:

• 9% of respondents replied with "What's the dark web?" This segment of respondents appears to have limited knowledge about the dark web, highlighting the need for education and awareness efforts to inform individuals about this hidden and often illicit online space. It is also important to highlight that we believe this result would be much higher in different sectors and among more junior job roles.

Implications:

The survey results reflect a mixed but intriguing picture of respondents' attitudes toward data exposure on the dark web:

• Heightened Concerns: The majority of respondents (65%) expressed a desire to know if their data is being sold on the dark web. This highlights a growing awareness of the potential risks associated with data breaches and unauthorised data trading. IT directors, IT Managers and those in finance and operational management roles were keen to know if they have had their data compromised. They are in very important roles and I am sure they understand some of the risks of the dark web and being breached.
• Data Privacy Awareness: The fact that a significant portion of respondents (26%) indicated they do not want to know if their data is being sold on the dark web might suggest a level of trust in existing security measures. However, it also presents an opportunity for raising awareness about the importance of data privacy and encouraging proactive measures to safeguard personal information. They may have said no as they are also worried about finding out if they have been hacked and the implications of legally having to report this…or the implications on their job...

Educational Need: The 9% of respondents who were unfamiliar with the concept of the dark web indicate a need for educational initiatives to inform individuals about the nature of the dark web, its potential risks, and the steps they can take to protect their data online. Shockingly some of these worked in the technology sector. You may have heard the phrase, 'There are unknown unknowns...'

Seriously, what you don't know, will likely hurt you.

Conclusion:

The majority of respondents expressed concerns about their data's security.?is also a notable need for further education and awareness efforts to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to protect their digital identities and organisations in an increasingly interconnected and complex online world.

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, staying informed about data security and understanding the potential risks of the dark web will remain crucial for individuals, businesses, and organisations.

We provided some complimentary dak web reports to those who selected ‘yes,’ to seeing if their data is on the dark web. Every company we checked was compromised except for ONE.

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For a more indepth break down of these statistics?or to?enquire about a complimentary dark web report, please contact us.

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• Request a free dark web report here – Free Dark Web Report | Intersys

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