Large enterprises face significant cyber threats on a regular basis. But it’s not just direct threats. There are also indirect threats by way of their supply chain and business partners. As such, mitigating third-party risk is a priority. Darknet intelligence is a tool that enterprises can use to that end.
Darknet intelligence consists of valuable data gleaned from the dark web. Some enterprises conduct darknet intelligence on their own. Others turn to companies like Denver-based DarkOwl. Between highly sophisticated threat intelligence platforms and the experience organizations like DarkOwl bring to the table, enterprises have a valuable ally in the fight against cybercrime and online fraud.
Third-Party Risk: The Big Challenge
The importance of mitigating third-party risk cannot be overstated. Large enterprises routinely work with vendors, suppliers, partners, and contractors. Each of these entities has the potential to introduce new vulnerabilities into the enterprise’s ecosystem. As such, darknet intelligence cannot focus exclusively on the enterprise itself. It needs to be deployed in relation to every third party with access to the enterprise’s system.
What does darknet intelligence look for, specifically? Companies like DarkOwl look for:
- Leaked credentials or sensitive data linked with third parties.
- Potential third-party vulnerabilities being discussed by threat actors.
- Information suggesting that attacks on vendors are being planned.
In essence, an organization is looking for any and all information that could identify the weakest links in the supply chain. With the right data, an enterprise can begin working with its third-party partners to mitigate risk.
How Darknet Intelligence Is Utilized
Understanding the importance of mitigating third-party risk with darknet intelligence is only half the equation. The other half is understanding how to utilize the information gleaned. Darknet intelligence powers the following three risk mitigation strategies:
1. Proactive Monitoring
Darknet intelligence is fueled by constant monitoring. When it comes to mitigating third-party risks, monitoring should be proactive. Organizations should be constantly monitoring for:
- Leaked credentials.
- Sensitive company information.
- Brand mentions.
- Software vulnerabilities.
Proactive monitoring leads to proactive mitigation. The more aggressive organizations are with their darknet intelligence, the better the results tend to be.
2. Ongoing Risk Assessment
Through darknet intelligence, organizations can implement ongoing risk assessment strategies. The many benefits of doing so include real time and notifications of all perceived threats and vulnerabilities, ongoing trend analysis that may indicate heightened risk for some vendors, and the ability to map interconnected risks across the entire supply chain.
A continuous strategy of risk assessment is critical in the effort to keep up with the ever-changing threat landscape. Large enterprises that depend more heavily on darknet intelligence have more data to work with, which works to their advantage.
3. Improved Due Diligence
Large enterprises should probably notice a significant difference in their due diligence practices after implementing darknet intelligence policies.
Darknet data might indicate more closely vetting potential partners by looking at:
- Past security breaches that were not publicly disclosed.
- The extent of a third party’s exposure on darknet forums and marketplaces.
- Any interest threat actors seemingly have about a third-party.
This is not to say that warning signs would cause an enterprise to turn away a third-party partner. At the very least, intelligence data would encourage the enterprise to be more cautious and perhaps help the vendor beef up its own security.
Managing third-party risk is a no-brainer for large enterprises. Knowing what we know about today’s threat landscape, leveraging darknet intelligence for risk mitigation purposes makes sense. Darknet intelligence is all about keeping tabs on the enemy so that an enterprise remains a step ahead. And by staying ahead, enterprises can better mitigate risk.
