In October 2024, Free S.A.S, France’s second-largest telecommunications provider, suffered a significant cyberattack that disrupted services and compromised sensitive data of clients.
The hackers managed to access Free’s internal management tool, exposing subscriber data. Two databases were listed on cybercrime forum for sale: one with over 19 million customer accounts and another with 5.11 million IBANs. The seller also shared samples and screenshots of the stolen data. Exposed information includes full names, phone numbers, postal addresses, birth dates, email addresses, and more. [*]
Such incident underscores the escalating cyber threats facing bigger enterprises and SMEs alike nowadays, particularly those in sensitive sectors like digital services, energy and infrastructure, pharmaceutical industry, financial services and banks etc. As cybercriminals increasingly exploit the dark web to trade stolen information, the need for proactive cybersecurity measures, such as dark web monitoring, becomes more and more accentuated.
The Dark Web: A Hidden Threat Landscape
The clandestine marketplaces and hidden internet spaces are abundant in the dark web, where cybercriminals buy and sell stolen data, including compromised login credentials (account and password), personally identifiable information (PII), and financial and proprietary business data. For industries handling personal and sensitive information of large clients, the hidden nature of dark web poses significant risks, as the breached data and sensitive information on-sale published by hackers thereon could lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties.
Why Dark Web Monitoring Matters
Early Detection of Compromised Data. — Dark web monitoring enables organizations to detect stolen credentials and sensitive information before they are massively exploited. By identifying data breaches at initial stage, companies can take swift action to mitigate potential damage. For instance, monitoring tools can alert businesses to compromised employee credentials, allowing for immediate password resets and access revocations
Compliance and Regulatory Adherence. — Industries such as banking and financial services, as well as the healthcare are subject to data protection regulations like GDPR in European Union, and HIPAA in the U.S. Dark web monitoring supports in compliance by providing evidence of proactive security measures and incident response. This not only helps avoid fines but also demonstrates a commitment to data protection.
Protection Against Financial and Reputational Loss. — A data breach can result in substantial financial losses due to legal fees, and loss of customer trust. Dark web monitoring helps prevent such outcomes by enabling early detection and response to data leaks, thereby safeguarding the organization’s financial stability and reputation.
How Novum Can Be Your Shield. — With more than two decades of expertise in domain names management and online brand protection, IP Twins introduces Novum, an advanced dark web monitoring and threat intelligence platform designed to bring visibility to brand owners.
Novum scans the deep and dark web in the real time, converting unstructured data into actionable insights. It monitors ransomware sites, hacker forums, and dark web marketplaces, detects leaked credentials and sensitive data, identifies exposed devices, and powered by AI to assess risk levels of data. This proactive defense helps your business gain time to respond to possible breaches before real damages occur.
The Dark Web is no longer just a hub for cybercrime, but a direct threat to business integrity. Novum empowers your enterprises to shift from reactive to preventive cybersecurity strategies, protecting brand reputation and sensitive assets from cyberattacks.
Partner with IP TWINS for Proactive Cyber Defense
For over 20 years, IP TWINS has been a trusted partner to global companies in protecting their intellectual property, online presence, and digital assets. With a proven track record in domain name management and brand protection, we understand the evolving nature of cyber threats, and how to stay ahead of them. To discover how Novum can strengthen your cybersecurity posture through real-time dark web monitoring and actionable threat intelligence, contact the IP TWINS team for a personalized demo or more information
