Blog & Research

How to Identify if Your Business Data Is on the Dark Web

Written by Rivanorth | 30 June 2025

Cybercriminals are constantly targeting businesses, leaking sensitive data, and selling it on the dark web. If your business information is compromised, it can lead to financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties. Identifying if your data is on the dark web is crucial for taking proactive security measures. Here’s how you can check and respond effectively.

1. Monitor for Data Breach Alerts

Many cybersecurity services and organisations track data breaches and notify affected users. Services like Oko’s AI-driven dark web monitoring provide real-time alerts if your company’s data appears on the dark web.

2. Conduct Dark Web Scans

Using specialised dark web monitoring tools, businesses can scan for leaked credentials, customer data, financial information, or intellectual property. Oko’s continuous monitoring ensures that any exposure is identified before it becomes a major threat.

3. Check for Compromised Email Addresses

Data breach lookup tools allow you to check if your business email addresses have been exposed in known breaches. If an employee’s email is compromised, it may indicate a larger security issue.

4. Monitor Underground Forums and Marketplaces

Cybercriminals trade stolen data on hidden forums and marketplaces. Tracking these sources manually is challenging, but AI-powered solutions like Oko scan and analyse these environments to detect threats targeting your business.

5. Watch for Unusual Activity in Accounts

Unexpected login attempts, fraudulent transactions, or unusual password reset requests can be signs that your data has been compromised. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to mitigate risks.

6. Engage a Professional Cybersecurity Solution

Hiring a cybersecurity firm or using a dedicated dark web monitoring solution can help businesses stay ahead of cyber threats. Oko offers comprehensive dark web scanning, AI-driven threat detection, and actionable security recommendations.

What to Do If Your Data Is Found on the Dark Web

  1. Change Compromised Credentials: Immediately reset affected passwords and enforce stronger security policies.
  2. Notify Affected Individuals: Inform customers, employees, or partners if their data has been exposed.
  3. Strengthen Security Measures: Enable multi-factor authentication, update software, and enhance access controls.
  4. Monitor for Further Threats: Continuous dark web monitoring helps prevent recurring incidents.
  5. Consult Cybersecurity Experts: Engage professionals to assess the breach impact and implement stronger security defences.

Protect Your Business with Oko

Oko’s AI-driven dark web and cybercrime protection solution helps businesses detect and mitigate risks before cybercriminals can exploit them. Schedule a free demo today to check if your business data is at risk.