The internet is a bit like an iceberg: what you see on the surface is just a fraction of what’s really there. Beneath your usual Google searches and social media feeds lies a much deeper layer called the dark web.
Key Takeaways:
- The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that isn't indexed by search engines.
- Good cyber hygiene, like strong passwords, MFA, and regular staff training, helps keep your data off the dark web in the first place.
- There are legitimate services that can scan the dark web for your business’s details to give you a heads-up if something’s leaked.
What is the dark web?
It sounds like something out of a spy movie (and, honestly, it sometimes is), but what exactly is the dark web, and should small businesses be worried?
The dark web is a hidden part of the internet that isn’t indexed by search engines like Google or Bing. You can’t stumble across it by accident; it requires special software to access. While it’s not illegal to access the dark web itself, it’s often associated with shady activities because it allows users to stay anonymous.
To give you a sense of scale, the websites you visit every day make up just the “surface web.”
The next level down is the “deep web”, which includes things like private databases and password-protected sites—think your online banking portal, internal business tools like cloud accounting software (like Xero or MYOB), or even your webmail inbox. Basically, anything that requires a login and isn’t accessible to the public sits in the deep web.
The “dark web” sits even further down, in the more shadowy corners where anonymity is the name of the game.
What happens on the dark web?
Not everything on the dark web is criminal. Whistleblowers, journalists, and people living under oppressive regimes use it for private communication. But it’s also where cyber criminals buy and sell stolen data, fake IDs, and hacking tools.
For small businesses, this is where things get concerning. Stolen customer data from a breach, employee login details, or compromised credit card information often ends up for sale on dark web marketplaces. Even personal info like your ABN or business address could be part of a package deal sold to scammers planning their next phishing attack.
For example, if they’ve bought your business email and ABN from the dark web, they might send a fake invoice that appears to come from one of your regular suppliers, complete with accurate business details. Or they could impersonate you and target your customers with urgent payment requests, damaging your reputation and putting others at risk. With the right data, scammers don’t need to guess. They already know just enough to trick you or your team into clicking a malicious link or handing over more sensitive info.
Why it matters for small business
You might not be browsing the dark web, but cyber criminals could be browsing for you. Staying alert with good cyber hygiene, like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and regular staff training, helps keep your data off the dark web in the first place.
Do small businesses need to use the dark web?
In short: no. There’s no real reason for most small businesses to venture into the dark web. Legitimate tools and services for your business, whether it’s banking, accounting, or customer management, are all available safely on the regular internet, through trusted providers.
While the dark web does have lawful uses, it’s mostly a space to stay clear of. In fact, the more important focus is keeping your data from ending up on the dark web, rather than looking to use it yourself.
The good news? Strong cyber hygiene and staff awareness can help make sure your business information doesn’t land in the wrong places. And if you’re curious about monitoring, there are legitimate services that can scan the dark web for your business’s details to give you a heads-up if something’s leaked.
For extra peace of mind, enrol in the free Cyber Wardens training program. It’s full of simple, actionable tips to help keep your business safe from dark web dangers and other cyber threats.
