According to recent reports, 716 million contact records ended up on the dark web in 2024. A large portion of the leaked data came from well-established corporations that, until recently, enjoyed public trust and a strong reputation.
What does this tell us? Traditional cybersecurity models are no longer enough. To stay safe, businesses must rethink their strategies, proactively analyze the causes of data leaks, monitor threats, and respond effectively. One of the most effective tools today is a dark web monitoring service — a proactive, advanced solution for modern threats.
A crisis of trust: What 2024 data reveals
2024 saw one of the worst surges in cyberattacks, resulting in leaked sensitive information. According to a recent report, the number of leaked records hit 716 million — including 554 million email addresses and 162 million phone numbers.
The report also includes a detailed breakdown of the top industries behind data leaks in 2024, and it’s worth examining it closely. The sectors most affected include technology, finance, media, commerce, and healthcare — industries that handle vast amounts of sensitive data. It is also worth noting that more and more of these leaks involve real, identifiable user accounts.
What happens to your data after a leak?
Wondering what happens to your company’s data once it leaks from the cloud or your servers? Unfortunately, it often ends up in the hands of cybercriminals, who know how to use it to their advantage. Leaked information is frequently sold in bulk, enabling targeted attacks or extortion attempts where attackers demand payment to keep data from being made public.
Sometimes, the data is used for phishing or account takeovers. More advanced schemes enable financial fraud — criminals might take out loans, open companies, or commit identity theft. Even seemingly minor data leaks can give hackers the “foothold” they need to launch more damaging, multi-stage attacks, such as Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams.
How to avoid becoming another statistic
Cybercriminals are using increasingly sophisticated tactics, but businesses also have access to powerful defense tools. The key is to shift from a reactive to a proactive cybersecurity strategy. Here’s what companies can start doing now:
- Monitor the dark web.
- Test defenses with phishing simulations or red team exercises.
- Educate employees about cybersecurity best practices.
- Encrypt sensitive data and segment it.
- Control access rigorously.
- Maintain strong backups of critical data.
Industry leaders should rely on proactive threat monitoring, allowing them to detect and respond to data leaks quickly. Response time is critical in security incidents — the faster you act, the lower the impact.
Why a dark web monitoring service is essential
Cybersecurity professionals agree that a dark web monitoring service is now a cornerstone of modern threat prevention. These systems offer several key features, including:
- Continuous and fully automated scanning of dark web forums and marketplaces
- Seamless integration with internal security tools
- Intelligent alerts triggered the moment your company’s leaked data appears online
These capabilities allow organizations to respond faster, more accurately, and more effectively to data breaches. They help protect a company’s finances and reputation and support compliance with privacy regulations like the GDPR. Fast detection and action can also prevent costly lawsuits or regulatory penalties.
Dark web monitoring solutions are ideal for any business using cloud infrastructure, internal servers, or online tools. They are especially critical in sectors dealing with highly sensitive information, such as finance and healthcare. In these industries, data leaks can be truly catastrophic.
Proactivity over reaction
Proactivity has become a critical pillar of effective enterprise cybersecurity. Data breaches are no longer rare — they’re commonplace, and every single one carries risks that could severely damage your business. Standard defensive tactics based on passwords and firewalls are no longer sufficient. Companies need real-time, automated tools that provide greater visibility and faster risk detection.
In this regard, dark web monitoring is one of the most practical tools available. It allows companies to track their data after it leaks, giving them a fighting chance to contain the threat and mitigate the damage before it escalates.
