Cybersecurity professionals recognize that enterprise networks are prime targets for dark web risks such as ransomware, unauthorized insider activity, and data exfiltration. What’s less obvious is that evidence of this activity often hides in plain sight, buried within everyday network traffic.
For security leaders using Network Detection and Response (NDR), these hidden signals become opportunities for the defense.
Wondering how to spot dark web threats on your network?
Start with these four essential steps to leverage NDR for detection and investigation:
Step 1: Know the gateways to the dark web
Unlike the public web, the dark web relies on anonymizing tools like the Tor browser, Invisible Internet Project (I2P), and Freenet peer-to-peer (P2P) networks that obscure user origins, encrypt traffic, and evade detection.
Despite their ability to obfuscate activity, signs of dark web movement are still captured in network data.
Telltale signs include unusual port usage, encrypted traffic patterns, and communication with Tor entry or exit nodes (explored further in step 4).
Step 2: Understand NDR
NDR systems monitor network traffic in real time, leveraging AI, machine learning, and behavioral analytics to identify suspicious or malicious activity. NDR also maintains comprehensive records of network activity, providing essential history and context.
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