Think Like a Hacker: What the Dark Web Can Teach Us About Your Cyber Risk

At our recent cybersecurity event at Lord’s, BreachAware founder and CEO Andrew Alston delivered a stark warning - the dark web isn’t just a corner of the internet used by cybercriminals; it’s a mirror reflecting the vulnerabilities that most businesses don’t even realise exist.

Andrew revealed that there are more than 85,000 terabytes of corporate data circulating online (2025). To put that in perspective, one terabyte of data, if printed on A4 paper, would form a stack of paper about one-sixth the height of Mount Everest. Multiply that by 85,000, and you'd nearly reach the Moon. Hidden among that data are leaked passwords, usernames, and personal details that can give criminals everything they need to launch an attack.

And the most sobering part?
Much of that data came from businesses that thought they were secure.

The Dark Web Reality

The dark web functions as a vast underground marketplace. Stolen credentials, sensitive emails, and even corporate access details are traded daily. Hackers don’t need to break through sophisticated firewalls when they can simply buy valid logins online.

This is where the idea of thinking like a hacker becomes vital. Understanding how and where criminals gather their information allows businesses to strengthen their defences before they’re targeted.

Andrew explained how BreachAware’s intelligence-driven approach helps organisations detect if their data has been exposed, whether through a supplier, an employee, or a third-party system. It’s not about scare tactics; it’s about visibility and readiness.

Small Businesses Are Big Targets

One of the biggest misconceptions is that only large enterprises are at risk. In reality, small and mid-sized organisations are often easier targets. They may hold valuable data, but they typically lack the layered defences or monitoring capabilities of bigger players.

A single exposed credential, perhaps from a reused password or an outdated system, can become the entry point for ransomware or financial fraud. As Andrew noted, “Cybercriminals act like enterprises, they’re looking for the quickest and most profitable route in.”

What You Can Do Today

Here are four steps any organisation can take to reduce its exposure:

  1. Scan your digital footprint – Know what data about your organisation already exists online or on the dark web.

  2. Strengthen password policies – Use multi-factor authentication and enforce unique passwords for each system.

  3. Monitor continuously – Security isn’t a one-off project; it’s an ongoing process of vigilance, testing, and improvement.

  4. Change Behaviour – build a culture where cybersecurity awareness becomes second nature, encouraging everyone to think before they click.

Why It Matters

Understanding how hackers think is the first step in building a proactive security posture. It’s not enough to react after a breach, visibility into your exposure gives you the power to act before damage is done.

At Intergence, we help organisations uncover those hidden risks and close the gaps before attackers exploit them.

Find out what your digital footprint reveals about your organisation.
Get a scan of your environment with our free cyber infrastructure assessment. Register here: https://www.intergence.com/event/cybersecurity-assessment-and-infrastructure-audit