Hoplon InfoSec
19 May, 2025
In today’s digital landscape, the U.S. energy sector faces escalating cyber threats, particularly from the deep and dark web. These hidden layers of the internet have become hotspots for illicit activities, including the sale of stolen data, coordination of cyberattacks, and dissemination of malicious tools. To safeguard critical infrastructure, energy companies must adopt proactive measures to monitor and mitigate risks from these clandestine networks.
Deep Web: This segment comprises parts of the internet not indexed by standard search engines. It includes private databases, internal networks, and password-protected websites. While not inherently malicious, the deep web can harbor sensitive information vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Dark Web: A subset of the deep web, the dark web requires specific software like Tor to access. It is often associated with illicit activities, such as the trade of stolen data, malware, and the coordination of cyberattacks.
Monitoring these layers is crucial for energy companies to detect potential threats, such as leaked credentials or planned attacks, before they materialize. Click here if you want to know more about deep and dark web monitoring.
Cyber threats targeting the energy sector have escalated in recent years. According to IBM Security, the energy and utilities sector accounted for approximately 11% of all cyberattacks in 2024, underscoring its vulnerability. Notably, U.S. utilities experienced a dramatic 70% surge in cyberattacks compared to the previous year, attributed to the rapid digitalization of the power grid and reliance on outdated software.
These attacks are not limited to domestic actors; state-sponsored groups have also been implicated. The FBI reported that Chinese government-affiliated hackers, identified under the campaign name Volt Typhoon, have infiltrated U.S. critical infrastructure sectors, including energy, posing significant risks.
ThreatMon’s dark web monitoring capabilities enabled the identification of stolen administrative credentials for an energy company being sold on a black market forum. This early detection allowed the company to take immediate action, preventing a potential ransomware attack that could have had severe operational consequences.
The Drax Group, a major UK energy firm, implemented Darktrace’s AI-powered cybersecurity solutions to enhance its defense mechanisms. The system quickly alerted the company to potential intrusions that had bypassed traditional security tools, enabling swift response and mitigation.
To safeguard against deep and dark web threats, energy companies should consider the following strategies:
Several cybersecurity firms offer specialized services tailored for the energy sector:
To enhance cybersecurity posture, energy companies should:
To wrap up, The deep and dark web presents significant challenges to the cybersecurity of the U.S. energy sector. By understanding the nature of these threats and implementing robust monitoring and protection strategies, energy companies can proactively defend against potential attacks. Collaboration with specialized cybersecurity firms and continuous investment in security infrastructure are essential steps toward safeguarding critical energy infrastructure from the evolving cyber threat landscape. If you need any kind of support about cyber security related service feel free to book a consultancy. Our industry expert are here to solve your problems and fix your issues.
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