- Norton Launches New Monitoring Features Amid Surge in Data Breaches
- Dark Web Markets Trade Sensitive Business Information at Alarming Rates
- Escalating Social Media Scams Target Small Businesses
In today’s digital landscape, small businesses find themselves navigating a complicated web of online dangers that threaten both their finances and reputation. As cyber threats evolve, attackers are becoming increasingly precise, honing in on smaller organizations and individual influencers that often lack robust security measures against sophisticated ransomware attacks.
The Rise of Cybercrime Targeting Small Businesses
“Small businesses are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals, just like larger corporations,” asserts Deval Patel, Head of Small Business at Norton. This alarming trend necessitates that small enterprises adopt appropriate tools to fend off very real threats. Recent statistics from Norton indicate a staggering 50% increase in cyber breaches aimed specifically at small businesses in 2025, with overall data exposure rising by 21% from one quarter to the next.
To combat these growing threats, Norton has enhanced its security offerings, zeroing in on two major vulnerabilities: compromised business data appearing on the dark web and fraudulent activities occurring on social media platforms. Their latest features aim to furnish small businesses with a broader safety net against information that, if leaked, could be used maliciously.
Enhanced Dark Web Monitoring Features
Norton has rolled out an improved “Dark Web Monitoring” feature, expanding its scope to include eight additional identifiers beyond basic personal information. Key elements such as Company Names, Tax ID Numbers, and VAT Numbers are now part of the monitoring process. If any of these critical identifiers surface on underground forums or marketplaces, business owners are promptly alerted, enabling faster risk management.
While incorporating a dark web VPN can provide added security, it’s essential to remember that monitoring alone is not a comprehensive solution. As Patel aptly puts it, “Adding advanced Dark Web and Social Media Monitoring alongside our Financial Monitoring feature allows us to extend peace of mind into the areas where cyber threats are escalating the quickest.” This initiative aims to empower small businesses to act preemptively before criminals have the chance to exploit exposed data for fraudulent purposes.
The Importance of Social Media Monitoring
The second significant upgrade comes in the form of “Social Media Monitoring,” specifically designed for business profiles on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Norton claims this new system can detect signs of account takeovers, flag suspicious behavior, and identify malicious links before users may notice anything amiss. Early warnings can significantly mitigate financial losses and damage to reputations, especially for small businesses that leverage these channels for sales and visibility.
This type of protection is not only vital for small enterprises but also extends to influencers, who rely heavily on their online presence to sustain their partnerships and audience trust. With social media scams on the rise—as highlighted in Gen’s Q2 Threat Report—businesses must now regard social media management as closely intertwined with cybersecurity, rather than merely a branding or marketing effort.
Norton’s expansion reflects the broader reality that even the smallest businesses now contend with risks that were once exclusive to larger organizations. However, the effectiveness of these monitoring tools will hinge on their speed and accuracy. It’s crucial for business owners to treat alerts seriously and respond promptly, rather than dismissing them as mere background noise.
