What Is Doxxing and How Do I Prevent It?

As our lives become more connected, the concept of privacy has become much more complicated. One disturbing trend that has emerged is doxxing, a malicious act that involves publicly revealing someone's private information without their consent. This article explains the nature of doxxing, its harmful effects, notable cases, and proactive measures to prevent doxxing and safeguard personal information.

What is doxxing?

Doxxing is the exposure of someone's personal information online without their permission. Exposed information can include their real name, home address, place of work, Social Security number, and more. The term started in the 1990s among hackers who would reveal the private data of their rivals. While it initially only referred to anonymous users, it now includes the exposure of anyone's personal information, whether their identity is private or public.

Doxxing attacks vary in severity, from trivial pranks to serious threats and cyber harassment. Celebrities, politicians, journalists, and company executives have all been targets, leading to online mobs, safety concerns, and even death threats.

Motivations behind doxxing can include seeking revenge, targeting individuals with opposing viewpoints or exposing hidden agendas. But no matter the reason, doxxing is a serious invasion of personal privacy and can cause significant harm to the victims involved. Doxxing is an invasive practice that puts individuals in uncomfortable and potentially dangerous situations.

How do hackers get access to personal information?

Hackers use various methods to gain access to personal information to dox.

• Search engines. The most basic way doxers find your personal information is through search engines like Google and Bing. They can use what they find as a lead to search social media accounts and other sites for even more information.
• Tracking usernames. Many people use the same username across multiple platforms, allowing doxers to then piece together information about their interests and online activities.
• WHOIS searches. Hackers can use domain WHOIS searches access the publicly available information of the domain owner, including personal details like name, address, phone number, and email address.
• Phishing. Hackers can exploit insecure email accounts or use phishing scams to trick you into revealing sensitive information, which they can use to dox.
• Social media stalking. Publicly available social media accounts provide a wealth of information for doxers, including location, workplace, relationships, and personal preferences. Once found, hackers can use this data to deduce security question answers and potentially access other online accounts.

Information is easy to get on the Internet, even if you're a generally private person. Therefore, online users need to be careful about what data they give to websites and forums, as that information could come back up later.

How to prevent doxxing and protect your personal information

Luckily, there are some effective practices you can use to protect yourself online. Note that these are general practices that will help you stay safe from many online threats, not just doxxing; you can use them even if you don't feel like you need to prevent doxxing.

• Limit your online presence. Minimize the amount of personal information available on public platforms. Be cautious about sharing sensitive details and adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to restrict access.
• Be smart online. Use unique, strong passwords for all accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. Additionally, regularly update software and be aware of phishing attempts. If you have trouble remembering your passwords, use a password manager.
• Educate yourself. Stay informed about online privacy best practices, new threats, and the latest security tools. This knowledge allows you to make informed decisions and recognize possible risks.
• Monitor your online presence. Regularly search for your name, email address, and other personal information to identify any leaked data. Once found, take immediate action to remove or mitigate its impact.
• Think before you click. Be wary of suspicious emails, links, or attachments, as they could be attempts to gather your personal information. Avoid clicking on unfamiliar or unexpected links and double-check the legitimacy of emails before sharing any personal details.

What to do if you've been doxxed

You can't always prevent doxxing. If you've been doxxed and your personal information has been exposed online, here are some steps you can take on popular social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and X, formerly known as Twitter.

1. Report the violation: Use the reporting channels provided by the platform to report the specific content that contains your personally identifiable information (PII).
2. Follow instructions: Follow the instructions provided during the reporting process to ensure that the content is reviewed by the platform.
3. Seek privacy settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings on the platform to limit the accessibility of your personal information to prevent further misuse.
4. Contact support: If necessary, reach out to the platform’s support team for additional assistance.

Remember, these steps may vary depending on platform policies and updates. It's crucial to stay updated with each platform's guidelines and seek assistance from their support teams if necessary. Additionally, consider contacting local authorities or legal professionals if you believe you are facing significant harm or threats as a result of the doxxing incident.

Famous doxxing cases

Several high-profile cases have highlighted the terrible effects of doxxing. Some notable incidents include:

GamerGate

In 2014, accusations of unethical conduct by a game developer sparked Gamergate, a movement that quickly involved widespread doxxing. Supporters argued that it was about maintaining journalistic integrity, while opponents viewed it as a campaign of harassment specifically targeting women in the gaming industry. However, regardless of the intentions, the doxxing led to online harassment, threats, and organized smear campaigns against the game developers.

Ashley Madison data breach

In 2015, the extramarital affairs dating service website was hacked, exposing millions of users' data. The release of this sensitive information resulted in widespread doxxing. This then led to ruined relationships, damaged reputations, and various real-life consequences for those whose private affairs were exposed.

Karima Brown

In South Africa in 2019, a journalist named Karima Brown accidentally posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, meant as a direct message. This message revealed details about an upcoming interview. A member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) shared a screenshot of the message, exposing Brown's personal cellphone number and leading to harassment and threats.

Impacts of doxxing

The effects of doxxing can be severe, affecting victims both mentally and physically. Doxxing often leads to non-stop harassment, attacking victims with malicious messages, threatening phone calls, or even physical harm. The exposed personal information becomes a weapon used to invade privacy and instill fear.

Additionally, by uncovering an individual's address or workplace, doxxers can cause stalking or targeted harassment. This harassment may cause victims to experience anxiety, depression, and a constant fear for their safety.

Detailed personal information, like usernames and passwords, can also be exposed for identity theft. Once a fraudster has access to your information, they can open fraudulent accounts, make unauthorized transactions, or attempt to steal your money.

Is doxxing illegal?

The legality of doxxing and the potential for arrest vary depending on the jurisdiction and law enforcement policies.

In the United States, laws against doxxing differ across states. Nevada has passed a law banning doxxing and allowing victims to take civil action, while California treats cyber harassment, including doxxing with the intent to endanger others, as a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

It's essential to consult local laws and regulations to understand the specific legal implications of doxxing in your jurisdiction. Laws can vary, and interpretations may change over time.

Ultimately, doxxing represents a dangerous assault on personal privacy in the digital age. Its harmful consequences can range from psychological distress to physical harm and financial ruin. But by understanding the nature of doxxing, raising awareness about its impact, and taking measures to protect personal information, you can take steps to protect yourself.