Doxing

Key Takeaways

• Doxing involves gathering and exposing personal information online, often to harm or intimidate individuals. This can include addresses, phone numbers, financial details, and more.
• Common methods include tracking usernames, IP addresses, and WHOIS data, as well as phishing, social media snooping, and accessing public records.
• Users can prevent doxing with tools like VPNs, strong passwords, and privacy settings that limit their digital footprint.
• If doxed, users can secure their accounts, report the incident, and seek legal help if necessary.

Our lives are becoming more and more digitalized, allowing users to be more connected than ever. But this has also introduced new unique risks. One such risk is doxing or the act of publicly exposing personal information about an individual. Whether for intimidation, revenge, or activism, doxing poses significant privacy threats.

This malicious practice has grown alongside our increasing reliance on digital platforms, where personal information is often freely shared. Every digital interaction leaves behind a trail that can be exploited, from social media posts to online purchases. Doxing doesn’t just target high-profile individuals as anyone with an online presence is vulnerable.

In this article, we’ll explore what doxing is, how it works, and, most importantly, how to protect yourself against it.

Doxing Definition

Doxing is the process of gathering and releasing information about a person or business using online public sources such as social media profiles, reverse phone lookup and search engines. The information doxed may include a person’s full name, email address, address, telephone number, pictures and other personal details. Doxing typically leads to an anonymous person’s identity being revealed.

While doxing originally emerged in hacker communities as a way to settle disputes, it has since evolved into a tool for harassment and intimidation. The victims of doxing often face threats, stalking, financial fraud, and other consequences. The ease of access to personal information online has made doxing a widespread concern, amplifying the need for online privacy awareness.

Recommended Reading: Webopedia’s Google Dorking definition.

Why Is It Called Doxing?

The term “doxing” comes from the phrase “dropping documents,” which was shortened to “dox.” In its early days, doxing involved publishing someone’s documents, such as personal files, to embarrass or harm them. Over time, the term has broadened to include any exposure of personal information, whether through hacking, social engineering, or simple online searches.

Doxing’s history is tied to the evolution of the internet. Early hacker communities used it as a form of retribution or proof of their abilities. Today, its applications have expanded, often targeting individuals in personal disputes or public controversies. The term itself serves as a stark reminder of how our data can be weaponized in the wrong hands.

What Information Can Doxing Reveal?

A surprising amount of personal information about you is already online, providing ample material for those intent on doxing. Here are some of the key pieces of information that doxing can uncover:

• Home address and phone number: Public records, social media, and online directories can easily reveal your location and contact details.
• Bank and credit card details: Phishing scams or data breaches can expose your financial information, leading to identity theft.
• Social security number: Hackers often use the social security number for identity theft. Your SSN can be accessed through poorly secured websites or fraudulent schemes.
• Email addresses: Frequently found in data breaches or visible on social media profiles, emails can lead to phishing attacks.
• Employment details: Public LinkedIn profiles or job boards can provide an attacker with your professional information, which may be exploited for further research.
• Family details: Photos and posts about loved ones on social media can make them targets as well, further increasing the impact of doxing.

Even seemingly harmless information, such as your favorite restaurant or pet’s name, can be pieced together to answer security questions or guess passwords.

How Does Doxing Work?

Doxing is usually a sophisticated process that involves a combination of techniques to gather information. Here are the most common methods:

Tracking Your Usernames

If you use the same username across multiple platforms, bad actors can easily connect your accounts and gain a fuller picture of your online presence. For example, usernames can link social media profiles to old forum posts or comments, revealing a history you might not want public.

Domain Name WHOIS Search

Domain registrants often include personal information, such as email addresses and phone numbers, in their WHOIS records. If this information is publicly available, it turns into a goldmine for doxers. Many domain hosting services now offer privacy features to shield this data, but not everyone opts to use them.

Phishing and Social Engineering

Doxers may send fraudulent emails or messages designed to trick you into sharing sensitive information. This method preys on trust and a lack of vigilance. For example, an attacker might pose as a trusted company or acquaintance to extract critical details. To stay safe, always check the address of the sender before even opening the message.

Open Source Records

Public databases, court records, and government archives can contain surprising amounts of personal information, often available to anyone willing to search. In addition, this data is usually free or obtainable for a small fee, making it easily accessible.

IP Tracking

Hackers can use your IP address to determine your general location and even find vulnerabilities in your home network. Clicking on suspicious links or connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks can expose you to potential attackers.

Social Media Snooping

Your social media activity, including posts, comments, and shared photos, can reveal personal details such as your location, hobbies, and relationships. Furthermore, even old posts can offer valuable clues to someone piecing together your identity.

Why People Get Doxed

In some cases, a person is doxed simply because another person wants to learn more about them. There are also instances where a person is maliciously doxed and will find all their personal information has been collected and posted online in one place. A personal dox may be compiled for retaliation or vigilantism or used to threaten, blackmail or harass a victim.

Doxing (the gathering of information) is not an illegal practice, however it has a negative connotation because it violates a person’s privacy and is often used for retaliation or vigilantism.

Is Doxing Illegal?

The legality of doxing varies depending on the jurisdiction and circumstances. While gathering publicly available information may not be illegal, using that information to harass, intimidate, or harm someone often crosses legal boundaries.

In many countries, laws related to cyberstalking, harassment, and identity theft can be applied to doxing cases. Victims may also have grounds for civil lawsuits if their privacy is violated. However, since the line between legal and illegal doxing can be blurry, prevention and protection remain the best options.

How To Protect Yourself From Doxing

Taking proactive steps to secure your online presence is the best way to prevent doxing. Here are a couple of steps that you can follow to safeguard your digital presence:

Use a VPN

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your IP address, making it harder for attackers to track your location or access your network. Using a VPN is simple and efficient but it usually costs a monthly subscription.

Use Strong Passwords

Secure your accounts with unique, complex passwords. You can achieve this by using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider a password manager to keep track of them.

Review Your Privacy Settings Regularly

Platforms frequently update their privacy policies. Review and adjust your settings periodically to ensure your information remains private.

Beware Phishing Emails

Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages asking for personal details. Verify the sender before clicking on any links or sharing sensitive information.

Keep Your Social Media Privacy in Check

Limit the visibility of your posts and profiles. Avoid sharing sensitive details like your location, vacation plans, or other identifiers.

Hide Domain Registration Information From WHOIS Lookup

WHOIS Lookup services allow anyone to get information on a specific domain. If you own a website, use a domain privacy service to hide your personal details from WHOIS lookups.

Be Mindful of Providing App Permissions

Always review the permissions an application requests before installing it. Avoid apps that demand unnecessary access to your data, location, came, and other features.

Check How Easy It Is to Dox Yourself

If you’re unsure exactly how much information there is about you online, feel free to check. Attempting to dox yourself can be a useful exercise to gauge your online vulnerability. Here’s how you can do it:

• Search your name on Google: Look for public profiles, directories, pictures, or posts linked to your identity.
• Check social media platforms: Review your posts, comments, and tagged photos for personal details.
• Look up your domain WHOIS information: If you own a website, or have owned one in the past, see what details are publicly available in a WHOIS lookup.
• Review public records: Search for your name in court records, local government databases, and other public archives.
• Inspect data broker websites: Use tools to find out if your information is available on sites like Whitepages or Spokeo.

This exercise can reveal gaps in your online privacy and guide you on what to secure next.

What To Do if you get Doxed

If you discover that your personal information has been exposed, fear not as you can take immediate action to minimize future harm. Your best options would be to:

• Remove the information: Contact websites or platforms hosting the information and request its removal. You can do this through the contact form available on most platforms.
• Notify authorities: If the doxing includes threats or harassment, file a report with your local law enforcement.
• Secure your accounts: Change passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and monitor for any unusual activity.
• Seek legal assistance: Depending on the severity of the situation, consult with a lawyer to explore your options.

Closing Thoughts

In an era where our lives are increasingly digital, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. While doxing remains a significant threat, taking proactive measures can significantly reduce many associated risks. Finally, by securing your online presence, you can protect yourself from this invasive practice and maintain greater control over your digital privacy.