“Doxing” refers to publishing a person’s private information (such as their home address, employment location, cell phone number, etc.) to get revenge or for “social justice” purposes. This can lead to harassment or physical harm of the target. In some cases, the target may become the victim of “swatting” which can have fatal consequences.
Eva Galperin, cybersecurity director at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, suggests these tips to protect yourself from doxing.
- Be aware of what you post online. Galperin notes, “What people can really give away about you is the stuff that you’ve already given away about yourself.”
- Google yourself to see how much public information is already out there. Remove yourself from people-search lists, and ensure your number is unlisted and on the Do Not Call Registry.
- Including your location in posts on Twitter and Instagram can expose your information. If you don’t want to include your location with every social media post, you can learn how to turn it off.
- Pay attention to how many personal details you’re including in online profiles. All of those little details can add up to a comprehensive portrait of your life.
- Get familiar with the Terms of Service of any websites you’re using. Know how to file a takedown request in case your information is published.
- Use strong, unique passwords to avoid the chance that hackers will access your accounts and post as you.
- Turn on two-factor authentication. Add another layer of security by using an authentication app instead of text messages for push notifications.
- Enable password protection for your phone’s SIM card so no one can make changes to your account without the PIN. Otherwise, if someone hacked your cell’s SIM card they could take over your account and receive text messages meant for you.
Although it would seem that doxing would clearly be illegal, the laws against it can be vague. There are state laws covering cyber stalking, stalking, harassment, threats and extortion that may apply to doxing. But, in some cases, the only remedy may be in civil court.
The best defense against doxing is to keep as much information private as you can.
