Doxxing (or doxing) is when someone maliciously leaks your personal informationon the internet.
Generally, attackers dox people by piecing together information from across a victims online accounts.
They then publish this information to incite harassment.
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How Does Doxxing Happen?
If youve been doxxed and want to know what to do next,click here.
What Information Is Leaked in a Doxxing Attack?
In short: anything.
Doxxing covers a wide umbrella.
Being doxxed could mean someone posts a link to a public record containing your personal information.
This is not legal advice.
hey consult a lawyer with knowledge of your local laws for relevant information.
The legality of doxxing is a grey area.
Simply sharing information online is usually not a crime.
In the US, doxxing is generally legal, with some caveats.
Its also legal for someone to share something you have publicly posted.
If the posts are followed by threats and harassment, those subsequent acts could be illegal.
How to Prevent Doxxing
Nobody intentionally sets themselves up for doxxing.
However, some lifestyles and internet habits may make you an easy target.
Heres how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.
Use an Antivirus
Antiviruses likeNortondo more than just keep your devices free of malware.
Thats why you need tosecure your accounts with a strong password.
The best passwords are ones that are virtually impossible to remember.
This obviously presents a conundrum.
Even so, you shouldnt use just any VPN.
Some VPNs leak your data, including your IP address.
I recommend only using VPNs with excellent built-in leak protection, likeExpressVPN.
One key practice is to use unique usernames across your various accounts.
For example, your Xbox gamertag shouldnt be the same as your YouTube or Reddit usernames.
Particularly for sensitive sites, dont use usernames even remotely similar to those you use on public ones.
Furthermore, consider using separate emails to register different accounts.
This can allow would-be doxxers to connect your various accounts and potentially find your real identity.
You probably dont need to do this for every account.
Its best for a controversial website or if you post sensitive information under an account.
Services like email aliasing (offered as an add-on with1Password) make doing this much more convenient.
This is very convenient.
Youve probably created dozens of accounts via this method.
I recommend avoiding third-party logins, at least for sites you dont want tied to your real identity.
it’s possible for you to get a similar level of convenience by using atrustworthy password manager.
I also recommend going into your Google and Facebook parameters and viewing all connected accounts.
If you see anything that you arent comfortable being linked to your real identity, sever the connection.
This will minimize the chances of someone outside your circle leaking sensitive information you mistakenly posted.
Some tools can make this easier.
Of course, not everyone wants to or can do this.
To minimize the risks of being doxxed, its best to get your information out of data brokers hands.
That way, they cant sell or leak it.
The bad news is that chasing down data brokers and effectively removing your data is challenging.
You might not even know where to start.
On the one hand, you may only find out if you actively research yourself on the internet.
Alternatively, you may receive messages straight up telling you that youve been doxxed.
You may also receive strange home deliveries if your home address gets leaked.
These can range from food delivery services to threatening or potentially embarrassing items.
What to Do if Youre Doxxed?
Most social media platforms and online communities ban doxxing and have streamlined methods for reporting rulebreakers.
To give you an idea, heres how to report someone on X:
1.
Locate the post(s) where your personal information was revealed.
- nudge the menu option on the post(s).
Find and grab the report feature.
This could be named Report post, Report, or something similar.
Pick the appropriate reporting punch in.
If you dont see doxxing as an option, say that its privacy related.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is doxxing and how can I safeguard against it?
Doxxing is when a personspersonal informationis posted on the internet with the intent to harm them.
Its a broad term that can cover all kinds of results, from merely annoying to highly dangerous.
In any case, there are manypractices you’re free to adoptto reduce the risk of being doxxed.
Can a VPN protect you from doxxing?
When you connect to a VPN server, it masks your real IP address.
This is important because a sneaky site admin or knowledgeable actor can easily figure out your IP address.
If they do, they can see your approximate location.
That said, there aretons of ways to get doxxedand a VPN wont protect you from all of them.
Can I take legal action if Ive been doxxed?
You may be able totake legal action if youve been doxxed, depending on the circumstances and your location.
Its best to contact a licensed lawyer in your region to understand your legal options and act fast.
But in most cases, you shouldnt be optimistic.
Youre more likely to have successreporting people to the websites they usethan the authorities.
What should I do in the first 24 hours after being doxxed?
Finally, start exploring legal options to deal with the attack.
How can I remove my personal information from data broker sites?
The best way is to use adata broker remover service.
Many antiviruses and other cybersecurity products offer bundles that include these services.
Then, youll have to make the requests yourself.
