Introduction
Doxing, short for dropping documents, is the act of researching and broadcasting personally identifiable information about an individual on the internet. This practice is often used as a form of online harassment or retaliation.
What Information is Gathered in Doxing?
- Full name
- Home address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Social media profiles
How is Doxing Done?
Doxing can be accomplished through various means such as social engineering, hacking, or purchasing information from data brokers.
Examples of Doxing
A famous example of doxing is when the hacker group Anonymous targeted members of the Westboro Baptist Church by revealing personal information such as home addresses and phone numbers.
Case Study
In 2015, a female gamer known as Brianna Wu was doxed after speaking out about sexism in the gaming industry. Personal information including her home address was posted online, leading to threats and harassment.
Effects of Doxing
- Identity theft
- Harassment
- Physical harm
- Loss of privacy
How to Protect Yourself from Doxing
- Use strong passwords
- Be cautious about what you share online
- Monitor your online presence regularly
Conclusion
Doxing is a serious form of online harassment that can have devastating consequences for its victims. It is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect your personal information online.
