Doxxing, Prevention, and Reporting It

 

Pexels Photo by Mikhail Nilov

Doxxing can be prevented by understanding and learning ways to avoid it. There are many reasons why doxxing can occur such as an ex-friend, an ex-partner, or someone that wants to cause harm intentionally with the use of the internet. It can be done as a form of intimidation, vengeance, or to embarrass someone with personal information that identifies them. Yet, doxxing can also be a form of cyberbullying, harassment, and threatening someone anonymously. It is worrisome for anyone because it can create identity theft, stalking, and personal information that might go to the dark web.

Nonetheless, doxxing can also make someone be harassed, intimidated, and threatened online and in person. It is necessary to have a Virtual Private Network, strong passwords, checking your privacy settings, and using multi-factor authentication. As well as using different usernames and removing profiles you no longer use online. Review your social media accounts and ask companies to remove your personal information online especially if it is published in a directory or contact list. Additionally, check if your email address was used for a data breach, your telephone number, home address, and other personal data.

If you have been doxed, it is important to report it on social media and to the authorities. Furthermore, if you have seen your personal information on social media without your consent; Request to have the information deleted. Lock your accounts or sign out of all your accounts. Check your bank accounts, credit cards, and financial statements. Keep copies of where your personal information was collected and seek legal advice for stopping the hacker from adding your information all over the internet.

Store your documents in a secure place. Make sure to document every website and social media site where your personal information was exposed. Adjust your settings when someone tags you on social media. As well as knowing where to report harassment, cyberbullying, stalking, and violent behavior online. Consult with a lawyer that specializes in harassment, intimidation, cyberbullying, and cyber criminal defense.

Log out unrecognizable devices and collect enough information for your lawyer. Print out the information with the time and day printed out. Alternatively, use screenshots with the time and date. Have a safe place to stay and inform your family, friends, and coworkers about the doxxing. However, if you know the person who has done the doxxing incident; Do include that information for your lawyer and report it immediately. 

Do not be afraid to report it to social media companies, to the police, and to a lawyer. Often social media accounts can be suspended, blocked, and muted. Also, do not investigate yourself and let your lawyer manage it. Lastly, do not write back to the person who is harassing, threatening, or blaming you. It is best to be cautious, alert, and understand that doxxing can be stopped. 

Be careful when you open emails and with fake emails that disguise themselves from the bank, utility companies, or other companies that you frequently use. It is estimated that one out of five people have been doxed and have reported it. It can be expensive to use a personal data removal service, but it can be helpful to end and prevent doxxing. You can boost your online security and prevent monetary loss. Nevertheless, here are websites with more information about doxxing. 

 

Doxxing Demystified: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Protect Yourself-PCMag:

Doxxing Demystified: What It Is, How It Works, and How to Protect Yourself | PCMag

All About Doxxing and How to Combat it-Security Organization:

All About Doxxing and How to Combat it | Security.org

What is Doxxing? Learn How It Happens and How to Stay Safe:

What Is Doxxing? Learn How It Happens and How to Stay Safe

* Pexels Photo by Mikhail Nilov