from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE)
Internet slang that emerged from the online communities of 4chan and Reddit. It's a portmanteau of the words "document" and "expose" with an -ing added to do what it does.
Doxing refers to gathering an individual’s personally identifiable information (PII) and releasing it publicly for malicious purposes, such as public humiliation, stalking, identity theft, or targeting for other forms of harassment. Also spelled doxxing.
Examples of Sensitive Information
Common Sources of Sensitive Information
How to safeguard one's privacy and avoid doxing:
- Be careful about what you post about yourself online, including photos and videos even if temporary.
- Remove PII (address, date of birth, phone number, etc.) from your social media profiles.
- Review your followers and reject requests from anyone you do not know.
- Request to remove your personal data from public records websites. Well-known websites include
BeenVerified, FastPeopleSearch, Intelius, PeopleFinders, Spokeo, TruthFinder, and Whitepages.
- Uninstall and delete unnecessary apps and browser extensions to prevent collection of your personal data.
- Restrict location tracking on apps and websites. Turn off location services for each app or platform.
- Turn on privacy settings on social media, apps, and other websites.
- Set up two-step verification, use complex passwords, and do not repeat the same password for multiple accounts
How Can I Protect Myself from Doxing?
- Request to Remove False, Abusive, or Threatening Content
Consider submitting a takedown request to the platform or website, in
accordance with rules and requirements.
- Document What Is Happening
Consider taking steps to preserve evidence. Save all emails, voicemails, and text
messages you receive, and take screenshots or photos of comments on social media.
- Report the Incident
If you have received a threat to your physical safety or feel criminally harassed,
report the incident to local law enforcement, as well as the social media
platform or website administrator.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & GUIDANCE:
CISA Cybersecurity Best Practices & Resources: cisa.gov/cybersecurity
CISA Cyber Essentials: cisa.gov/cyber-essentials
CISA Tip: Avoiding Social Engineering and Phishing Attacks: cisa.gov/tips/st04-014
CISA Insights: Enhance Email and Web Security: cisa.gov/publication/enhance-email-and-web-security
CISA Social Media Threat Guidance for School Staff and Authorities Infographic:
https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/social-media-threat-guidance-school-staff-and-authorities-infographic
If you are a victim of online crime, file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint
Center (IC3) at ic3.gov
SOURCE:
https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/24_0117_ope_resources-for-individuals-on-the-threat-of-doxing-508.pdf