What Is Doxxing?
Doxxing is when someone publishes your private information — home address, phone number, workplace — online to harass or intimidate you. Most doxxing relies on data that's already exposed through data brokers. Here's how it works and how to make yourself a harder target.
How doxxing works
Attackers rarely 'hack' anything. They piece together your identity from data-broker profiles, social media, public records and breach dumps, then publish it.
Why data brokers make it easy
People-search sites hand attackers your address, relatives and phone number in one click — which is why reducing your broker exposure is the most effective defense.
How to protect yourself
Shrink your public footprint before you become a target.
- Run a free scan to see what's already exposed.
- Opt out of data brokers and remove your info from Google.
- Lock down social media privacy settings and avoid posting your location.
Frequently asked questions
Is doxxing illegal?
Publishing publicly available information isn't always illegal by itself, but doxxing combined with threats, harassment or stalking is a crime in many jurisdictions. Reducing your exposure lowers the risk regardless.
How do I protect myself from being doxxed?
Remove your information from data brokers and Google, tighten social-media privacy, and avoid reusing identifiable usernames. Footprint Finder finds and removes the broker listings doxxers rely on.