There are a large number of different computer attacks, but recently one of these types of attacks has begun to become popular among attackers. We are talking about “dropping dox”, better known as Doxing. Although this attack may seem harmless to us, it can become a serious security problem for the victim and even cause legal problems.
We have seen in recent years how attempts to steal data and credentials have grown. Without going any further, today I received an SMS from a bank other than mine informing me of a block in my account if I did not perform an action on a certain link.
We have also seen during the Income campaign the massive sending of text messages informing of sanctions. It also happens with packages that are detained or with traffic fines, among others. A set of messages that come with a link and that only intend to steal our banking details.
What is doxing?
It is the action of disclosing a user’s private information publicly without consent. You may think that there is nothing problematic about this, but the reality is different.
Doxing seeks to publish private information such as email address, date of birth or ID, for example. You can even have immediate alert data, such as financial data, place of residence or personal images.
Information can be stolen and shared using different techniques. Computer hacking, social engineering such as phishing, exploitation of social networks or searching for information in public databases can be used to later link them to the data obtained from the individual.
When we refer to the public exposure of data, we are not only referring to disclosing it on social networks, it could also be leaked on the dark web and used to commit crimes.
You should know that doxing is completely illegal, since it violates different guidelines in Spain. It may breach data protection legislation and would also be illegal if harassment occurs and could even be considered gender violence.
How doxing can affect us
First, you should know that this practice represents an invasion of people’s privacy that can lead to a feeling of vulnerability and betrayal. Many people develop anxiety, stress and even fear of going outside, among other mental pathologies.
Subsequently, fraud or money theft can occur if financial data is revealed. For vulnerable people or people with financial problems it can be a real drama.
The leaking of confidential messages can cause problems in your work and personal relationships. We add to this the leaking of private photographs that can not only affect work and personal relationships, but also damage reputation. Many people, faced with the leak of private images of an intimate nature, have suffered attempts to take their own lives.
In addition, the leak of data such as name or identification documents can lead to legal problems. Criminals could impersonate us and apply for loans or perpetrate all types of scams. This can be a big scare and cause different mental health problems. We are innocent, but an arrest for a crime you have not committed and knowing that they are impersonating you is not a pleasant pill to swallow.
On the other hand, leaking our email or phone number makes us a target for scammers. Maybe it is the least of the problems we have described. If you have any questions, it is always better to contact the bank or the relevant organization that claims to send us the message. Above all, do not click on strange or shortened links.
Real cases of doxing
In Spain this has happened many times and, unfortunately, it will continue to happen. Many times it is the media themselves who do this. There are also media cases in which, through information given by the media, the victim has been identified.
Without a doubt the most obvious case is that of the victim of rape by “La manada.” We talked about the case of the girl sexually assaulted during San Fermines a few years ago. Although his information was never revealed in the media, certain information was given that led a group of users on social networks to find the victim’s profiles.
Another case of doxing is that of Olvido Hormigos. This woman recorded a personal video and it ended up being intentionally leaked and disseminated. It has not been the only case of this type, but all of them are attacks of this type that seek to humiliate the victim.
What do I do if I am a victim of doxing?
First of all, try to gather all possible evidence and go to a National Police, Civil Guard or other police station. Explain the case to them, provide the relevant evidence and they will be in charge of trying to find the origin and carry out the relevant actions.
If, on the other hand, you find the Police at your door because your identity has been stolen, simply provide all the information you can. Surely you can prove your innocence easily, since you cannot be in two places at the same time hundreds of kilometers away. Even if it is in the same location, surely some camera has taken images of the scammer.
It is important that, in any case, you seek professional help to try to deal with the situation. It is also important that you lean on your closest family and friends. And, above all, it improves security on social networks and devices, as well as trying to disconnect a season from computer devices.
