Doxing is probably one of the easiest forms of hacking, if you’re good at information gathering. For people that collect Intel on a regular basis, doxing can almost become second nature.
While there are a variety of ways to stay anonymous online (for the most part), millions of users still refuse to close their blinds. Instead, they set their social media profiles to public, add anyone that requests, and allow virtual access to the last five years of their lives.
Sometimes you have to learn the hard way. On the other hand, you could also go with the easy way and consider the following tips:
Lock up social media . . . or get off it entirely
Websites like Facebook are the perfect opportunity for hackers to gather information. Too many people will use pet names, birthdays, anniversaries, etc. for passwords – and then post that information on their profiles for everyone and their grandma to see.
The best way to avoid doxing from social media is to get off social media entirely. However, many people would rather get hacked than commit virtual suicide. And so, the next best option is:
Create an alias
As silly as it seems when you see someone you know with a fake name on Facebook, it’s actually not a bad idea. At all. In fact, using a fake name on Facebook could save you from getting hacked. On top of that, only add people you know/trust.
Use variety
When you’re creating online profiles/accounts, make sure you’re using a variety of different usernames, passwords, email addresses, and even fake information (when appropriate). If you give yourself multiple personas, it makes it harder to track down authentic information.
Two-step verification
Use it. It might seem annoying, but it is also there for a reason. People don’t use it because they enjoy spending an extra 30 seconds signing into their devices. They use it because they want to keep those devices under their own control.