Doxing - a tool to drive cybercrime

Doxing is the act of revealing identifying information about someone online, such as their real name, home address, workplace, phone, financial, and other personal information. That information is then circulated to the public — without the victim's permission.

In today's digital age, where personal information is readily available online, the consequences of doxing can be severe. Even if someone uses their real name on social media, they may still have aspects of their life they wish to keep private, such as their home address, phone number, or financial information. Doxing exposes individuals to various risks, including identity theft, harassment, stalking, and even physical harm.

Given the broader scope of doxing in contemporary times, it's crucial for individuals to be mindful of the information they share online and to take steps to protect their privacy. This includes carefully managing privacy settings on social media platforms, being cautious about sharing personal details publicly, and regularly reviewing and removing unnecessary personal information from online profiles. Additionally, platforms and authorities need to continue implementing measures to prevent and address instances of doxing to ensure the safety and security of users in the digital realm.

The term "doxing" has indeed expanded beyond its origins in hacker culture and now encompasses the exposure of personal information regardless of the context in which it occurs. With the widespread use of social media platforms where individuals often use their real names and share personal details publicly, the focus of doxing has shifted from unmasking anonymous users to revealing private information about identifiable individuals.

To combat the use of doxxing in driving cybercrime, it's crucial for individuals to be vigilant about protecting their personal information online, and for organizations to implement robust security measures to safeguard sensitive data. Additionally, law enforcement agencies and policymakers need to address cybercrime and enact laws and regulations to deter and punish offenders. 

Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, President & CEO, VARINDIA