Online Threats: The Resurgence of Doxxing in the Digital Age
Since the early 1990s, doxxing has been utilized as a malicious tool for online revenge, stripping individuals of their anonymity by exposing their personal information. In recent years, this harmful practice has experienced a resurgence, with victims facing not only extortion for cryptocurrency but also the threat of physical violence.
Monitoring and Revenue Generation
Security researcher Jacob Larsen, who himself was targeted for doxxing nearly a decade ago, has been actively monitoring doxxing groups for the past year. Through his research, Larsen discovered that doxxing practices can generate significant revenue, with some groups making “well over six figures a year.” These practices often involve filing false law enforcement requests to obtain sensitive data.
The Harms of Doxxing
People can fall victim to doxxing for a variety of reasons, ranging from online harassment to inciting political violence. According to digital criminologist Bree Anderson, the act of doxxing can have severe consequences, including humiliation and harm to individuals. The immediate risks to personal safety and long-term anxiety over future exposure are just some of the harms caused by this practice.
Techniques and Methods
Doxxing tactics can vary, from accessing public and private databases to launching SIM swapping attacks through social engineering. More sinister methods, such as impersonating law enforcement officers and abusing Emergency Data Requests (EDRs), are also employed to obtain personal information. These tactics underscore the significant challenges individuals face in maintaining their online privacy.
