An aggravated consumer, industry rival, former employee or another person who is upset with your company may try to exact revenge by use of “doxing” — the practice of gathering a person or entity’s personal information and publishing it online. This may include sensitive information about the finances, health, residence, political affiliation, family and private lives of executives and employees at targeted organizations. Whether performed by an experienced hacker or an amateur sleuth, doxing can take a serious toll on a company, leaving it and its employees vulnerable to embarrassment and possible financial injury.
Doxing is distinguishable from defamation, which is the publication of false information about a person or entity. The danger from doxing is that the information released is true but sensitive. Unfortunately, there is a wealth of data that can be legally obtained online by clever searchers.
Fortunately, there are ways to help prevent hackers from finding the information they want. Cyber security professionals recommend the following actions:
Doxing may warrant civil legal action or criminal charges, depending on the type of information released, the means used to acquire the information, the intent of the publisher and the reputation damage or other harm inflicted.
The business law attorneys at Hemmer DeFrank Wessels, PLLC help clients in Kentucky, and Ohio safeguard their businesses from the potential fallout of cyberattacks. We also provide legal guidance on how to respond when your company becomes a victim of doxing. To schedule a free initial consultation with our firm, call Stephanie at 859-344-1188 or contact us online.