Security glossary
What is doxxing?
Doxxing is publishing or sharing personal information to harass, intimidate, or target someone.
Last reviewed: 2026-05-23
In plain English
Doxxing can include addresses, phone numbers, family links, and workplace details.
Leaked profile and contact datasets make doxxing campaigns easier to execute.
Public figures and high-visibility accounts face elevated risk, but anyone can be targeted.
Real-world example
A user’s phone number and home area are posted online alongside threats and impersonation attempts.
What you should do
- Tighten profile visibility and remove unnecessary public details.
- Document abusive posts and report platform-level violations.
- Strengthen account recovery and monitor impersonation pages.
Related terms
What is social engineering?
Social engineering is psychological manipulation used to make people share information or approve harmful actions.
What is identity theft risk after a breach?
Identity theft risk means exposed personal details could be used to impersonate you for fraud, account creation, or social scams.
What is account takeover?
Account takeover (ATO) is when someone gains control of your account and can change settings, spend money, or lock you out.