Hi BlackCloak Client,

We wanted to alert you to an alarming trend our Threat IntelligenceTeam is seeing.  We are seeing a marked increase in “doxxing” and “swatting” of executives, board members, and other high-profile persons.

There are some proactive steps you can take to reduce some of the risks, but unfortunately since law enforcement is required to respond to all 9-1-1 calls there is no way to remove the risk entirely.

What is happening?

Cybercriminals are specifically targeting executives, board members, and high-profile persons directly. These are not random attacks.

Cybercriminals are using information from the dark web (which cannot be erased), data broker information (which BlackCloak removes regularly), and property record information to target you. These records can have your name and address on them. This type of activity is referred to as “doxxing”. 

With this information, cybercriminals are calling (using spoofing technology) your local police department to report a hostage situation or heinous crime in progress and giving them your address. Law enforcement officers are of course required to respond to this call and in many cases, SWAT teams are dispatched to your home. This type of activity is called “SWATing”.

What is Doxxing versus Swatting?

Doxxing is the release of your personal information (usually name, address, numbers, and/or email address) publicly on social media or other websites. This can cause unwanted attention, protests, or physical security risks for the family members at that residence.

Swatting occurs when this information is used to have the police respond to a false threat at your residence or workplace.

What can you do to minimize these risks?

• Do not share your home address with parties that do not have a need to know it.
• Use a “post office box” or UPS mailbox store as a main address for homes that have not been disclosed as belonging to you. In many cases attorneys, wealth managers, or business managers can offer a similar service as well.
• Ensure your home is not registered in your name when purchased. If it is in your family name, have your attorney transfer it to a trust, but note the original record of purchase can never be removed.
• Reduce the amount of information you share with your mobile apps. BlackCloak is concierge and we can help you do this in under 5 minutes.
• Remove the specific town you reside in from social media accounts and from your company’s bio/executive team pages. Also remove information on those pages giving the name of your significant other and/or children.

Remember, under most of our plans, BlackCloak will remove your data broker information on a regular basis from a myriad of websites.

If you have been threatened online or feel you are at imminent risk of being targeted for a SWATing attack, please contact your local law enforcement non-emergency number. 

Want more help?

We have a Concierge Cybersecurity & Privacy team standing by to help you and your family.  Reach out to us at Ask@BlackCloak.io or use your BlackCloak Mobile App to call us or schedule time with us.