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Hundreds of so-called “people-finding websites” are also known as people-search sites, and similar iterations can pose serious cyber threats. From Spokeo to Intelius, MyLife, Instant Checkmate, US Search, and even digitized Whitepages, there are many ways to find personal contact information for a small fee. Anyone in the world can be snooped on for a small fee.
This can be a great tool for self-proclaimed Internet sleuths and concerned citizens, but it’s also a concerning prospect for many people, and cyber threats can be grave.
How do you know if your information is available for purchase? This sounds like something that should only happen on the Dark Web.
The Explosion of People-Finding Websites
The first website to aggregate public information into one central database for this purpose was aptly known as PeopleFinders, founded by Robert Miller in 1999.
These websites can provide details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, social media profiles, criminal records, and more. They gather information from public records, social media, and other online databases. This can include data from government records, court documents, and other publicly accessible sources. These platforms index information from all kinds of public information. Those platforms often sell data to third-party sites when you post confidentially about yourself. It can easily have a domino effect on your PII popping up on these people-finding websites.
Unfortunately, these websites can raise privacy issues because they make it easy for anyone to access anyone else’s personal information. With this kind of information, someone looking to launch a spear phishing campaign has a new powerful weapon in their arsenal of cyber threats.
People-finding websites are popular for plenty of valid reasons, but if you prefer to keep your information private, there are steps you can take to protect your confidentiality.
How Can I Keep My Information Private?
Opt-Out Requests: Many people-finding websites, like Whitepages and Spokeo, have opt-out forms you can fill out to request the removal of your information. This process can be time-consuming, but it’s effective.
Use Data Removal Services: Services like DeleteMe, Incogni, and Kanary can handle the opt-out process for you. These services typically charge a fee but can save you time and effort.
Monitor and Repeat: Unfortunately, your information can reappear over time. Regularly monitor these sites and repeat the opt-out process as needed.
Limit Public Information: Be mindful of the information you share online. Adjust privacy settings on social media and avoid posting personal details publicly. These websites can’t publish what doesn’t exist online!
Legal Rights: Depending on where you live, you might have legal rights to request the removal of your data. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives California residents the right to request the deletion of their personal information from certain businesses.
Keep your private information private, and be careful what you post online. You can take your information off these sites, but preemptive defense goes a long way toward cyber security.
Commonwealth Sentinel will help you face your organization’s growing cyber security threats. We can evaluate your existing IT security and work with your team to protect your data and assets. At Commonwealth Sentinel, we are focused on cyber security so that you can focus on other things. Contact us today or sign up for a free consultation.