How Hackers Can Use Data Broker Files to Learn About You

Hackers are often depicted as mysterious figures with exceptional computer skills, capable of breaching digital defenses within minutes. While this image is somewhat exaggerated, it is rooted in reality – especially when considering the tools hackers have at their disposal. One of the most powerful and overlooked resources they can access is personal information compiled by data brokers.

Most people are unfamiliar with the term "data broker," but these entities play a significant role in the modern data economy. Data brokers collect, sort, analyze, package, and sell access to vast amounts of personal information. This data comes from multiple sources, including public records, online activity, and commercial transactions, and covers almost everyone.

A typical data broker file may contain the following data points about an individual:

• Full name and previous names
• Current and past addresses
• Date of birth and age
• Phone numbers (landline and mobile)
• Email addresses
• Social media profiles
• Relatives and known associates
• Employment history
• Property ownership records
• Vehicle ownership
• Education background
• Marriage and divorce records
• Criminal records
• Bankruptcies and liens
• Estimated income
• Political affiliations
• Purchasing histories
• Browsing habits and interests

This list is far from exhaustive. Data brokers routinely assemble even more detailed information, and their clients—sometimes including hackers—can infer additional insights from these data points.

Data brokers are not all the same; they fall into several major categories:

• People search sites: These are the most visible brokers and often show up in simple online searches. Both the public and hackers frequently use these sites to look up individuals.
• Marketing data brokers: These focus on browsing habits, purchase histories, and interests, enabling targeted advertising campaigns.
• Recruitment data brokers: They gather personal and professional information for background screenings, sometimes used (legally or otherwise) by employers.
• Risk mitigation brokers: These aggregate background and property data to assess business and investment risks.
• Financial information brokers: They collect credit-related data for businesses like banks and lenders.
• Health information brokers: These compile medical and health-related data, which can influence insurance rates and healthcare marketing.

Of these, hackers are most likely to use people search sites because they are cheap, accessible, and require little or no verification. Other types of brokers may also sell data, often in bulk, to less scrupulous buyers.

Despite the scale and significance of these operations, there is no comprehensive federal law in the United States that limits data broker practices or provides individuals with an easy way to opt out. State laws provide limited relief, allowing personal information removal services to submit data removal requests on behalf of individuals. However, no service can guarantee complete removal of personal data online.

Data removal services, while not inexpensive, offer one of the most effective means of reducing your digital footprint. These companies monitor and systematically request the removal of your information from hundreds of brokers and websites. By limiting what is available, you make it harder for scammers and hackers to cross-reference your data with other breached records, thus protecting yourself from targeted attacks.

With so many entities collecting, selling, and using your personal information, it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed. Yet, understanding how data brokers work is the essential first step in defending your privacy. Whether it's the easily searchable people search sites or lesser-known players operating behind the scenes, your data is valuable—and you deserve to know who has it and how it’s being used.

Fortunately, there are tools and services to help you clean up your digital presence and enhance your privacy. Taking action is critical: do not wait for threats to arise before acting. Being proactive enables you to make your data work for you, not against you.