Public records are a treasure trove of information. While they are intended to enhance transparency and accountability, they can also serve as a goldmine for adversaries seeking to exploit individuals or organizations. In this blog, we’ll explore how adversaries use publicly accessible data and what steps you can take to mitigate these risks.
What Are Public Records?
Public records include a wide range of documents and data sets that government entities make available to the public. These may include:
- Property Records: Ownership details, property value, and tax history.
- Court Records: Civil and criminal case details, lawsuits, and judgments.
- Business Filings: Incorporation documents, ownership structures, and annual reports.
- Voter Registration Records: Names, addresses, and sometimes party affiliation.
- Professional Licenses: Certifications for professions such as healthcare, law, or construction.
While this information is vital for public oversight and legal purposes, it’s also highly useful for malicious actors.
How Adversaries Exploit Public Records
Social Engineering Attacks Adversaries often use information from public records to craft convincing phishing or impersonation schemes. For example, knowing your home address and mortgage lender can make a fraudulent email about your mortgage payment appear legitimate.
Identity Theft Public records can contain pieces of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) such as full names, addresses, and dates of birth. These details can be combined with other data breaches to commit identity theft.
Corporate Espionage Business filings and licensing information provide insights into an organization’s structure, leadership, and operations. Adversaries may use this information to target key personnel or discover vulnerabilities in supply chains.
Physical Security Threats Property records and professional licenses can reveal where you live or work, making it easier for an adversary to plan physical attacks or surveillance.
Targeted Scams Scammers often tailor their schemes to the victim. Public records can reveal financial distress, recent legal issues, or new business ventures, all of which are prime opportunities for targeted fraud.
Case Study: The Business Email Compromise (BEC) Scam
A common use of public records in cybercrime is Business Email Compromise (BEC). Adversaries may use business incorporation records to identify executives or financial officers. By impersonating these individuals, they can request fraudulent wire transfers, often causing significant financial losses.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Organization
While you cannot entirely remove your information from public records, there are steps you can take to mitigate risks:
Monitor Public Records Regularly review the public records available about you or your business. Services like credit monitoring and dark web scanning can help alert you to potential misuse of your information.
Redact Sensitive Information In jurisdictions where it is allowed, request the redaction of sensitive information, such as your home address, from public records.
Educate Employees Provide training on recognizing phishing attempts and other social engineering tactics that may leverage publicly available information.
Implement Strong Security Policies Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) and robust cybersecurity measures to protect your organization, even if adversaries gain access to some information.
Use Professional Address Services For business owners or professionals, consider using a registered agent or professional address service to keep your personal address private.
Advocate for Privacy-Enhancing Legislation Support initiatives that limit the exposure of sensitive information in public records while maintaining transparency.
Conclusion
Public records are a double-edged sword—they promote transparency but also expose individuals and organizations to risks. Understanding how adversaries exploit this data is the first step in protecting yourself. By taking proactive measures, you can minimize the likelihood of becoming a target while still benefiting from the accountability that public records provide.
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