Hackers can indeed be intimidating figures—like mysterious hooded individuals with incredible skills who can infiltrate systems in an instant. It’s a bit of a cliché, but isn’t entirely off-base either.
What many people overlook is how much hackers can discover about someone through data broker files. This hidden industry provides much of what hackers utilize to target individuals today.
What is a data broker and why should you care?
Now, if you’ve ever heard the term “data broker,” you might find it puzzling. Are they individuals or businesses that trade personal data? Well, yes. Data brokers gather, analyze, and sell access to personal information—yours included.
Do you think you can delete the data yourself? This is why you’re probably wrong
What kind of personal information do they handle?
Here’s a rundown of the types of information that companies, competitors, and even hackers might find in your data broker file:
- Full name
- Past legal names
- Known aliases
- Social media profiles
- Gender
- Sexual preferences
- Date of birth or age
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Current and past addresses
- Current and previous phone numbers
- Email addresses, both active and inactive
- Political affiliations
- Occupation
- Current employer
- Work history
- Business connections
- Educational background
- Spousal status
- Marriage and divorce records
- Family information (number of children and their ages)
- Relatives
- Property details
- Vehicle registration
- Assets
- Financial information
- Bankruptcy and legal judgments
- Licenses (driver’s, firearm permits, etc.)
- Court records
- Criminal history
- Mugshots
- Sex offender status
- Health history
- Location data
- IP information
- Device details (model of phone, tablet, etc.)
- Web browser info
- Shopping habits
- Interests and hobbies
This list is extensive, but not exhaustive. Data brokers can gather even more information and deduce additional insights based on these data points.
Types of data broker: Who collects and sells your information?
The most recognizable data brokers are often referred to as people search sites. You may encounter these when searching for yourself online. However, they are merely the surface of a much larger operation. Many data brokers don’t publicize their individual profiles but instead collaborate directly with corporations and government agencies.
Marketing Data Brokers focus on your online behavior—browsing habits, purchase history, and interests. They craft personalized advertising based on this information.
Recruitment Data Brokers collect personal info for companies performing background checks on job candidates. Unfortunately, despite being illegal, some employers find ways to access similar information from people-search sites.
Risk Reduction Brokers compile crime and background information for businesses evaluating risks associated with new investments.
Financial Information Brokers gather personal finance and credit background from banks to calculate credit scores, impacting loan eligibility.
Health Information Brokers garner general health details to sell to the healthcare industry, which can influence insurance premiums and targeted advertisements.
However, hackers typically prefer the accessibility of people search sites. These are straightforward, inexpensive (often just a $1 trial), and don’t require extensive verification.
Want to remove your data from this market?
It’s understandable to want to distance yourself from this. Yet, U.S. federal laws can make it challenging—either prohibiting this data trade or offering limited opt-out options.
The silver lining is that due to a patchwork of state laws, personal information removal services can legally request data deletions on your behalf. Although no service guarantees total data elimination from the internet, these removal services are practical. They can be costly, but they actively monitor and systematically erase personal information from numerous websites, which can offer peace of mind.
Important takeaways
It can feel overwhelming to grasp how much personal information is collected and by whom. However, understanding how data brokers work is the first step toward taking back control. Your data is valuable, and you have a right to know who’s managing it and why. Thankfully, there are tools available to help you tidy up your digital presence and protect your privacy. Don’t just wish for change—take proactive steps to ensure your data is working for you, rather than against you.
