The United States Department of Homeland Security has issued an unclassified intelligence document stating that personal information about police officers across the country is being leaked and shared online in the wake of the in-custody death of George Floyd in late May.
According to OregonLive.com, the newly available information could lead to attacks by "violent opportunists or domestic violent extremists" or could prevent law enforcement officials from carrying out their duties.
The note warned that "some cyber actors will probably continue to target law enforcement officers with doxing tactics to undermine law enforcement’s response to ongoing lawful protests." Doxing is the gathering of information on someone through online sources and releasing that information.
The document continued, "While doxing does not in and of itself constitute a threat to law enforcement and their families, doxing might result in the downstream threat of violence by violent opportunists or domestic violent extremists (DVEs), or otherwise prevent DHS personnel or law enforcement partners from executing their lawful mission."
Personal information about officers from Atlanta, Boston, New York City, and other agencies has recently surfaced on social media.
The bulletin gives advice to law enforcement to avoid doxing, including using two-factor authentication, protecting social media accounts and other security measures.
