What the Hack? Episode 232: The Very Private Digital New Year Episode
23 snips
Dec 30, 2025 Nicholas Olson, an open-source intelligence researcher and privacy expert from Delete Me, joins to discuss the critical importance of removing personal data from people-search sites. He highlights how easily accessible info can make individuals targets and explains the persistent risks posed by foreign data brokers. The discussion also covers practical privacy tips, including using strong passwords, managing IoT devices, and employing 'data poisoning' techniques to protect personal information. Learn how to safeguard your digital footprint in an increasingly exposed world!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
You're A Stepping Stone, Not Invisible
- Your data is not just a name on a spreadsheet; it's often a stepping stone to bigger targets.
- Attackers exploit networks and proximity, so anyone connected to a high-value person can be targeted.
Foreign Brokers Profit From U.S. Data
- Many people-search and data-broker sites operate overseas yet traffic in U.S. citizens' data for profit.
- That foreign ownership complicates takedowns and creates a national-security risk, according to Nicholas Olson.
Dinner Without An Address
- Beau described showing up to a dinner without needing the address because his data was private.
- He used this to illustrate how being removed from public data changes everyday interactions.