Data Brokers – Keeping Your Data Out of Other People’s Hands

October 2025 is Cybersecurity Month. At KVH, we are committed to helping our customers reduce their cyber risks and improve their protection. While technology is a vital part of that process, education is invaluable as well, whether you are a crew member on a commercial vessel, a leisure boater enjoying the option to work remotely while on the water, or just trying to stay safe at home. That’s why we’re happy to share some insights and suggestions from Melanie Dias, our Senior Network and Applications Engineer.

Have you heard of data brokers? If not, then this article is for you.

Data Brokers are companies that collect your information from a variety of sources to sell or license it out to other businesses. An estimated 4000+ data brokers exist. Many companies may buy your data from brokers without malicious intent, instead using it for things like marketing and advertising (annoying perhaps but not dangerous). However, other companies, organizations, or individuals may want your data for harmful reasons (e.g., social engineering for scams). In all cases, though, there are certain details that you do not want to share, such as your health records or financial information. Having your data online also exposes you to the risk of identity theft from cybercriminals.

How do data brokers get your data?

Typically, brokers can collect your data from the websites you visit, items you have purchased online, public records, or even online agreement forms. There is a saying that everyone should keep in mind when it comes to cybersecurity: Convenience is the opposite of security.

Websites and search engines have software trackers that store information about what you do on the internet. Data brokers can then use web scraping tools to collect your data from those websites and your social media pages. Online agreement forms usually must have you agree to the terms and conditions where the fine print notifies you that your information can be shared.

How do you know if your information is on data broker sites?

Google yourself using details such as your full name, phone number or email address. This search should reveal if your presence is on any popular search sites. Many of these sites will display a preview of your information for free and offer a full report if you want to pay for it.

So, what can you do to help keep your information safe?

Well, a big step is to remove your personal information from data broker sites but this will take time and won’t be easy.

If you choose to undertake this effort yourself, the first thing you will have to do is visit the website for each data broker that has your information. Some of the biggest sites are Acxion, Epsion, Oracle, Equifax, Experian, LexisNexis, and CoreLogic. You will need to find their opt-out form or call their support number and request to be removed from their database and/or marketing programs. Then get ready to do it again in the future as personal data has a way of making it back out into the public arena without you realizing it.

Altneratively, there are also paid subscriptions you can purchase to remove your data from these sites and will continue to do so periodically. DeleteMe is one that I have heard great things about. Others include Incogni, Aura and a budget friendly option with EasyOptOuts. Personally, I use McAfee+ Advanced, which includes not only my AntiVirus protection but Identity Protection and Personal Data Cleanup. McAfee takes my details and uses that information to scan the web. When it finds anything related to me, the service automatically reaches out to the various data broker sites and requests removal of my data from their records. The removal process itself can take 30-60 days to be removed. Then, it repeats the process every 3 months. I love that this tool does all of the steps for me plus reports on what information the site had, such as my name, birthday, social security number and even family members’ information.

Keep in mind that while all of these services reduce the burden of managing privacy, they cannot remove information from social media platforms. Be mindful of what you are posting.

If you don’t want a stranger to use that information against you, then don’t post it. Pro tip: if you are on vacation, post those awesome pics AFTER you return. If you post while you are gone, there’s a risk that criminals will know you are not home. You may come home from a fantastic vacation to discover an unsafe situation or a much emptier home than when you left.

In closing

I hope this information helps you keep your identity safe. Happy Cybersecurity Month!!