What Are ‘Google Dorks?’ What Is ‘Google Dorking?’

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Ever heard of Google (GOOG) Dorks before? If not, here’s a look at what they are and what they do.

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Google Dorks are users that take advantage of Google’s advanced search options to find specific data. This process is called Google Dorking. Almost anyone can be considered a Google Dork, but some Dorks use these advanced searches to find data that was never meant to be seen, reports Business Insider.

According to Business Insider, some hackers use Google Dorking to find data that shouldn’t have been posted online. This can include bank account information, usernames, password and more. These Google Dorks have caused the federal government to release a warning about their practices, Business Insider notes.

“In August 2011, unidentified actors used Google Dorking to locate a vulnerable File Transfer Protocol server at an identified US university and compromised the personally identifiable information of approximately 43,000 faculty, staff, students, and alumni, according to an information technology security firm,” the FBI said in a warning.

There are even websites out there that teach Google Dorks how to use the search engine’s advanced options to look for the type of data that’s meant to be hidden.

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Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2014/08/google-goog-google-dorks-google-dorking/.

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