Healthcare workers are facing increasing rates of workplace violence, with 76% reporting experiences of either verbal or physical assault. This trend has forced many hospitals to re-evaluate their employee protection strategies, particularly as dissatisfied patients or their families are increasingly targeting medical staff.
The accessibility of personal information on people search sites, also known as data broker sites, may exacerbate this risk. A recent study conducted by Incogni investigated the extent of this exposure by examining the online presence of 768 medical department executives from major U.S. hospitals.
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The findings from the study indicate a significant level of data exposure among these professionals.
Widespread Exposure of Medical Doctor Personal Data
Of the 744 department heads for whom basic information could be located, 71.9% had personal data exposed on at least one people search site. This readily available information often includes sensitive details such as home addresses, phone numbers, and information about family members.
The study also found that many doctors appeared on multiple sites:
- 39.7% of the professionals studied were listed on five or more people search sites.
- 26% appeared on ten or more sites.
This proliferation of data across numerous platforms makes it more difficult for individuals to manage and remove their personal information from the public domain.
Demographic and Geographic Trends
The level of data exposure varied across different age groups and locations.
- Age-Related Differences: Younger department heads were less likely to have their information exposed. The study found that 66% of Millennial doctors had data on at least one site, compared to 74% of Gen X and between 77–83% of Baby Boomers and older professionals. Researchers suggest this may be due to older individuals having a larger data footprint accumulated over time through public records like voter registrations, property ownership, and marriage licenses.
- State-Level Variations: There were significant disparities in exposure rates between states. In Nevada and New Mexico, 100% of the department heads investigated were found on people search sites. In contrast, Alaska, Illinois, and Oklahoma had the lowest exposure rates at 43%, 46%, and 50%, respectively. State-specific legislation, such as Open Records Acts, may contribute to these geographical differences.
The Dangers of Exposed Data
The information commonly found on people search sites can be extensive. This includes:
- Full names and aliases
- Current and past addresses
- Email addresses and phone numbers
- Names of relatives and spouses
- Property ownership and asset details
- Legal records
For a small fee, some sites provide even more sensitive information, such as education and employment history, social media profiles, and personal photos. This level of detail can provide malicious actors with the necessary information to harass, stalk, or otherwise harm medical professionals.
Related Article: Workplace Violence Costs U.S. Hospitals Over $18 Billion Each Year, Study Finds
The study underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and stronger privacy protections for healthcare workers, especially after the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year.
