What Is Google Dorking and How to Protect Yourself?

What Is Google Dorking?

Google Dorking, also sometimes referred to as Google Hacking, is a search engine technique to break into protected information of vulnerable websites or the information that’s not displayed out there for the public to know in open search results.

How Google Dorking Works?

Google Dorking basically starts with a custom search. Hackers find websites on Google with weak security for nefarious purposes. Dorking is made possible by Google’s amazing web-crawling powers. Attackers can find a lot of sensitive information using Google Dork that was impossible to find with simple search options like:

• Passwords
• Usernames
• Sensitive email addresses
• Documents
• Individually identifying information
• Website shortcomings
• Involving private information
• Banking details

Google Dorking Example

Here are some Google Dorking examples for a better understanding:

• Log Files Information

  There are many types of logs available in HTTP like error logs, access logs and application log, etc. Attackers can find these files and related information like PHP version, content management system paths, admin credentials, user credentials, etc. using Google Dork.

  Example search query- allintext:password filetype:log after:2010

  To prevent this from happening, robots.txt file is the best shield you can apply.

• FTP Servers

  Google indexes both websites and open FTP servers. This means that attackers can search for and find public FTP servers. If these FTP servers have weak access permissions, it could lead to unintentional publication of sensitive information.

  Example search query- intitle: "index of" inurl:ftp

• Discover Secret SSH Keys for Decryption

  The term secret says it all. The key is not supposed to be shared with anyone. But hackers can reach there using Google Dork and not only reach but also exploit the SSH private keys indexed by Google. It can give out private information that you want to secure.

  Example search query- intitle:index.of id_rsa -id_rsa.pub

• Find HTTP Websites

  Google Dork can be used to find websites with less secure HTTP protocol.

  Example search query- intitle:"index of" inurl:http after:2015

• Hack Online Cameras

  Hackers often target internet-connected CCTV cameras. By using Google dorking, they can access live camera feeds without any restrictions.

  Example search query- inurl:top.htm inurl:currenttime

How to Protect Yourself From Google Dorking?

Now that you are aware of the power of Google Dorking and the amount of harm it can do using your sensitive information, how can you stop this from happening to yourself? Simply being concerned and overthinking won’t help. Strengthen your online security and keep your private information safe. Here’s how!

• Use two-factor authentication, password protection, and different passwords for every login you have. It can be difficult to remember so many passwords, but keep track of them. This step will reduce the chances of your data being stolen. Keep all the passwords in a reliable password management system.
• To maintain the security of your webpage or technological infrastructure, it is essential to regularly conduct vulnerability scans and perform security testing. This proactive approach helps in identifying and addressing any potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses that may exist.
• To remove sensitive websites from public search results, you can utilize Google Search Console. This tool allows you to manage the visibility of your web pages by requesting the removal of specific URLs from Google's search index.
• One of the best approaches would be to perform Google Dork on yourself to see what sensitive information of yours is at risk. Take measures to protect them first.
• Robot.txt is Google’s famous defense mechanism for protecting a site’s information that the owner doesn't want to put out for everyone to see. As a website administrator, if you want to prevent Google from analyzing specific content on your website, you can achieve this by adding "robots.txt" files to the critical directories. These files serve as instructions to search engine crawlers, including Googlebot, informing them not to index or crawl the designated material.
• Installing complete security software is always one effective way to protect your information from Google Dorks.

Is Google Dorking Illegal?

Is Google Dorking illegal? Not entirely!

In reality, Google Dorking is an advanced search method that exists to handle complicated search queries. Restricting this feature would mean restricting access to information that might be useful. It becomes ethically wrong when this method is used to find sensitive information and use it to commit fraud or anything else illegal.

Some Common Google Dorks Search Queries and Their Functions

Hackers use the search engine’s in-built database to scratch private information, look for online flaws, and follow individuals. Here are some commonly used Google search operators and their functions:

• Cache

  Function: Retrieves a website's cached version.

  Example: cache:ezrankings.com

• Site

  Function: Provides a list of every URL from a webpage or domain that has been indexed.

  Example: site:ezrankings.com

• Filetype

  Function: Based on the specified file extension, it returns different types of files.

  Example: filetype:pdf

• Inurl

  Function: Searches the URL for a given phrase.

  Example: inurl:register.php

• Allinurl

  Function: Returns entries whose URL contains every character you provide.

  Example: allinurl:clientarea

• Intext

  Function: Finds websites with certain elements or strings in their content.

  Example: intext:"Google Dork Query"

• Inanchor

  Function: Examines every link's specific anchor text to find it.

  Example: inanchor:"cyber attacks"

• | (pipe)

  Function: Displays all websites that include either or both terms entered in the search.

  Example: hacking | Google dork

• (plus)

  Function: Words are concatenated to find pages that include more than one particular key.

  Example: hacking + Google dork

• (minus)

  Function: Used to filter out search results that include specific terms.

  Example: hacking - dork

These operators can be combined or used individually to refine your Google searches and find more specific and relevant information. However, it's important to use them responsibly and in compliance with legal and ethical guidelines.

To Conclude

Google Dorking, also known as Google Hacking, is a significant threat to sensitive and private information online. To protect yourself, it is important to implement strong security measures like two-factor authentication, unique and complex passwords, and regular vulnerability scans. Also, utilizing tools like Google Search Console and robots.txt files can help control the visibility of your web pages.

While Google Dorking is not illegal, it becomes unethical when used to perform fraudulent activities. By understanding common Google search operators, individuals can enhance their awareness and take steps to safeguard their information.

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