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Google Dorking sounds funny, but it’s no laughing matter. Star Kashman ’20 is getting the word out regarding one of the biggest cyberthreats many people have yet to hear of.

Google Dorking — also known as search engine hacking — may be utilized as a technique to conduct cybercrime, when people employ advanced operators in any search engine to locate vulnerabilities on websites, servers, files online, and devices connected to the internet of things. The practice is benign when used by researchers, journalists and curious users to conduct targeted searches or better research, but harmful when exploited by malicious actors. Malicious users utilize simple search strings to access others’ sensitive information and even webcams. It’s easier than you think.

“Notorious crimes can be attributed to search engine hacking,” Kashman says. “These include sextortion cases, the compromise of the CIA, and instances where legal officials, celebrities, politicians and families have fallen victim.”

Kashman had been interested in Google Dorking for years, using it as self-defense against stalkers and cyberbullies. It was only recently, as a student at Brooklyn Law School, that she learned it’s used much more often to inflict harm. A class research assignment unexpectedly resulted in her publishing the first scholarly legal articles on this topic, and holding the first conference of its kind to discuss the dangers and legality of this method.

“Upon conducting my initial research, I found no mention of this technique in court cases or documents,” she says. “I knew, however, that people use this technique to obtain dangerous information. My professor told me I was on to something and I was the expert now. I could either pick an easier topic already in case law or go with [Google Dorking] and find cases myself. I chose the harder path because I saw the potential for making an impact.”

Having recently launched her career as a law grad at C.A. Goldberg PLLC, Kashman is continuing to raise awareness and push legislation to combat Google Dorking’s dangers, while also advocating for legislative clarity to protect ethical hackers, researchers, journalists and non-malicious users. Kashman’s research has been recognized by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence that oversees both the CIA and NSA. At her firm, she contributes to the fight against stalkers, harassers and malicious big tech companies causing harm against children.

“As the only current expert on search engine hacking law,” she says, “it’s my goal to advocate for the privacy and safety of the general public and protect security researchers and journalists.”