Note: Searching for exposed spreadsheets with email addresses can reveal sensitive personal data. Use these techniques only for legitimate, authorized purposes (security testing with explicit permission, researching how to secure your own assets, or academic study). Do not access, download, copy, or use personal data you find without consent — doing so may be illegal.
: Never store spreadsheets containing sensitive PII (Personally Identifiable Information) in publicly accessible web folders. filetype xls inurl email.xls
: Searches for spreadsheets containing credentials. Do not share the file or the link publicly
A: If the company has a security contact (e.g., security@company.com or /security.txt on their website), email them immediately. Do not share the file or the link publicly. security@company.com or /security.txt on their website)
: Instructs Google to only return results that are Microsoft Excel spreadsheets ( inurl:email.xls
Every month, run the following Google searches against your own domain: