How to Check If Your Password Has Been Compromised
These days, it feels like every week there’s news about a data breach at a big company. When that happens, your email address, passwords, or even payment info could be part of what gets stolen.
Even if you weren’t directly involved, your login information might still be floating around online—and criminals may be trying to use it.
So how can you check if your passwords are still safe?
Use a Password Check Tool
One of the easiest ways to see if your email has shown up in a breach is to visit: 🔗 HaveIBeenPwned.com
Just enter your email address. The site will scan public breach records and let you know if your info was part of any known data leaks. It’s free, private, and doesn’t ask for your password.
Watch for Red Flags in Your Accounts
Even if your email doesn’t show up in a known breach, it’s smart to keep an eye out for anything unusual, like:
- Password reset emails you didn’t request
- Logins from unfamiliar devices or locations
- Charges or messages you didn’t make
- Friends or contacts saying they got a strange message from you
These can all be signs that someone has accessed your account.
If You Think You’ve Been Compromised, Act Fast
If your email or password has been exposed:
- Change your password immediately
- If you’ve used that same password elsewhere, change it there too
- Turn on two-step verification if the site offers it
Start with important accounts first — like your banking, email, and shopping accounts.
Don’t Wait for a Problem to Make a Change
Even if nothing seems wrong, this is a good reminder to improve your password habits.
- Don’t reuse passwords
- Use longer passphrases
- Consider using a password manager to keep everything organized and secure
