Have I Been Pwned is a web-based tool that allows users to check whether their email address, phone number, or password has been compromised in a data breach.
The platform compiles information from various security leaks and provides insight into what personal data may have been exposed, including email accounts, passwords, and locations.
How to Use Have I Been Pwned to Check for Data Breaches
Checking if your data has been compromised is quick and easy. Follow these steps to search for your information on Have I Been Pwned:
- Open your preferred web browser and visit the Have I Been Pwned website.
- In the search box, type in your email address or mobile phone number and click the “pwned?” button to start the scan.
- The site will display the results, showing whether your data has been found in previous breaches. It will also list the sources of the leaks and specify the type of compromised data, such as passwords, locations, or personal details.
- If you want to verify whether a specific password has been compromised, follow these steps:
- Click the menu icon (three bars) in the top-right corner.
- Select the “Passwords” section from the navigation menu.
- Enter the password you want to check and click “pwned?”.
- The site will display how often that password has appeared in known data breaches.
What to Do If Your Data Has Been Exposed
If Have I Been Pwned detects that your email, phone number, or password has been leaked, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect your accounts:
- Change Your Password – Update your password immediately and use a strong, unique combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – Add an extra layer of security to your accounts to prevent unauthorised access.
- Monitor Your Accounts – Monitor your emails, banking information, and social media for any suspicious activity.
- Use a Password Manager – Generate and store strong passwords securely with a password manager.
Following these steps, you can quickly determine whether your data has been compromised and take the necessary precautions to secure your personal information.
