To check if your passwords have been leaked to the internet, follow these steps carefully. I’ll walk you through using trusted resources and tools to safeguard your privacy:

Step 1: Use a Trusted Data Breach Monitoring Service

Several websites allow you to check if your email or passwords have been compromised. One of the most reliable services is Have I Been Pwned.

Instructions:
  1. Go to Have I Been Pwned.
  2. Enter your email address or username to see if it appears in any known data breaches.
  3. Review the results. If your email has been compromised in a breach, the site will display details of the breach.
  4. You can also search for specific passwords in the “Pwned Passwords” section of the site:
  • Navigate to Pwned Passwords.
  • Type your password to see if it has been exposed in a breach. (Don’t worry, it hashes your password and compares the hash, ensuring privacy).
  1. If your password is found here, immediately change it on all associated services.
Step 2: Enable Breach Alerts (Optional)

Set up automatic alerts for future data breaches so you can act promptly if your information is leaked.

Instructions:
  1. Sign up for breach notifications on Have I Been Pwned:
  • Scroll down the page and enter your email under “Notify Me”.
  • You’ll get an email whenever your information appears in a new breach.
  1. Alternatively, use Firefox Monitor:
  • Visit Firefox Monitor.
  • Enter your email address and sign up for breach notifications.
Step 3: Use Password Managers with Breach Monitoring

Password managers like 1Password, Dashlane, or LastPass often include breach monitoring features.

Instructions:
  1. Log into your password manager.
  2. Look for security features, such as “Security Dashboard” or “Dark Web Monitoring”.
  3. The password manager will notify you if any of your stored credentials appear in recent data leaks.
Step 4: Monitor the Dark Web

Some services offer to monitor the dark web for your sensitive information.

Instructions:
  1. Consider using services like Identity Guard, Norton LifeLock, or Experian that offer dark web monitoring as part of identity protection.
  2. These services can scan the dark web for your passwords, social security numbers, or credit card information.
Step 5: Check if Your Data Is Being Sold

Some online services and cybersecurity companies monitor marketplaces on the dark web where stolen credentials are often sold.

Instructions:
  1. If using a premium identity protection service like LifeLock, you’ll be alerted if your passwords or personal data appear in such places.
  2. Otherwise, use trusted sources (again like Have I Been Pwned) that focus on leaks and breaches.
Step 6: Change Compromised Passwords Immediately

If you find that one of your passwords has been leaked, take immediate action.

Instructions:
  1. Change the password on every account that uses the compromised password.
  2. Use a password manager to generate complex, unique passwords for each account.
  3. Ensure all accounts have different passwords to avoid the “domino effect” of leaks.
Step 7: Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Adding an additional layer of security can protect your account even if your password is leaked.

Instructions:
  1. Turn on 2FA for all important accounts (email, banking, social media).
  2. Use an authentication app like Google Authenticator, Authy, or Microsoft Authenticator for even better security than SMS-based 2FA.
Step 8: Check for Suspicious Account Activity

Even if your passwords have not been leaked, check your accounts for unauthorized access.

Instructions:
  1. Go through your email, social media, and financial accounts for any unusual logins or transactions.
  2. If you notice anything strange, change the passwords and enable 2FA immediately.
Step 9: Review Security Settings Regularly

Stay proactive in maintaining your security by checking your settings periodically.

Instructions:
  1. Audit your passwords, ensure they’re strong, unique, and change them regularly.
  2. Check which apps and services have access to your accounts and revoke any unnecessary permissions.
Step 10: Stay Informed About New Breaches

Many websites experience breaches over time. Stay informed by checking news, subscribing to cybersecurity alerts, or using the services mentioned earlier for automatic alerts.

By following these steps, you’ll stay ahead of potential data breaches and safeguard your sensitive information.