With billions of records exposed in breaches, your personal data has almost certainly been compromised. Here's how to check and what to do about it.
Step 1: Check Breach Databases
HaveIBeenPwned.com: Enter your email to see which breaches include your data. Free, trusted, run by security researcher Troy Hunt. Check every email address you use.
Step 2: Check Your Passwords
Use your password manager's built-in breach check (1Password Watchtower, Bitwarden Reports) to identify compromised passwords. Change any flagged passwords immediately.
Step 3: Monitor the Dark Web
- Google's Dark Web Report (free with Google account) checks if your info appears on dark web forums
- Credit Karma (free) monitors your SSN on the dark web
- Identity monitoring services (Aura, IdentityGuard) provide comprehensive monitoring
Step 4: Protect Yourself
Freeze your credit at all three bureaus (free). Enable MFA on every account. Use unique passwords everywhere. Set up login alerts for financial accounts. Review credit reports annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.
