Online security is more important than ever. Data breaches at popular websites and services happen regularly, and when they do, usernames, email addresses, and passwords can be leaked to criminals. If your details are exposed, they can be used for spam, fraud, or attempts to access your accounts.
Check If Your Address Has Been Compromised
We recommend using the trusted security service Have I Been Pwned. This free tool lets you check if your email address has appeared in any known data breaches.
- Visit www.haveibeenpwned.com.
- Enter your email address into the search box.
- Review the results to see if your details have been involved in any breaches.
What To Do If Your Address Is Found
If your email appears in a breach, don’t panic—but do act quickly:
- Change your password immediately on the affected service.
- If you used the same password elsewhere, change it there too. Never reuse passwords across multiple sites.
- Consider closing accounts you no longer use.
Best Practices To Protect Your Email
Follow these steps to keep your email accounts secure going forward:
- Use strong, unique passwords for each account. A password manager can help you generate and store them safely.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. This adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password.
- Keep your recovery information up to date (backup email and phone number).
- Beware of phishing emails. Never click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
- Update your devices regularly with the latest security patches and software updates.
Stay Informed
Breaches can happen at any time. Make it a habit to check your email address every few months using Have I Been Pwned, and update your security settings whenever needed.
Your email is the gateway to many of your online accounts. Protect it like you would your front door.