Tech Tips: Is your account also in danger, has your password been leaked? Find out this way..

In today's interconnected digital world, it has become common for your personal information - such as passwords - to be leaked in a data breach. Cybercriminals are constantly targeting online services. If your password is leaked, it can lead to major threats like unauthorized access to the account, financial fraud, and identity theft. The good thing is that you can find out for yourself whether your password has been leaked or not and take the necessary steps. Let's know about these methods.

How to check if the password has been leaked or not?

This is a very reliable and well-known tool. For this, go to the website (https://haveibeenpwned.com/) and enter your email address. It will tell whether your email and the password associated with it have been involved in a data breach or not. It also has a feature called 'Pwned Passwords', where you can check by entering a password directly (it works while keeping your privacy safe).

Browser and operating system tools:

Google Password Checkup: If you use Google Chrome or Android, your Google account has a 'Password Checkup' feature. It scans your saved passwords to see if any passwords are leaked, reused, or weak. This can be viewed by going to Google Account > Security > Password Manager.

Apple iCloud Keychain Password Monitoring: For Apple users, iCloud Keychain automatically checks saved passwords against data breaches and alerts if any passwords have been leaked.

Other browser tools: Browsers like Firefox and Edge also have a breach detection feature with password managers.

Password manager services:

Trusted password managers like LastPass, 1Password, Bitwarden, and Keeper have data breach alert systems. They match your saved logins with leaked databases and alert you, and also help you create strong passwords.

Dark web monitoring services:

Antivirus brands like Norton, Avast, F-Secure, and many specialized identity theft protection services scan your information on the dark web. If your password or personal information is found there, they will immediately notify you.

What to do if your password has been leaked?

Change the leaked password immediately: First of all, change the password of the account from which the information has been leaked.

Change the same password wherever it is: If you have used the same password in any other account, then change the password in all those places as well. Therefore, different passwords are necessary for every account.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Where possible, turn on 2FA so that even with the password, no one can log in without permission.

Monitor your accounts: Keep an eye on login alerts, strange emails, or bank transactions.

Beware of phishing: Hackers often send phishing emails after a data breach. Avoid unknown links and emails that ask for your details.

Bottom Line
Password leaks are no longer rare, but if you check from time to time and take the right steps, you can avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime. Things like password managers, 2FA, and dark web monitoring strengthen your digital security. Stay alert and keep yourself safe.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.