How to Check if Your Info Was in a Data Breach (and What to Do Next)

🔎 Step 1: Use a Trusted Breach Checker

Start with HaveIBeenPwned.com

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Site

2. Type in your email address or phone number

3. Hit Enter

4. Scroll to see the results

✅ What the Results Mean

• Red banner = Your info was found in one or more breaches
• Green banner = Nothing found (but doesn’t guarantee safety)
• Breach list = Where your data leaked, what was exposed (email, password, phone, etc.)

🔄 Step 2: Take Action (If You’ve Been Pwned)

If you see your info in a breach — here’s what to do right away:

🔐 1. Change Your Password

Especially if it was reused on other sites. Use a new, strong one (see How-to #3).

🔑 2. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication

Add 2FA to the account that got breached — and your email too.

🔁 3. Check for Reuse

Did you use the same password elsewhere? Change those too.

🧼 4. Clean Up Old Accounts

If it’s an account you no longer use (like MySpace or Adobe), consider deleting it entirely.

📬 Step 3: Monitor for Weird Activity

• Watch for phishing emails pretending to be from breached companies
  
   
• Check your spam folder for password reset attempts you didn’t request
  
   
• Sign up for breach alerts (HaveIBeenPwned lets you register your email for future notifications)

🧠 Pro Tips

• Use a password manager to avoid reusing passwords
  
   
• Never click password reset links from sketchy emails — go directly to the site
  
   

• Enable login alerts wherever possible

   

TL;DR — What to Do If You’ve Been Breached

✅ Check HaveIBeenPwned

✅ Change affected passwords

✅ Turn on 2FA

✅ Delete unused accounts

✅ Monitor your inbox for shady stuff