🔐 Have You Been Hacked? Discover Have I Been Pwned
In today’s digital world, data breaches have become alarmingly common. Your email, passwords, or personal information could be exposed without your knowledge — and then used in phishing attacks, identity theft, or account takeovers.
This is where Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) comes in — a powerful, free tool that helps you check whether your data has been compromised.
🌐 What is Have I Been Pwned?
Have I Been Pwned is a security-focused website created by Australian cybersecurity expert Troy Hunt. Its main purpose is to:
- Help you check if your email or password has been exposed in a data breach.
- Show you where and when your data was leaked.
- Let you sign up for alerts if your information appears in future breaches.
🛠️ How Does It Work?
Using the website is incredibly simple:
- Visit https://haveibeenpwned.com
- Enter your email address.
- Click the “pwned?” button.
- You’ll immediately see if your email has appeared in any known data breaches.
📌 What Kind of Data Can Be Leaked?
Depending on the breach, the following may be exposed:
- Email addresses
- Passwords (plain or hashed)
- Phone numbers
- Physical addresses
- Payment details
- Authentication tokens
🔐 Is It Safe to Use?
Yes — the site is trusted globally by cybersecurity professionals, journalists, and even governments. It doesn't store your input or expose your data. All searches are conducted securely and anonymously.
💡 Extra Features Worth Knowing
- Free email breach alerts when your data appears in future leaks.
- A tool called “Pwned Passwords” lets you check if your password has ever been exposed.
- A public API that businesses can use to monitor customer or employee email addresses.
⚠️ What to Do if Your Data Was Found?
- Immediately change your password on any affected accounts.
- Use strong, unique passwords for every account.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible.
Stay alert for suspicious emails or phishing attempts.