Password leak alert: 4 trusted tools to check if your password is hacked, what to do if your password is leaked, and how to create a strong password

We save passwords without thinking—into browsers, apps, and password managers, trusting they’ll keep us safe. But the digital world isn’t as secure as we like to believe. Without warning, your login details could end up in the wrong hands—shared on shady forums, bundled into breach dumps, or used to quietly infiltrate your most personal accounts.

The worst part? You may never know until it’s too late.

That's why checking for password leaks and taking early action is now just as important as having antivirus software. Fortunately, there are reliable, free tools available to help you stay ahead of security threats. These tools quietly scan breach databases and dark web sources to detect if your credentials have been exposed and they tell you what to do next.


Password leak warning: Top tools to protect your accounts

1. Have I Been Pwned

Find out instantly if your email or password has been exposed in past data breaches.

This independent, free-to-use platform scans your email address across hundreds of publicly known breach datasets. You simply enter your email ID, and it tells you if it has ever been part of a data leak.

Features:

• Breach check by email address
• Password safety check via privacy-friendly encryption
• Email alerts for future leaks

Why it matters:

• It’s quick, anonymous, and doesn’t require sign-up. If your email has been exposed, it’s your cue to act fast.

2. Google Password Checkup (via Google Password Manager)

Built into Chrome and Android, it scans your saved passwords for exposure.

If you’ve ever saved a password in Chrome or your Google account, you can use Google Password Checkup to check if those credentials have been compromised.

Features:

• Real-time alerts on compromised, reused, or weak passwords
• Built-in to your browser and Google account
• Works silently in the background

Why it matters:

• Many people use Google daily. If you’re already saving passwords there, this is a powerful free tool you may not realise you’re already using.

3. Google One Dark Web Report

Monitors shady online spaces for your personal information.

This tool scans dark web sources for signs that your email address, phone number, or other credentials have been compromised or shared. Available through the Google One dashboard.

Features:

• Scans dark web databases and forums
• Checks for personal identifiers beyond just email
• Accessible with any Google One subscription (including trial tiers)

Why it matters:

• The dark web is where stolen credentials often end up. This tool brings that invisible world to light, so you’re not the last to know.

4. Apple iCloud Keychain Password Monitoring

Protects your stored passwords with real-time breach detection.

If you're an Apple user, iCloud Keychain automatically checks whether your stored passwords have shown up in known data leaks.

Features:

• Works across iOS and macOS
• Flags breached, weak, or reused passwords
• Encourages better password practices

Why it matters:

• If you're in the Apple ecosystem, this feature is already built in. It's an easy win for your digital hygiene.

Signs your account may be compromised

Sometimes, your accounts start showing signs of trouble even before you’re aware of a leak. Look out for:

• Unexpected login notifications from unfamiliar locations or devices
• Strange messages sent from your account (spam, phishing, or abusive content)
• Password reset emails you didn’t request
• Locked accounts due to “too many login attempts”
• Unrecognised transactions or charges

If even one of these occurs, it’s time to investigate and secure your accounts immediately.



What to do if your password has been leaked

If any tool or red flag confirms that your password is part of a breach:

Change the password immediately

• Use a new, strong password that’s not used elsewhere.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

• Even if a hacker has your password, 2FA adds another roadblock.

Review account activity

• Look through your login history and activity logs if available.

Update linked accounts

• If you’ve used the same password elsewhere, change it there too.

Check your recovery info

• Make sure your email recovery address and phone number are accurate and secure.

How to create a strong password

Creating a password that’s strong and memorable can feel like a puzzle, but here are some quick rules that work:

• Make it long and unpredictable
  

• At least 12 characters
• Avoid dictionary words, names, or dates
• Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols

• Don’t reuse passwords

• Using the same password for multiple accounts is like having one key for your house, car, and office. If it’s stolen, everything is exposed.

• Use a password manager

• Let a trusted password manager create and remember complex passwords for you. It’s safer and far more convenient.

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