6 Easy Ways to Check if Your Password Has Been Compromised

Your online accounts, whether it's for social media, online banking, or even gaming, are protected by passwords. But what happens when your passwords are compromised due to data breaches or hacks? How do you know if your password has been compromised so you can take action quickly? In this article, we will share six easy ways to check if your password has been compromised and what you can do about it.

How Passwords Are Compromised

Passwords can be compromised in various ways. Unauthorized parties can gain access to your password through data breaches and hacks. Weak passwords, using the same password for multiple websites, and connecting to the internet through insecure networks can also put your passwords at risk.

By changing your password promptly, you can prevent data loss. Let's explore different methods to determine if your password has been compromised.

1. Check Passwords on Chrome Password Manager

The Chrome browser has a built-in Password Manager that not only helps you sign in to different services but also checks if your password has been compromised.

1. Open the Chrome browser and click on the three-dot icon in the top right corner.
2. Select “Settings” from the menu.
3. Click on “Autofill and passwords.”
4. Choose “Google Password Manager.”
5. Click on “Checkup” in the sidebar.

Here, you can check if your password has been compromised. The Password Manager will also provide suggestions to improve any weak passwords.

Please note that Chrome can only check passwords saved in the Chrome Password Manager. It cannot check passwords that you manually enter on websites. There are specific services for that, which we will cover later.

2. Check Passwords on Google Password Manager on Android

Since Android is developed by Google, Android phones have the same password manager as Chrome. Passwords saved on your Android phone are stored in the Google data repository. Here's how to check if your passwords on Android have been compromised.

1. Go to “Settings” and tap on “Google.”
2. Tap on “Manage your Google Account.”
3. Scroll left and tap on “Security.”
4. Scroll down and tap on “Password Manager.”
5. Tap on “Password Checkup.”

If any saved password has been compromised, it will be listed here. The Password Manager will also highlight reused and weak passwords, allowing you to update them for better security.

3. How to Check on macOS Passwords

The macOS Keychain is a password management and digital wallet application that can notify you if any of your saved passwords have been leaked due to a data breach or hack.

1. Click on the Apple icon in the top left corner and select “System Settings.”
2. Click on “Passwords.”
3. Click on “Security Recommendations.”

Compromised passwords will be listed here. Make sure the “Detect Leaked Passwords” toggle is turned on for this feature to work effectively.

4. How to Check on iCloud Passwords

iCloud Passwords is a cloud-based service developed by Apple to securely store and manage passwords and other sensitive information. Here's how to check if your password has been compromised in iOS.

1. In the “Settings,” tap on “Passwords.”
2. Tap on “Security Recommendations.”

The list of compromised passwords will be displayed here. Ensure that the “Detect Compromised Passwords” option is enabled.

5. How to Check on Third-Party Password Managers

While native password managers are useful, third-party password managers offer additional features and usability. Here, we will explain how to check if passwords saved in popular third-party password managers have been compromised.

1. LastPass:

• Log in to LastPass on your desktop browser and click on “Security Dashboard.”
• Passwords with a risk score will be listed here.

2. Dashlane:

• Log in to Dashlane on your desktop and click on “Password Health.”
• Passwords at risk will be displayed here.

3. 1Password:

• Log in to 1Password and click on the vault containing your passwords.
• Click on “Watchtower.”
• Compromised passwords can be checked by clicking on “Compromised websites.”

4. Bitwarden:

• After logging in to Bitwarden, click on “Reports.”
• Click on “Exposed passwords” to view passwords leaked in data breaches.

Please note that some of these features may require a subscription or be available in specific versions of the password managers.

6. Check Passwords Not Saved in Password Managers

Password managers can only detect compromised passwords if they are saved within the manager. But what about accounts linked to your email address? This is where “Have I Been Pwned” comes in. Go to the website, enter your email address, and click the “Pwned” button to check if your email address has been compromised. You can also search for specific passwords to see if they have been compromised.

Passwords on the Loose

A compromised password is like someone stealing the key to your personal vault in the digital world. Even though it's just a small piece of data, it can cause serious problems if it falls into the wrong hands. As data breaches and cyber attacks continue to rise, it's crucial to keep an eye on your passwords and update them regularly. By utilizing the methods mentioned above, you can identify and address compromised passwords to enhance your online security.