Data breaches are becoming more frequent and severe. In 2023, the number of reported data breaches in the U.S. rose 78% to a record 3,205 incidents. Some of the largest breaches in history, like Yahoo, Marriott, and Equifax, have leaked hundreds of millions of records containing sensitive personal information. It's important to be aware if your data has been compromised so you can take steps to protect yourself. One reputable tool for this is Have I Been Pwned (HIBP).

What is Have I Been Pwned?
Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) is a free online resource that allows you to check if your email address or password has been exposed in a data breach. It was created by well-known security researcher Troy Hunt in 2013. The catchy name comes from the hacker slang "pwned", meaning to compromise or take control of an account. HIBP maintains a massive database of billions of compromised accounts from thousands of data breaches.

You can easily search this database to see if your information is included.

Instructions for using HIBP:

- Visit https://haveibeenpwned.com/
- Input your email address
- Click on "pwned?"

Check the outcomes to see if your email was included in any breaches. You can also register to receive notifications if your email is detected in any breaches.

If Your Email Appears
If your email shows up in the HIBP search findings, don't worry. It doesn't necessarily indicate that your accounts have been compromised. However, it's advisable to:

- Update your password on any websites listed in the results.
- If you use that password for accounts, change those as well.
- Activate two-factor authentication whenever feasible for added security.
- Be vigilant for any suspicious activity or messages linked to the breached accounts.

By following these measures, you can help prevent the use of your exposed data. Monitoring HIBP and refreshing compromised passwords enhances your security.