What to Do If You’ve Been Hacked and Your Credentials Leaked Online

Finding out that your personal information has been leaked online can be really scary. However, if you act quickly, you can reduce the damage and protect yourself. Here’s a simple guide on what to do if you’ve been hacked and which accounts you need to secure right away.

Steps to Take Right Away

1. Check If You’ve Been Hacked

Start by confirming if your information has actually been compromised. Websites like “Have I Been Pwned?” can help you check if your email or other details are in a data breach. Click here to check

2. Change Your Passwords

One of the most important things you can do is change your passwords. Make sure to create strong passwords that are different for each account. A good password should be at least 14 characters long and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.

3. Use a Password Manager.

To help keep track of your passwords, consider using a password manager. This tool can create and store strong passwords for you, making it easier to manage everything securely.

4. Turn On Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if someone gets your password, they will still need a second verification step, like a code sent to your phone, to access your account. Both google and Microsoft have free authenticators you can download to your phone.

5. Monitor Your Accounts.

Keep an eye on your bank accounts and any other important accounts for unusual activity. If you notice anything suspicious, act quickly to secure your information.

6. Update Security Questions.

If you use security questions for account recovery, change them, especially if the answers can be easily guessed. Choose questions that are hard for others to answer.

7. Stay Informed.

Keep up with any updates from companies where your data may have been compromised. They will provide guidance on what steps you should take next.

Below is the List of accounts to secure

Top 5 Accounts to Change Passwords Immediately.

When your credentials are leaked, some accounts are more important to secure than others. Here are the top five accounts to change your passwords on right away:

1. Email Accounts.

Your email is the key to probably 90% of your other accounts. If someone gets into your email, they can reset passwords for your other services. Change this password first! Your Google account is top priority because in this day and age your google account is used everywhere.

2. Banking and Financial Services.

Your financial accounts are major targets for hackers. Update the passwords for your online banking and credit card accounts to protect your money.

3. Healthcare Accounts.

These accounts contain sensitive information about your health. Changing these passwords is crucial to protect your privacy.

4. Work Accounts.

If you have work-related accounts, update these passwords to keep your company’s information safe.

5. Government Websites.

Accounts for taxes or social security are very important. Make sure to update these passwords to protect your identity.

6. Social Media.

Social media can feel like a big part of our lives, but it’s usually not the biggest risk unless you have a business account with sensitive information like credit card details. Personal accounts can still be at risk, but they’re generally less critical compared to your financial or work accounts.

Conclusion

If you discover that your credentials have been leaked, acting quickly is essential for protecting your personal information. By following these steps and focusing on the most important accounts, you can reduce the impact of a data breach. Stay alert and proactive to keep your online life secure!