Personal Data Leak Monitor⎅⟒⎐⟊⏁⟒⟟⌰⋉⟟

Get ready for the next leak

1. Q.If one site leaks, can they get into everything else?

   A.Use a different password everywhereSo one leak is less likely to unlock everything else. Remembering them all is a heavy load for the brain; a password manager can keep track of them.

   • 1PasswordTop pickPaidGenerates a unique long password for every service. Its Watchtower function reports sites that were breachedVisit → (opens in a new tab)
   • NordPassFreeA password manager from the makers of NordVPN. Checks your saved passwords for reuse and for appearances in breaches. A free plan is availableVisit →PR (opens in a new tab)
   • Proton PassFreeA password manager that creates a separate email alias for each service, so a leak does not expose your real address. A free plan is availableVisit → (opens in a new tab)
   • BitwardenFreeAn open-source password manager. Even the free plan imposes no device limitVisit → (opens in a new tab)
   • Google Password ManagerFreeInstalled in Chrome and Android from the start. Password Checkup lists leaked and reused passwordsVisit → (opens in a new tab)

2. Q.Once my password leaks, is it too late?

   A.Add a phone check to your loginsEven with your password, it becomes much harder to get in without your phone or key. This is called two-factor authentication, or passkeys.

   • YubiKeyTop pickA physical key for sign-in. A leaked password alone is much less likely to take over the accountView on Amazon → (opens in a new tab)

4. Q.Would I even know if my data was being sold?

   A.Get told when your data turns upSome services alert you when your email or card number is being sold online.

   • Norton 360Top pickPaidMonitors the dark web for your email and card numbers, and notifies youVisit → (opens in a new tab)
   • DeleteMePaidRequests that data brokers remove your name, address and phone number from their sites, on your behalf (US brokers)Visit → (opens in a new tab)

5. Q.Can I tell if an email after a breach is real?

   A.Stop fake emails and sites before you open themWe have observed that convincing scams follow every leak. Security software can warn you about many dangerous sites and links before they open.

   • Trend Micro SecurityTop pickPaidTrend Micro's security suite. Warns you about scam sites and phishing links before they openVisit → (opens in a new tab)
   • ESETPaidWarns you about phishing emails and fake sites that follow a breachVisit → (opens in a new tab)
   • Norton 360PaidMonitors the dark web for your email and card numbers, and notifies youVisit → (opens in a new tab)

6. Q.How fast would I notice my card being misused?

   A.Turn on card and bank alertsGet a notification the moment your card is used. It's free in your bank's app.

   Turn it on now in your card or bank app — it's free.

7. Q.Can someone on public Wi-Fi see my passwords?

   A.An encrypted connection makes that much harder.On café, station and hotel Wi-Fi, others on the same network can sometimes see your traffic. A VPN keeps it encrypted whenever you're out.

   • NordVPNTop pickPaidEncrypts your connection on public Wi-Fi, making passwords and card numbers harder to snoop onVisit →PR (opens in a new tab)
   • SurfsharkPaidA VPN with no limit on the number of devices per subscription. Encrypts your connection on public Wi-FiVisit →PR (opens in a new tab)
   • ExpressVPNPaidEncrypts your connection on public Wi-Fi with one tapVisit → (opens in a new tab)

8. Q.Can my information leak from paper and cards too?

   A.Shred what you throw away, black out addresses, and shield your cards.Leaks aren't only online. Bills in the trash, mail and screens on crowded trains give away names and account numbers. Simple tools stop it.

   • ShredderTop pickCross-cuts documents so that names and account numbers become hard to readView on Amazon → (opens in a new tab)
   • ID protection stampStamped over names and numbers on mail, it renders them hard to readView on Amazon → (opens in a new tab)
   • RFID-blocking card caseMakes contactless card data harder to read from a distanceView on Amazon → (opens in a new tab)
   • Privacy screen filterMakes your screen harder to read for the person beside youView on Amazon → (opens in a new tab)

No single measure fully prevents leaks or harm. But layering a few of them means that if a breach does happen, you already possess ways to limit the damage. We advise beginning with whatever can be done today.