Is a website that checks if my data was leaked in a breach safe to use?
Reputable breach-check tools are safe. Only use well-known, established services — fake equivalents harvest the very credentials you are trying to protect.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Legitimate data breach checking services like Have I Been Pwned (haveibeenpwned.com) allow you to check whether your email was exposed in known breaches using a method that protects your password from disclosure. However, copycat sites have appeared that mimic these tools but actually collect your email and password for misuse. Before using any breach-checking site, verify it is a well-known, widely recommended service covered in reputable technology publications. Never enter your current password into any third-party site — reputable tools only ask for your email address.
Common red flags
- Site asks for your actual password to check if it was breached
- Site was discovered through a social media ad or unsolicited email
- Domain is similar to a known service but with subtle differences
- Site has no information about who runs it or how it handles data
What to do now
- Use only haveibeenpwned.com or your browser's built-in breach monitoring
- Never enter your current password into any third-party breach checker
- If you used a suspicious site, change the password for any associated accounts
- Enable two-factor authentication on your most important accounts
Frequently asked questions
Is Have I Been Pwned safe to use?
Yes — Have I Been Pwned is a widely trusted service run by a reputable security researcher. It checks your email address against known breach databases without exposing your password.