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How to Check if Your Password is Compromised

Cybersecurity Small Business

How to Check if Your Password is Compromised

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8 free tools to check if your password is compromised

Over 16 billion passwords are already circulating in data dumps across hacker forums and dark web marketplaces. A single exposed login can open doors to your bank account, email, cloud storage, and more. And according to Verizon’s 2024 DBIR, over 32% of breaches involve stolen credentials. If your password is out there, you need to know now, not after the damage is done. This article lists 8 trusted tools you can use—free and instantly—to check for compromised passwords and take necessary actions to lock down your digital life before cyber criminals take the next step.

Key takeaways

  • You don’t need special skills to protect your data—just the right tools.
  • All 8 tools listed here are free and trusted by security professionals.

Why checking early matters

  • Leaked passwords spread fast. Once stolen, they often show up online within hours.
  • Attackers use bots to try them everywhere. From streaming services to banking apps.
  • Your accounts are only as strong as your weakest password. One reused login can trigger a domino effect.

Don’t wait for a fraud alert or strange login notification. These tools show if you’ve already been exposed.

8 Free tools to check if your password is compromised

Weak or leaked passwords are still one of the easiest ways for attackers to break into accounts. The good news? You don’t need to be tech-savvy to check if your credentials have been exposed. Many free tools, including those built into popular password managers, can quickly scan for compromised logins and help you fix them. Here are eight you can start using right away.

1. Have I Been Pwned 2.0

What it does: Scans your email or password against over 15 billion records from known breaches.
Why use it: No login needed. Just enter your email to get breach data.

More features:

  • Supports search by domain for IT admins.
  • Pwned Passwords check lets you test if a password has ever been leaked (securely hashed).
  • Developers can integrate it using the public API.

2. Google Password Manager + Chrome Safety Check

What it does: Audits passwords saved in your Google account and flags any found in leaks.
Why use it: Runs in the background, integrated with Chrome and Android.

More features:

  • Offers password strength checks and suggests updates.
  • Works across all synced devices.
  • Now lets you create and manage passkeys directly.

Read: Google Chrome Security Update: Why You Must Update Your Browser Now – The Review Hive

3. Mozilla Monitor

What it does: Alerts you if your email shows up in new data breaches.
Why use it: Uses Have I Been Pwned’s database but adds proactive email alerts.

More features:

  • Breaks down breach details: type of data exposed and breach source.
  • Allows you to monitor multiple email addresses.
  • No need to use Firefox to access it.

4. Microsoft Edge Password Monitor

What it does: Tracks saved passwords in Edge and flags any that appear in breaches.
Why use it: Runs silently in the background with automatic alerts.

More features:

  • Uses zero-knowledge proof—your data stays private during checks.
  • Integrated with SmartScreen to block phishing sites.
  • Shows all alerts under a unified Security Dashboard.

5. Apple Passwords App (iOS 18/macOS 15)

What it does: Alerts you about compromised, reused, or weak passwords saved on your Apple device.
Why use it: Works across iPhone, iPad, and Mac using native tools.

More features:

  • Shows “Easy to guess” and “Reused” labels too.
  • Integrated with Face ID/Touch ID for secure access.
  • Automatically suggests strong, unique passwords during signups.
  • Supports passkeys and iCloud Keychain sharing.

6. Bitwarden Vault Health Reports

What it does: Checks your entire vault for weak, reused, or breached logins.
Why use it: Privacy-focused with end-to-end encryption.

More features:

  • Free breach check; paid users get full health reports.
  • Filter results by severity or risk level.
  • CLI access available for developers.
  • Can be self-hosted for ultimate control.

Read: 10 Reasons Why Bitwarden is a Top Password Manager in 2024 – The Review Hive

7. 1Password Watchtower

What it does: Monitors saved logins and highlights any that are breached, weak, or duplicated.
Why use it: Multi-platform alerts and real-time breach tracking.

More features:

  • Covers 2FA expiration, unsecured websites, and even credit card leaks.
  • Travel Mode hides sensitive data when crossing borders.
  • Supports team and family vaults with role-based access.

8. NordPass Data Breach Scanner

What it does: Scans the dark web for your email, login, and even stored credit card info.
Why use it: Continuous monitoring with clear action plans.

More features:

  • Monitors domains, phone numbers, and credit cards.
  • Visual risk dashboard with ranked threats.
  • Offers biometric login, offline mode, and encrypted sharing.
  • For teams: generates a security score per employee.

Read: Facebook Data Breach: 1.2 Billion Accounts Allegedly Leaked on Dark Web – The Review Hive

Run a scan today, and you’ll know if you need to act before cybercriminals do. 

What to do if your password is compromised

  1. Change the password right away. Don’t just tweak it—make it strong and unique.
  2. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA). Adds another layer of protection.
  3. Switch to passkeys when available—they’re phishing-resistant and can’t be reused.
  4. Check for reuse across other sites. One exposed login can trigger many breaches.
  5. Enable ongoing alerts in your password manager or tool of choice.

Final thought
You don’t need to wait for a breach to protect your accounts. With just a few clicks, you can check if your password has already been exposed. And when possible, go a step further—switch to passkeys. They can’t be reused, guessed, or phished. The tools are free, the fixes are simple—and they could save you from serious damage.

Author

  • Maya Pillai is a tech writer with 20+ years of experience and a diploma in Computer Applications. She specializes in cybersecurity—covering ransomware, endpoint protection, and online threats—on her blog The Review Hive. Her content makes cybersecurity simple for individuals and small businesses. Maya also mentors content writers at mayapillaiwrites.com, combining technical know-how with storytelling. She’s eligible for the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity exam.

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Maya Pillai

Maya Pillai is a tech writer with 20+ years of experience and a diploma in Computer Applications. She specializes in cybersecurity—covering ransomware, endpoint protection, and online threats—on her blog The Review Hive. Her content makes cybersecurity simple for individuals and small businesses. Maya also mentors content writers at mayapillaiwrites.com, combining technical know-how with storytelling. She’s eligible for the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity exam.

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