• DataBreach.com by Atlas Privacy is a new alternative to HaveIBeenPwned.
• After a breach, secure your accounts.

Every week, it appears that another company makes headlines for exposing millions of customers’ data, including email addresses, passwords, personal identity information, and more. While we cannot always predict whether or not our data will be exposed, we can take proactive steps to safeguard ourselves. So, how do you check if your information is out there? What can you do to minimise the risk?

How to find out if your data is at risk

Knowing whether your information has been compromised is crucial. A good starting point is to visit services that scan known known sources for compromised data. Websites like Have I Been Pwned? are popular resources where you can input your email address and quickly find out if it has been included in any known breaches. This is a simple, quick way to assess your exposure.

However, new players are entering the market with more comprehensive tools and functionalities. One such service is DataBreach.com, founded by Atlas Privacy, a New Jersey-based company known for assisting consumers in removing personal information from data brokers and search websites. DataBreach.com does more than just search for email addresses; it can also check whether your full name, physical address, phone number, Social Security number, IP address, or username has been part of data emanating from a breach. This arguably more thorough approach can help you better understand your digital exposure.

Atlas Privacy, which has worked with high-profile clients such as police forces and celebrities, developed its tool using over 17.5 billion records gathered from stolen databases circulating online, including those found in cybercriminal forums. The site was launched as a free public service to assist users in better navigating any post-breach landscape. DataBreach.com is designed not to store or collect any sensitive user information entered on the site. Instead, it performs local comparisons using hashed data, ensuring a high degree of user privacy.

Steps to protect yourself post-breach

If you find that your data has been exposed, don’t panic. Start by changing your passwords. This may sound basic, but it’s one of the most effective measures you can take. Make sure each new password is unique and not reused across different sites.

Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an important step. Even if someone obtains your password, MFA requires an additional piece of information, like a code sent to or from your phone, to access your account. This adds a strong layer of security that can make a significant difference.

Managing strong, unique passwords for all your accounts can be close to impossible given the number of accounts we all use, every day. Consider using a password manager, which can securely store and autofill your passwords. This makes it easier to maintain complex passwords without having to memorise them. Popular choices include LastPass, 1Password, and Bitwarden.

Keep an eye on your accounts for any strange behaviour. Regularly checking your bank statements, email accounts, and other online platforms might help you spot unfamiliar login attempts or unauthorised changes. Data breaches often result in a spike in phishing attempts, in which attackers utilise leaked information to try to extract even more sensitive information from you. Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages that request personal information or those that contain suspicious links.

Taking preventive measures

Knowing your current exposure is important, but taking proactive steps to prevent future breaches is just as important. Keep your software up to date, as updates frequently include security patches that defend against known vulnerabilities. When utilising public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive accounts and consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and keep it safe from prying eyes that might be present on the network.

Be cautious with the personal information you share online. The less information available about you, the harder it is for cybercriminals to find and use it. Don’t post every aspect of your life on social media and other public platforms.

For those looking to further protect themselves, using paid data removal services can be helpful. Services like those offered by Atlas Privacy help to remove personal information from data brokers and people-focussed search sites. This adds an extra layer of defence against unwanted exposure.

Stay informed and take action

Platforms like DataBreach.com provide comprehensive breach checks and personalised security insights. For instance, the site allows you to see which breach incidents involved your Social Security number or phone number—something many similar tools don’t cover. By staying informed and taking immediate action when your data is compromised, you can reduce your exposure and protect your digital identity.

Your online safety depends on vigilance and adopting good digital habits. The internet isn’t without its risks, but with the right strategies in place, you can navigate it more confidently and safely.

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