Beware of the leak! How to Check If Your Data Has Fallen Into Hackers: A Step-by-Step Guide

There are specialized websites that let you check whether your data has been affected by a data breach—simply enter your phone number and email address to determine if your data is at risk. On these sites, you can also find out exactly where your personal information was stolen from.

A website that constantly updates leaked databases

One of the most reliable and popular websites that constantly updates leaked databases is cybernews.com.

First and foremost, Cybernews.com is a website specializing in news and reviews in the fields of cybersecurity, technology, and internet culture. The site provides up-to-date information on cyber threats, data breaches, and online security tips, as well as reviews of the most popular software and services for protecting personal information.

Find out if your email address, phone number, or related personal information has fallen into the wrong hands:

What should you do if your information is in this database?

If you discover that your personal information is included in a database leak, it is important to take immediate steps to protect your information. Here's what you should do:

1. Change your password: Immediately change your password on all online accounts where you used the same username and password as in the data breach. It is especially important to change your password on the websites identified by Cybernews.com. Change your password to a strong one that consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters.
2. Change your usernames and passwords on other services: If you have used the same username and password on other websites or services where you have accounts, change them immediately to unique and strong passwords.
3. Enable two-factor authentication (if available): To strengthen the security of your accounts, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This will add an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification of your identity when you log in.
4. Be careful of phishing: Be on the lookout for suspicious messages or emails that may be phishing attempts. Do not provide personal information or click on suspicious links.
5. Keep track of your financial accounts: Check your financial accounts regularly for any suspicious activity. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report them immediately to your bank or financial institution.
6. Report a leak: If possible, report the data breach to the relevant websites or services. This will help them take steps to protect other users.
7. Use password managers: Consider using password managers to help you manage and store unique and strong passwords for each account.

Remember that taking quick and appropriate action can significantly reduce the risk of damage from a data breach.

How can I protect my personal information?

Protecting your personal data online is an important issue in today's world. Here are a few tips to help you protect yourself from personal data breaches:

1. Use strong passwords: Create strong passwords that consist of a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using obvious passwords, such as birthdates or simple words.
2. Use two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security.
3. Be careful online: Be mindful when communicating on social media and other online platforms. Avoid divulging personal information such as residential address, phone number, or passport details.
4. Update your software: Regularly update the software on your devices, including operating systems, antivirus software, and browsers. This will help close vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers.
5. Be careful with public Wi-Fi networks: Avoid sending sensitive information over open or untrusted Wi-Fi networks, as they can be compromised.
6. Use reliable storage services: When choosing data storage services, preference should be given to those that have a good reputation and provide reliable data protection.
7. Learn: Constantly educate yourself about modern methods of protecting personal information and follow the latest trends in cybersecurity.

Following these simple rules will help you significantly reduce the risk of personal data leaks online.

“The Mother of All Leaks.” In 2024, the largest personal data breach in the history of the internet occurred

In January 2024, the largest data breach in history occurred. The personal data of users from various websites was leaked to the public. The volume of information comprises 26 billion files totaling 12 TB.

This data breach has been dubbed the largest of its kind (it’s already being called “the mother of all leaks”), but it is not the only one—billions of records containing the personal data of users from around the world, including passwords, usernames, order histories on various websites, and much more, have already appeared on the dark web.

The leaked database contains information about emails, phone numbers, photos, and user accounts from major social media platforms (X, Telegram, LinkedIn) and services (Adobe, Gmail, Canva). This is only a small portion of the resources that appeared in the list of leaked data. The full list of affected resources is provided here.

"This data breach is extremely dangerous, as criminals can use the stolen information to carry out a wide range of attacks, including identity theft, sophisticated phishing schemes, targeted cyberattacks, and unauthorized access to personal and confidential financial accounts.”, — the researchers say.