How to Check If Your Information Has Been Leaked Online

What Is a Data Breach?

A data breach occurs when a company or website you use is hacked or compromised, and your personal data is stolen. This can include:

• Email addresses

• Passwords

• Names and birth dates

• Phone numbers

• Bank details

• Government ID numbers

Once stolen, this data is often sold on the dark web or used in phishing and identity theft.

Australia has seen several high-profile breaches in recent years, affecting telcos, health insurers, and even government agencies.

How to Check If You’ve Been Affected

One of the most trusted and easy-to-use tools is:

Have I Been Pwned
Created by Australian cyber expert Troy Hunt, this tool tells you if your email has appeared in any known data breaches.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Visit haveibeenpwned.com

2. Enter your email address

3. Click "pwned?" to see results

4. If you’re in any breaches, you’ll see a list of affected websites and what data was leaked

It’s completely free and safe to use.

What To Do If Your Info Is Found in a Breach

If your email or data shows up in a breach:

• Change your password immediately on the affected site.

•  Use a new, strong password that you’ve never used before. (Check out our article on creating strong and memorable passwords)

•  Turn on two-factor authentication (MFA) if available. (Check our article on why MFA is so important)

•  Check other accounts that use the same password and update them too

•  Be on high alert for phishing emails or text scams

If financial data or ID info has been compromised, contact IDCARE for free support.

Avoiding Future Breaches

While you can’t stop companies from being hacked, you can reduce your personal risk:

•  Use unique passwords for every site

•  Use a password manager

•  Be wary of suspicious emails or texts

•  Avoid saving sensitive details (like Medicare numbers) in untrusted apps or websites

•  Regularly update passwords on important accounts like email and banking

Trusted Australian Support Resources

• Have I Been Pwned – Check if your email has been breached

• IDCARE – Australia’s support service for identity compromise

• Scamwatch – Government info on scams and fraud

• eSafety Commissioner – Support for online safety issues

• ACSC – Cyber safety advice from the Australian government

Final Word

Data breaches aren’t just a problem for big companies—they can affect you. Knowing how to check for leaked data and what to do next is one of the most important steps in protecting yourself online.

Take a moment now to visit Have I Been Pwned and see if your email has been affected. It might just save you from your next scam.