What to Do If Your Password Is Found on the Dark Web

Your Password Is Compromised - Act Now

A password appearing on the dark web is more serious than just an email leak. Criminals can directly access your accounts.

Immediate Actions (Do These Now)

1. Change the Password Immediately

• Log into the affected service
• Change to a new, unique password
• Make it 16+ characters
• Use a password generator

2. Change It Everywhere You Used It

If you reused this password:

• Change it on ALL sites where you used it
• Each site needs a unique password
• Start with financial accounts

3. Enable 2FA Everywhere

Two-factor authentication stops most attacks:

• Email accounts (highest priority)
• Banking and financial
• Social media
• Shopping sites

4. Check for Unauthorized Access

Look for signs of compromise:

• Unfamiliar login locations
• Password reset emails you didn't request
• Unknown transactions
• Posts you didn't make

Understanding the Risk

What Attackers Do with Passwords

• Credential stuffing - Try your password on hundreds of sites
• Account takeover - Lock you out, take over accounts
• Financial fraud - Access banking, shopping accounts
• Identity theft - Use accounts to impersonate you

Why Password Reuse is Dangerous

If you use the same password:

• One breach compromises all accounts
• Attackers automate testing across sites
• They'll find where it works

Proper Password Security

Use a Password Manager

• 1Password, Bitwarden, Dashlane
• Generates unique passwords
• Stores them securely
• Auto-fills when needed

Create Strong Passwords

• Minimum 16 characters
• Random characters or passphrases
• Never reuse across sites
• Update regularly for sensitive accounts

Enable 2FA Types (Best to Worst)

• Hardware keys (YubiKey)
• Authenticator apps
• Push notifications
• SMS codes (better than nothing)

After the Immediate Crisis

• Set up breach monitoring
• Review all online accounts
• Close unused accounts
• Consider a credit freeze

GhostMyData Helps

• Breach alerts - Know instantly when passwords leak
• Dark web monitoring - Track criminal marketplaces
• Proactive protection - Reduce your attack surface

Get password breach monitoring with your free scan.