Our Emails, Ourselves

Your email account is intimate. It contains your shopping receipts, bills, banking, personal messages, medical information, and the ubiquitous, interesting newsletter that you will definitely read after you finish responding to the notification that just popped up—this time for sure.

It is also the key to your other accounts. Forgot your password? Receive an email. Forgot your username? Receive an email. Create an account? Receive an email. Update your account? Receive an email.

However, data breaches and leaks occur daily. There is probably one occurring right now. Sometimes this is due to human error, other times it is malicious. You can have the strongest password, avoid dodgy sites, and still be affected.

Not all jurisdictions require companies to notify you if your information has been compromised. How can you stay informed?

Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) is a painless service that informs you whether your email address has been involved in a data breach. Simply enter your email address and click the “pwned?” button. Then, manage the relevant accounts as needed.

While you’re there, sign up for future notifications and worry no more. Easy.

Maybe you’re an expert. You’ve been using HIBP since 2013. You have multi-factor authentication connected to all your accounts. You have a password manager. Nothing happens to your accounts without you knowing. Great!

Take this opportunity to give back. Help the less tech savvy in your life tackle these issues.