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If a service says your password was exposed, change it promptly through the service’s official website or app. Then update every other account where you reused that password or a similar variation. Use a long, unique replacement, secure the email account used for password resets, and turn on multifactor authentication (MFA). If you see signs someone has accessed the account, also revoke existing sessions and check recovery settings and account activity.
Change the exposed password through the official service
Start by verifying the notice and opening the service through a known route: type its address yourself or use its official app, then go to account security or recovery. Avoid entering your login details through an unexpected email or text link. This is a practical way to reduce phishing risk while responding quickly.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says to change a password right away when a company or website reports that it lost the password in a data breach. Use the service’s password-change or account-recovery process, and follow its stated rules if it limits password length or character types. FTC guidance on creating strong passwords.
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Avoid reusing a password from another account or making only a small change to the exposed one. The FTC suggests aiming for at least 12 characters or using a passphrase made from random words. A password manager can generate and store distinct passwords, so you do not have to remember each one.
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Find and change every reused password
A password exposed at one service can put other accounts at risk if you used it elsewhere. Change it anywhere it was reused, including accounts with a similar variation. Prioritize accounts that can unlock other accounts or hold sensitive information:
- Your primary email account, which may receive password-reset links.
- Financial accounts and your mobile-carrier account.
- Cloud storage and social accounts.
- Any account used as a recovery method for another service.
The FTC specifically recommends changing reused or similar passwords. If you have too many accounts to update at once, start with email and other accounts that could help someone reset passwords or take over additional services. FTC advice on responding to exposed information.
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Choose a practical way to create and store passwords
A browser’s built-in password generator and a dedicated password manager can both help create and save unique passwords. The useful choice is the one you can access reliably across the devices you use and recover safely if a device is lost. Check how its syncing and account-recovery options work before relying on it. FTC guidance recommends considering a reputable password manager but does not rank individual products.
Turn on MFA and choose the strongest available method
MFA requires another proof of identity in addition to your password. Enable it in the account’s security settings, especially for email, financial services, and accounts that can reset other passwords. Where a service supports them, the FTC says an authenticator app or security key offers more protection than text or email codes. FTC overview of multifactor authentication.
Choose a method you can keep using and recover if your phone or key is lost. Support varies by service. A security key is optional and must be compatible with the account and your devices; it does not replace changing an exposed password.
If the account may already be compromised, close other access
A password change alone may not end sessions that are already open. If you notice unfamiliar activity, messages you did not send, or changed account details, use the service’s official recovery process. After regaining control:
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- Change the password to a new, unique one.
- Use the account’s option to sign out all devices or end other sessions.
- Enable MFA if available.
- Check recovery email addresses and phone numbers, and remove any you do not recognize.
- Review recent activity, forwarding rules, and sent or deleted messages, especially for email accounts.
- Tell your contacts if the account sent messages they may mistake for yours.
These steps follow the FTC’s guidance for recovering a hacked email or social-media account.
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Respond to the information exposed—not just the password
Read the notice to find out what information was involved. If it includes sensitive personal or financial details, use IdentityTheft.gov/databreach for steps tailored to the type of information exposed. A password change addresses credential risk; it does not by itself address misuse of other exposed information.
Change passwords after exposure, not on an arbitrary calendar
A confirmed or suspected compromise is a reason to change the affected password promptly. That is different from changing every password on a fixed schedule: routine rotation can encourage predictable variations, and security guidance has cautioned against requiring regular changes when there is no sign of compromise. Focus on unique passwords, MFA, and prompt changes when a credential is exposed or an account may be compromised.
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