XKCD

xkcd.com

Overview

On ⁨July 1, 2019⁩, ⁨XKCD⁩ was breached. Once the breach was discovered and verified, it was added to our database on ⁨September 1, 2019⁩.

What data was compromised:

  • Passwords
  • IP addresses
  • Email addresses
  • Usernames
Breach data provided by Have I Been Pwned

What to do for this breach

We recommend you take these steps to keep your personal info safe and protect your digital identity.

Change your password

Make this password unique and different from any others you use. A good strategy to follow is to combine two or more unrelated words to create an entire passphrase, and include numbers and symbols.

Update other logins using the same password

Reusing passwords turns a single data breach into many. Now that this password is out there, hackers could use it to get in to other accounts.

Use a VPN to mask your IP address

Your Internet Protocol address (IP address) pinpoints your location and internet service provider. A service like ⁨Mozilla VPN⁩ masks your IP address to hide your location.

Try ⁨Mozilla VPN⁩
Use an email mask

Giving out your real email address makes it easier for hackers or trackers to find your passwords or target you online. A service like ⁨Firefox Relay⁩ hides your real email address while forwarding emails to your real inbox.

Try ⁨Firefox Relay⁩
Use unique, strong passwords for every account

Password reuse puts all your accounts at risk. This means that if one password gets exposed, hackers have the keys to many accounts.

Store passwords in a safe place

Put your login details in a secure place only you can access, such as a password manager. This also makes it easy to keep track of all your different passwords.

Be cautious about giving out personal information

Don’t hand out personal data if you don’t have to. If you are asked to enter or give out your email address, ZIP code, or phone number, you can say no.

Update software and apps regularly

Updating your smartphone apps, browsers, and operating systems makes your devices more secure. These updates fix bugs, software vulnerabilities, and security problems.

What is a website breach?

A website data breach happens when cyber criminals steal, copy, or expose personal information from online accounts. It’s usually a result of hackers finding a weak spot in the website’s security. Breaches can also happen when account information gets leaked by accident.