The uncertainty about whether one's own password may have been exposed in a data leak can pose a considerable risk. Many users are unsure about the security of their passwords and fear that their personal information could be at risk. This also includes the fear that their own password may already appear in a publicly accessible database of compromised passwords, making it easily accessible to cyber criminals. This creates the desire to be able to verify this in order to take necessary measures if necessary. A tool for checking password security could help eliminate these uncertainties and ensure a higher level of online security.

Pwned Passwords is an online resource that deals with verifying the security of passwords. Users have the ability to input their passwords and check if they have been disclosed in any data breach. To ensure the highest level of security, all entered passwords are routed through a SHA-1 hash function and thus remain safe and private. If the entered password is already present in a dataset of compromised passwords, the tool informs the users immediately. This allows users to take proactive actions and to change their passwords in a timely manner in order to avoid potential risks. Therefore, Pwned Passwords helps to eliminate uncertainties regarding password security and to ensure an increased level of online security.