Smoking habits leaked: what it means and what to do
Risk level: medium. Can you change it: no. Found in 7 breaches in this directory.
What this data is
Whether you smoke, vape or use tobacco, sometimes with frequency or quit history, recorded by insurers, health apps, dating services, surveys and employers.
The risk on its own
Smoking status is health related information that affects insurance pricing and can lead to judgement. It does not unlock accounts or cause direct financial loss. Some people keep smoking or vaping private from family, employers or partners.
The risk combined with other data
With your name, age and contact details, smoking status can be used for targeted marketing of quit products, fake health cures or nicotine products. It may also create concerns about insurance or workplace decisions. On dating sites, it is part of a more intimate lifestyle profile.
How criminals use it
A fake quit smoking program uses your leaked status to sell a costly treatment.
Nicotine or vape marketers target you with ads and messages.
A scammer impersonates your health insurer and says premiums will rise unless you verify details.
What to do now
Contact your insurer directly if you receive messages about premiums or health declarations.
Review health, fitness and dating app privacy settings and remove lifestyle details you do not need to share.
Opt out of marketing and targeted advertising where possible.
Ask the organisation that held the data what else was exposed, especially health information.
Frequently asked questions
Can insurers use leaked smoking data?
Reputable insurers use information you provide or authorise. If you think leaked data affected a decision, ask them for an explanation.
Is smoking status health information?
Often yes, because it relates to health risks and can be used in medical or insurance decisions.
What should I do if I get quit smoking offers?
Use health advice from your doctor or official public health services, not unsolicited offers linked to a breach.
Breaches that exposed this data
Zoosk (2020): 2020-01-12, 24M accounts, Dates of birth, Drinking habits, Education levels, Email addresses, Ethnicities, Family structure
Unverified Data Source: 2021-01-26, 11M accounts, Bank account numbers, Credit status information, Dates of birth, Email addresses, Employers, Health insurance information
MeetMindful: 2020-01-26, 1.4M accounts, Dates of birth, Drinking habits, Drug habits, Email addresses, Genders, Geographic locations
CyberServe: 2021-10-29, 1.1M accounts, Dates of birth, Drinking habits, Email addresses, Family structure, Genders, Geographic locations
Beautiful People: 2015-11-11, 1.1M accounts, Beauty ratings, Car ownership statuses, Dates of birth, Drinking habits, Education levels, Email addresses
Breach data sourced from Have I Been Pwned, used under CC BY 4.0. Additional breach metadata provided by XposedOrNot. DataExposed is an independent service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by either.