Risk level: low. Can you change it: yes. Found in 7 breaches in this directory.
What this data is
The time zone saved in your account or device settings, used to show times correctly for messages, meetings and notifications.
The risk on its own
This is a very low risk field. A time zone cannot unlock accounts or identify you personally. It only gives a broad hint about your region.
The risk combined with other data
With other location clues, a time zone can help narrow where you are or confirm when you are likely awake. For anonymous users, it can be one small piece used to connect accounts. For most people, it does not meaningfully change the breach risk.
How criminals use it
A scammer times phishing messages for when you are likely to be awake.
A time zone helps narrow the region of an anonymous account owner.
An attacker compares login times with your time zone to spot unusual activity windows.
What to do now
Do not worry about this field on its own. Look for passwords, emails and phone numbers in the same breach.
Use a generic time zone setting on anonymous accounts if location privacy is important.
Review login alerts for activity at unusual local times.
Change the account password if other data leaked with it.
Frequently asked questions
Can a time zone reveal where I live?
Only broadly. It may show a country or region, but not your address.
Is it worth changing my time zone setting?
For most people, no. It matters mainly for anonymous accounts where every location clue counts.
What should I act on in this breach?
Prioritise changing passwords and checking for exposed email addresses, phone numbers or payment information.
Breaches that exposed this data
Vedantu: 2019-07-08, 687K accounts, Browser user agent details, Email addresses, Genders, IP addresses, Names, Passwords
Pokébip: 2015-07-28, 657K accounts, Email addresses, IP addresses, Passwords, Time zones, Usernames, Website activity
Technic: 2018-11-30, 265K accounts, Chat logs, Email addresses, IP addresses, Passwords, Private messages, Time zones
hackforums.net: 2011-06-25, 192K accounts, Dates of birth, Email addresses, Instant messenger identities, IP addresses, Passwords, Social connections
Linux Mint: 2016-02-21, 145K accounts, Avatars, Dates of birth, Email addresses, Geographic locations, IP addresses, Passwords
WoTLabs: 2024-03-03, 22K accounts, Dates of birth, Email addresses, IP addresses, Time zones, Usernames
Husky Owners: 2024-07-04, 17K accounts, Dates of birth, Email addresses, Time zones, Usernames
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.