AI
How to check for unauthorized access on ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity accounts
Three major AI platforms offer tools to spot and remove suspicious logins—here's exactly how to secure each one.
TechCrunch — AI
AI chatbots and search engines have become routine targets for account compromise, just like email, social media, and messaging services. If you use ChatGPT, Claude, or Perplexity, you should know how to audit your active sessions and lock down your account if something looks amiss.
How to stay secure#
The first line of defense is straightforward: use a unique password stored in a password manager, and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever available. Two of the three platforms support MFA, though Claude takes a different approach by skipping passwords entirely in favor of email-based login links.
Checking ChatGPT for unauthorized access#
ChatGPT makes session monitoring relatively transparent. Log in via your browser, click your username in the bottom-left corner, navigate to "Settings" → "Security and Login" → "Active Sessions," and you'll see every device connected to your account.
Spot something unfamiliar? Click the logout button next to that device, or use "Log out all" to clear everything and start fresh. If you decide to reset your password afterward, log out completely, click "Log in" at the bottom-left of the login page, enter your email, select "Forgot password," and ChatGPT will email you a six-digit code. Confirm the code on the login page and set a new password. You can also use the password reset link sent to your email for official guidance.
Checking Claude for unauthorized access#
Claude's session management lives in your account settings. Open Claude in a browser, click your username (bottom-left), go to "Settings" → "Account," and review your "Active sessions." Unrecognized logins can be removed by hovering over them, clicking the three-dot menu, and selecting "Log out" or "Terminate." You can also nuke all sessions at once via "Log out of all devices."
Since Claude eschews passwords entirely, re-logging in simply requires your email address. You'll receive a login link in your inbox—no password change needed.
Checking Perplexity for unauthorized access#
Perplexity, the AI search engine, takes a more opaque approach: it doesn't display your active sessions. If you suspect a breach, your safest move is to sign out everywhere at once. Click your username (bottom-left), select "All settings," choose "Sign out of all sessions," and confirm.
