Popular AI services such as ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity can be targeted by hackers just like any other online platform. If you suspect someone else has accessed one of your AI accounts, you should check active sessions and sign out unknown devices immediately.
General recommendations
- Use unique passwords for each service and store them in a trusted password manager.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) when available; this prevents logins with only a stolen password.
Which platforms support what
- ChatGPT: supports multi-factor authentication.
- Perplexity: supports multi-factor authentication.
- Claude (Anthropic): does not use passwords; it sends an email login link instead, so there is no password to change.
ChatGPT — viewing active sessions and changing your password
- Open ChatGPT in your computer’s browser.
- Click your username in the bottom-left corner and choose “Settings.”
- Go to “Security and Login,” then click “Active Sessions.”
- You will see a list of devices currently logged into your ChatGPT account. If you spot an unrecognized device, you can log out that single device or choose “Log out all.”
To change your ChatGPT password
- After logging out, click “Log in” on ChatGPT’s website (bottom-left), enter your email, then select “Forgot password” and click “Continue.”
- ChatGPT will email you a six-digit code; enter that code on the login page, click “Continue,” and set a new password.
- You can also click the “reset your password” link in the email for official instructions.
Claude — managing active sessions (email-based login)
- Open Claude in your browser, click your username in the bottom-left corner, then open “Settings.”
- Under “Account” you will find “Active sessions.”
- If you see a session you don’t recognize, hover over it, click the three vertical dots on the right, and choose “Log out” or “Terminate.” You can also log out of all devices.
Note: Claude does not use passwords; access is granted via an email login link.
Perplexity — signing out of all sessions
- Perplexity does not display where you are logged in. If you suspect unauthorized access, open Perplexity in your browser, click your username in the bottom-left corner, then select “All settings.”
- Click “Sign out of all sessions” and confirm.
- You can then sign back in with your email address; Perplexity will send a unique six-digit code to your email, or you can use the “Sign in” button in the email to log in directly.
Why you should check immediately
If someone else can access your AI accounts, they may read past conversations, access uploaded content, or act on your behalf. Reviewing active sessions and immediately logging out unknown devices reduces further risk and helps you regain control of your accounts.
Regularly check your accounts, use unique passwords, and enable MFA where available to minimize the chance of account takeover.
