Scammers using AI to repackage old stolen data, experts warn
SecureFrame: Typical costs of a data breach in 2024 reached an all-time high of $4.88 million
(InvestigateTV) — Scammers aren’t just targeting new breaches; they’re dusting off data they stole years ago and using artificial intelligence to turn it into a new threat.
Identity Theft Resource Center President James Lee said in May and June of this year they started to see something called “previously disclosed data” or “previously compromised data.”
“And what that means is, the bad guys, because they have access to all of these AI tools, is they’re going back and looking at the data they’ve already stolen and repackaging it,” Lee explained. “And saying, is there more that I can get out of this?”
He said this previously compromised data (PCD) is a growing threat to companies, especially when criminals use it to break into critical systems.
“Now we are finding these massive data bases without any kind of security in cloud environments,” Lee noted.
Recently an unsecured cloud database holding 16 billion previously stolen logins and passwords was found – ready for criminals to use in ransomware attacks, fraud, and scams.
While this doesn’t mean the risk is higher than when the data was first breached, it does mean the threat is still very real.
“Don’t reuse the same password! Cause that’s what these people are counting on!” Lee exclaimed. “They want to use those logins and passwords. So, if we’re using the same one every time – they’re going to be able to attack us again and again and again.”
He recommends changing passwords regularly, turning on multi-factor authentication, and using the strongest security settings possible to keep hackers out.
He also recommended creating a passkey, which replaces a password and doesn’t require users to remember anything to log in. Plus, passkeys are far more secure than traditional passwords.
“Maybe you’re going to be one of the lucky persons and you’re never going to have to worry about it,” Lee commented. “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for that day.”
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