LAFAYETTE, La. (KLFY)-- 16 billion records containing passwords was leaked, raising concerns over AI's role in future password leaks.

Scott Lavergne, CEO of Enterprise Data Concepts, a Better Business Bureau accredited business, said there is artificial intelligence software that uses information you post on your public social media accounts to compile a list of possible passwords. Scammers are using that to hack your accounts and steal information.

“Passwords seem to be very easily hacked now," Lavergne said.

Lavergne said personal information you post, like your pet's name and your children's birthday, can be used to guess potential passwords. He strongly suggests creating random passwords, changing passwords often and setting up two factor authentication.

“The hackers, when they get into your account, now the first thing they do is reset your two-factor authentication to themselves," Lavergne said.

Two-factor authentication requires two forms of identification to access the account. They change these login settings, so you no longer have access to your account.

The danger extends to someone being able to post on your page. Now, they have access to all information that was linked to your account, even banking information.

“We know of a marketing company that had their credit card tied to their Facebook account," Lavergne said. "They got in the Facebook account and bought $30,000 in ads. So, anything that is tied to anything you can purchase with, needs to have two-factor on it to make sure that the bad guys don't get in.”

Kathryn Mobley, CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana, said once scammers get in, they also have the potential to steal your identity.

She said teenagers especially should be cautious of their personal information being stolen through their social media accounts.

“Children are 50 times more likely to have their identity stolen," Mobley said. "They're a blank slate."

Here's how to avoid your password being hacked:

• Create strong passwords. Do not include easily accessible, personal information in your password Strong passwords include around 17 random characters.
• Enable two-factor authentication. You can make the platform call, text or email you personally to confirm it is you trying to get into your account.
• Don't reuse passwords. If a password is compromised once, you don't want it to happen across multiple platforms.

Report scams to the BBB. If you'd like me to investigate a scam, send me an email at lmiller@klfy.com.

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