6 Privacy Tool Updates You Need to Make Now for AI-Powered Threats

Artificial intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity — for attackers. Phishing emails are more convincing, deepfake voice scams can mimic a friend or colleague, and automated tools hunt for software vulnerabilities faster than ever. The World Economic Forum recently highlighted how AI is accelerating cybercrime by exposing flaws in existing systems and enabling attacks at scale. For everyday users, the old privacy habits — a decent password, a vague privacy setting — are no longer enough.

The good news is that with a few targeted updates to the tools you already use, you can significantly reduce your exposure. Here’s a practical checklist.

1. Update your password manager and enable passkeys

Password managers are still essential, but in the AI era, they need a refresh. First, make sure you’re using one that supports passkeys. Passkeys replace passwords with cryptographic credentials stored on your device. Even if an attacker uses AI to guess or steal a password, a passkey can’t be phished. Most modern managers (like 1Password, Bitwarden, and Apple’s iCloud Keychain) now support passkeys — enable them wherever available.

Second, turn on breach monitoring. Many managers can scan the web for your credentials and alert you if they appear in a leak. AI tools can scrape leaked databases and automate credential stuffing, so early warning matters.

2. Review and tighten app permissions, especially for AI assistants

AI assistants like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot often request broad permissions — access to your files, location, camera, or contacts. These tools can be useful, but each permission is a potential avenue for data extraction. Open your phone’s permission settings and revoke anything that isn’t strictly necessary for the app’s core function.

Pay special attention to clipboard access and microphone permissions. Some AI apps can read your clipboard or listen passively. Disable these unless you explicitly need them for a specific task.

3. Enable anti-tracking features in browsers and search engines

AI-powered ad networks and data brokers use tracking scripts to build detailed profiles. Modern browsers (Firefox, Brave, and Safari) include built-in anti-tracking that blocks third-party cookies and fingerprinting. Enable the strictest protection level available. For Chrome users, consider switching to a privacy-focused browser or installing an extension like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger.

Switch your default search engine to one that doesn’t track you — DuckDuckGo or Brave Search. AI models can also be trained on search history; limiting that data reduces your risk.

4. Use encrypted messaging apps with disappearing messages

Standard SMS and many chat apps lack end-to-end encryption. AI tools can intercept unencrypted messages or use metadata to infer relationships. Move to Signal or WhatsApp (both offer end-to-end encryption by default). Enable disappearing messages for sensitive conversations — this limits the amount of data available if an attacker gains access later.

Be aware that AI-enhanced social engineering can mimic someone’s voice or writing style. If a message seems off, verify through a second channel before acting.

5. Add AI-specific privacy extensions (ad-blockers, anti-fingerprinting)

Beyond general anti-tracking, some extensions now address AI-specific risks. For example, tools like NoScript block scripts that could be used for browser-based AI data harvesting. CanvasBlocker prevents fingerprinting by randomizing browser canvas images — a technique AI models use to identify you across sites.

Also consider an extension that blocks access to AI training datasets scraped from your activity. Services like PimEyes and similar face-search tools rely on public images; a browser extension that blocks image scraping can help.

6. Regularly audit connected devices and smart home settings

Smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, and other IoT devices often have weak default security. AI tools can exploit them to gain a foothold in your home network. Change default passwords, disable remote access unless essential, and keep firmware updated.

Review which devices have microphone or camera permissions. Many smart home platforms now offer a “privacy mode” that physically disables the mic — use it when you’re not actively speaking. Check if your devices send audio or video to the cloud; if they do, consider alternatives that process data locally.

Stay proactive, not reactive

AI threats evolve rapidly, but updating your privacy tools doesn’t have to be complicated. The key is to treat privacy as an ongoing practice, not a one-time setup. Set a reminder every few months to revisit permissions, check for new passkey support, and read what’s changed in your tools’ privacy policies.

The World Economic Forum’s recent coverage of AI-driven cybercrime underscores the urgency: attackers are already using AI to automate reconnaissance, craft believable phishing, and exploit vulnerabilities at machine speed. Your defenses need to keep up.

Sources

  • World Economic Forum, “How to update data privacy tools to cut cybersecurity risk in the AI era” (June 2026)
  • World Economic Forum, “AI speeds cybercrime by exposing flaws, and other cybersecurity news” (June 2026)
  • Anthropic, “How frontier AI is redefining cybersecurity” (April 2026)