AI Is Changing Cyber Risks: Here’s How to Keep Your Data Safe

AI Is Changing Cyber Risks: Here’s How to Keep Your Data Safe

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we work, shop, and communicate. But the same technology that powers helpful chatbots and smart assistants also introduces new threats to your privacy and security. The World Economic Forum recently published a report on cutting cyber risk in the AI era, and its findings matter for everyone who uses digital tools. Here’s a plain‑language look at what’s changing and what you can do about it.

What happened

The World Economic Forum’s report, “Cutting cyber risk in an AI era – and data privacy’s role,” outlines how AI is altering the cyber threat landscape. Key points include:

• AI tools can be used by attackers to create more convincing phishing emails, deepfake audio or video, and automated scams that adapt in real time.
• Many consumer AI applications collect large amounts of personal data (conversations, uploaded files, usage patterns) to improve their models. This data can become a target for breaches or misuse.
• Traditional cybersecurity measures – such as password rules and two‑factor authentication – remain important, but they are not enough on their own when attackers can use AI to bypass them more easily.
• The report emphasises that data privacy is not a separate concern; it is a core part of reducing overall cyber risk. When companies (and users) do not protect personal data, they feed the AI systems that attackers can exploit.

The complete report can be found on the World Economic Forum’s website, but these highlights are especially relevant for everyday consumers.

Why it matters

You might think AI‑powered attacks only target large organisations. In reality, individuals are increasingly vulnerable. Scammers can now use generative AI to mimic your friend’s voice or a company’s customer service style with unsettling accuracy. A convincing email that looks like it came from your bank may now be written by a machine that adjusts its tone based on your previous responses.

At the same time, the data you share with AI tools – whether it’s a chat history, a photo, or your calendar entries – becomes part of the training or user profile. If that data is stored insecurely or accessed by a third party, you could lose control over sensitive information. The line between convenience and risk is thinner than it used to be.

Understanding the connection between cyber risk and data privacy is the first step. The second is taking a few practical actions that make a real difference.

What readers can do

You don’t need to become a cybersecurity expert. These four habits will reduce your exposure to AI‑driven threats.

1. Review the permissions and privacy settings of every AI tool you use.
Before you install a new app or start using a web‑based AI service, check what data it asks for. Does a chatbot really need access to your contacts or location? Many services allow you to limit data collection to only what is necessary for the tool to function. Take a few minutes to adjust these settings – most platforms offer a privacy dashboard or a “data controls” section.

2. Limit what you share with AI assistants and chatbots.
Treat conversations with AI tools as if they could be read by someone else. Avoid sharing passwords, financial account numbers, medical details, or any information you would not want exposed. Even if the service claims to anonymise data, remember that anonymisation can sometimes be reversed. A good rule: if you would not put it on a public social media post, do not type it into a chatbot.

3. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi‑factor authentication (MFA).
This is not new advice, but AI makes it more urgent. Attackers can use AI to crack weak passwords much faster. A password manager can generate and store random passwords for each service. MFA – whether via an authenticator app, a hardware key, or a text message code – adds a second layer that even a stolen password cannot bypass. Turn on MFA for all accounts that offer it, especially email, banking, and social media.

4. Stay alert to AI‑powered scams.
Be skeptical of unsolicited messages that use emotional language, create urgency, or ask you to click a link or download an attachment. Verify the sender through a separate channel – call the person directly or log into the official website yourself. If a voice message or video seems off, trust your instincts: deepfakes are not always perfect, but they are improving. When in doubt, do not respond.

Sources

• World Economic Forum. “Cutting cyber risk in an AI era – and data privacy’s role.” June 2026.
• Additional context drawn from “10 cybersecurity trends to watch in 2026” (TechTarget) and other industry reporting cited by the WEF.

The key takeaway is straightforward: as AI evolves, so do the risks. But by updating a few basic habits, you can keep your data safer and reduce your chances of becoming a victim. Privacy and security are not static – they require attention as the tools around us change.