AI Is Changing Cyber Risks: How to Protect Your Privacy Now
A few years ago, the biggest online privacy concern might have been a leaked password or a phishing email that was fairly easy to spot. That’s no longer the case. As artificial intelligence tools become part of everyday life—from chatbots and voice assistants to image generators and personalized shopping recommendations—the cyber threats targeting your personal data have grown more sophisticated and harder to detect.
A recent article from the World Economic Forum looked at how organizations can cut cyber risk in an AI era, emphasizing data privacy’s role in that effort. But the same logic applies at an individual level. While businesses have resources to lock down their systems, you can also take practical steps to protect your own information without giving up the convenience AI offers.
What’s happening
AI adoption is surging across industries. More companies are using AI tools to process customer data, automate tasks, and personalize services. That means more of your personal information—from your shopping habits to your voice recordings—is being collected, stored, and analyzed by systems that may not have strong privacy safeguards.
At the same time, attackers are using AI to launch more convincing scams. Voice cloning technology can mimic a loved one’s voice to trick you into sending money. AI-generated phishing emails now read like they were written by a colleague or a trusted service. Even deepfake videos are becoming harder to distinguish from real footage. The tools that make life easier also make deception cheaper and more effective.
Why this matters for you
You don’t need to be a corporate IT department to feel the impact. Every time you use a free AI service, you’re trading some data for access. That data can be used to train models, improve products, or even be sold to third parties. If that data gets leaked or misused, the consequences range from annoying targeted ads to identity theft or financial fraud.
The World Economic Forum piece points out that many organizations still struggle with basic data governance. If companies themselves are not fully in control, the data you entrust to them is only as safe as their weakest link. For individuals, the best defense is to take ownership of what you share and how it’s used.
What you can do right now
You don’t need to become a privacy expert or stop using AI tools. A few straightforward habits can reduce your exposure significantly.
1. Check and limit what AI tools collect.
Before signing up for a new AI service, look at its privacy policy—or at least the summary. Many tools let you opt out of having your data used for model training. Some let you delete your conversation history. Turn off data-sharing options where available.
2. Tighten privacy settings on the services you already use.
Go through the settings of your phone, browser, and the apps you use most. Disable features that don’t need constant access to your microphone, camera, or location. For AI assistants, review past voice recordings and clear them periodically.
3. Use strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication.
A password manager makes this easier than memorizing dozens of passwords. Multi-factor authentication (especially using an authenticator app, not SMS) adds a second layer even if a password is stolen.
4. Be skeptical of unusual requests, especially involving money.
If you receive an urgent call or message that sounds like someone you know, pause and verify through a different channel. AI-generated voice and video are good enough now that a quick “call back on their known number” test can catch deepfakes before you act.
5. Think before you share personal information with AI chatbots.
Chatbots are not private conversations. Don’t tell them your full address, Social Security number, bank details, or other sensitive information unless you’re certain the service handles it securely and you have a clear need.
The bottom line
More AI means more cyber risk, but it doesn’t have to mean losing control of your data. The same principles that have always protected your privacy—limiting what you share, securing your accounts, and staying alert—are even more important now. The technology changes fast, but the basics of staying safe haven’t.
You can still use AI. Just use it with your eyes open.
Sources
- World Economic Forum. “Cutting cyber risk in an AI era - and data privacy’s role.” June 2026.
- General reporting on AI-powered scams (e.g., voice cloning and deepfakes) from consumer protection organizations and cybersecurity firms.