How to Cut Your Cyber Risk in the AI Era: Data Privacy Tips You Need

A new article from the World Economic Forum highlights something many of us have felt but couldn’t quite name: the rapid adoption of AI tools is creating fresh cyber risks, and stronger data privacy habits are one of the best ways to push back. The piece argues that as AI systems become more embedded in daily life—from chatbots and voice assistants to AI-powered customer service and content generation—the volume of personal data being collected, stored, and processed grows enormously. And where data grows, so do opportunities for attackers.

This isn’t a theoretical warning. The same report notes that AI can be used to automate phishing campaigns, generate convincing deepfakes, and probe for vulnerabilities faster than any human could. For the average person, that means the line between convenience and exposure is getting thinner.

What the WEF article says

The Forum’s piece, “Cutting cyber risk in an AI era – and data privacy’s role,” draws on expert analysis to connect two trends. First, AI tools are “data hungry”: they need massive datasets to train and improve. Second, those datasets often include personal information, and the systems that handle them introduce new attack surfaces. Combine that with adversarial AI—where attackers use AI to break into systems or trick users—and you have a risk landscape that is shifting under everyone’s feet.

The article points out that data privacy practices can act as a practical shield. Limiting what data you share, controlling who collects it, and reducing how long it is stored all make you a less attractive target.

Why this matters for you

You might be using AI without even realising it. Every time you ask a smart speaker for the weather, rely on an AI-suggested route in your navigation app, or let a website’s chatbot handle a support query, you are handing over data. Individually, each interaction seems trivial. Collectively, they build a detailed profile.

Attackers know this. They also know that AI can mimic trusted contacts, write convincing scam emails, and process stolen data faster than ever. The WEF piece warns that social engineering attacks are becoming harder to spot because AI-generated content can match your writing style, tone, and even voice. A phishing email that used to be easy to ignore now looks like a message from your boss or a family member.

On top of that, the sheer number of AI-powered services means more companies hold your data. A breach at any one of them can expose information you gave to a different service. This is why data privacy isn’t just about keeping secrets—it is about reducing the blast radius when something goes wrong.

What you can do practically

The good news is that the same habits that protect your privacy also lower your cyber risk. Here are concrete steps you can take today:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Password managers make this manageable. If one service gets hacked, your other accounts stay safe.
  • Turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. This adds a second layer even if your password is stolen. Use an authenticator app, not SMS, if you have the choice.
  • Review app permissions regularly. Many AI tools ask for access to your contacts, microphone, photos, or location. Deny anything that isn’t essential for the core function.
  • Limit what you share with AI bots. When using a chatbot or AI assistant, avoid giving personal details like your full name, address, or financial information. Treat these tools as you would a public forum.
  • Keep software and devices updated. Updates often patch security holes that attackers could exploit—including through AI-powered tools.
  • Think before you click on AI-generated content. Learn to spot telltale signs of deepfakes and phishing: unnatural phrasing, mismatched audio, and requests that pressure you to act fast.

None of these steps are perfect, but together they create enough friction to deter most automated attacks. The WEF article also notes that companies have a responsibility, but individual awareness is part of the equation.

Sources

World Economic Forum, “Cutting cyber risk in an AI era – and data privacy’s role” (published June 15, 2026). URL: https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilwFBVV95cUxNa3Bfd0p3LTZ2TnB1d3VGR1FZSVd6NmN4dmN3a3YtRS1YZktYbzh6RjdGVVBFQzdnZkJuT0JwMDBBYld2OG8zV2ZOTzFKaHBqUWxvRmp0VktNV1pmV2tzNTRFWXhfNl9Mb2x6d1RlSklhaXV1b2dWemJDVnFoeWhYdTc2Z09QX1otaFJXc1pZNWhaQWpqclRB?oc=5