Shadow AI Is Everywhere — Here’s How to Use AI Tools at Work Without Risking Your Privacy

Shadow AI Is the New Shadow IT – And Boards Are Already Behind. Here’s What You Need to Know to Protect Your Data You type a quick prompt into ChatGPT, maybe asking it to summarize a quarterly report you’ve been working on. Or you drop a spreadsheet into Copilot to help spot trends. It feels harmless – just saving time. But what you may not realize is that you’ve just shared potentially sensitive company information with an external service that has no obligation to keep it confidential. ...

May 6, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Spot a Malicious Chrome Extension: 5 Red Flags for Everyday Users

How to Spot a Malicious Chrome Extension: 5 Red Flags for Everyday Users If you use Google Chrome, chances are you have a handful of extensions installed. A grammar checker here, a password manager there, maybe a tab organizer or a coupon finder. They promise to save time and effort, and often they deliver. But in recent years, security researchers have documented a growing problem: extensions that look like legitimate productivity tools but hide backdoors that can steal credentials, track browsing habits, or act as a foothold for larger attacks. ...

May 6, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Shoppers’ Top AI Fear? Their Data Privacy — Here’s How to Protect Yourself

Shoppers’ Top AI Fear? Their Data Privacy — Here’s How to Protect Yourself Introduction If you’ve used a shopping assistant that suggests products, a chatbot that helps you compare prices, or a visual search tool that finds items from a photo, you’ve already stepped into the world of AI-powered shopping. These tools are convenient, but a recent study from eMarketer confirms what many consumers already suspect: data privacy is shoppers’ biggest fear when it comes to AI shopping, by a wide margin. The report found that privacy concerns far outrank other worries such as accuracy, cost, or even job displacement. For everyday shoppers, the question isn’t whether to use these tools—it’s how to use them without giving away more personal information than necessary. ...

May 6, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

How to Protect Your Privacy When AI Helps You Shop

How to Protect Your Privacy When AI Helps You Shop AI shopping assistants have become increasingly common over the past year. Major retailers, browser extensions, and even standalone apps now offer features that suggest products, compare prices, or automate checkout. The convenience is real, but a growing number of shoppers are uneasy about what these tools do with their personal data. A recent survey from eMarketer confirms that data privacy is now the single biggest fear consumers have about using AI for shopping. ...

May 6, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

Is That Chrome Extension Spying on You? How Productivity Tools Become Backdoors

Is That Chrome Extension Spying on You? How Productivity Tools Become Backdoors If you use a browser extension every day at work, you probably trust it without a second thought. That trust can be exploited. In March 2026, a widely used note-taking extension was found to have been quietly updated with code that exfiltrated user data. The update came from the extension’s legitimate developer account, which had been compromised. Users who had granted the extension broad permissions—such as “read and change all data on websites”—had no way to know their browsing activity, credentials, and even internal corporate documents were being siphoned off. ...

May 6, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

5 Ways to Spot an Online Shopping Scam Before You Lose Money

Staying Safe While Shopping Online: Practical Tips to Avoid Scams Online shopping is convenient, but it also attracts scammers looking to take your money or personal information. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, scams targeting shoppers—especially veterans and their families—are becoming more sophisticated. The good news is that you don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to protect yourself. A few simple habits can make a big difference. ...

May 6, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk

AI Shopping and Privacy: What You Need to Know to Shop Safely

AI Shopping and Privacy: What You Need to Know to Shop Safely Online shopping has become increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence. From product recommendations and chatbots to virtual try-ons and price tracking, AI tools promise speed and convenience. But a recent survey from eMarketer confirms what many shoppers already feel: data privacy is their biggest fear when using these features—by a wide margin. If you’re concerned about your personal information while taking advantage of AI shopping aids, you’re not alone. The good news is that you can take practical steps to protect yourself without giving up the conveniences you value. ...

May 6, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Chrome Extensions That Look Like Productivity Tools Could Be Spying on You

Chrome Extensions That Look Like Productivity Tools Could Be Spying on You You install a grammar checker to polish your emails, a tab manager to keep your browser organized, or a VPN to protect your privacy. They look clean, have good ratings, and promise to save you time. But a growing number of these extensions are not what they seem. ...

May 6, 2026 · 4 min · BriefArc Desk

Don't Fall for the New Google Scam That Looks Incredibly Real

Don’t Fall for the New Google Scam That Looks Incredibly Real If you’ve received a notification recently that looks like it’s from Google—maybe an alert about unusual account activity or a request to verify your password—you’re not alone. A new wave of phishing attacks is making the rounds, and the messages appear startlingly legitimate. Here’s what’s happening, why it matters, and how to keep your accounts safe. ...

May 6, 2026 · 3 min · BriefArc Desk

Shoppers Worry About AI and Privacy: Here's What You Can Do

Shoppers Worry About AI and Privacy: Here’s What You Can Do A new survey from eMarketer confirms what many of us already sensed: data privacy is the single biggest fear shoppers have when it comes to using AI tools for online shopping. The finding comes as retailers roll out chatbots, personalized recommendations, and AI-powered search features at a rapid pace. For the average person, the convenience of AI shopping can feel overshadowed by uncertainty about what happens to their personal information. ...

May 6, 2026 · 5 min · BriefArc Desk