Update These Privacy Tools to Stay Safe in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is changing the cyber threat landscape more quickly than most people realize. Criminals are using AI to craft more convincing phishing emails, generate deepfake audio and video, and automate attacks that were once labor-intensive. As these threats evolve, many of the privacy tools and habits that worked a few years ago may no longer be sufficient.
The World Economic Forum recently published guidance on updating data privacy tools to address these risks, and other reports from the organization note that AI is accelerating cybercrime by exposing system flaws. For everyday users, the message is clear: it is time to review and refresh your digital privacy setup.
What happened
The World Economic Forum has been tracking how AI amplifies existing cybersecurity threats and creates new ones. In a June 2026 article, the Forum outlined specific ways AI is being used by attackers—such as automated vulnerability scanning, AI-generated phishing that mimics a victim’s writing style, and deepfake impersonation of colleagues or family members. These attacks are more scalable and harder to distinguish from legitimate communication.
Another WEF article from earlier this year highlighted that AI speeds up cybercrime by revealing weaknesses in software and human behavior that traditional defenses often miss. The implication is that default security settings and older privacy tools are no longer a reliable safety net.
Why it matters
For a typical consumer, these developments mean that personal data is at greater risk than before. A password manager that only stores credentials, for example, does nothing to stop an AI-driven phishing attack that tricks you into typing your password on a fake site. A VPN that does not block new forms of tracking scripts can still leak your browsing habits to advertisers or attackers. Even two-factor authentication is being targeted by AI-generated social engineering that convinces people to hand over codes.
The good news is that many of the same technologies powering these threats can also be used to defend against them. The challenge is knowing which tools to update and how to use them properly.
What readers can do
You do not need to become a security expert, but you should take a systematic approach to updating your privacy practices. Here are concrete steps based on the Forum’s recommendations and expert consensus.
Audit your current tools. Start by listing the privacy tools you already use: your browser’s privacy settings, any extensions, a VPN, a password manager, and antivirus software. Check when you last updated them. Many browser extensions that block trackers, for instance, are not automatically updated to handle newer tracking methods used by AI services. If you haven’t reviewed these in the past six months, assume something needs attention.
Update browser privacy settings and extensions. Modern browsers let you disable third-party cookies, but you should also enable “Enhanced Tracking Protection” (Firefox) or “Privacy Sandbox” controls (Chrome). Consider adding an extension that blocks AI-powered tracking scripts, such as uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger, and ensure it is configured to update filter lists frequently. Be wary of extensions that claim to offer “AI protection”—some are not well vetted.
Review your VPN. Not all VPNs are equal against AI-era threats. Look for a provider that includes a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logging policy confirmed by independent audits. Avoid free VPNs; they often monetize user data. If your current VPN lacks these features, consider switching to a reputable paid option.
Upgrade your password manager. Traditional password managers store and generate passwords, but some newer services include AI-based anomaly detection that alerts you if a login attempt appears unusual (for example, a location mismatch or an abnormally fast typing pattern). If your manager does not offer such features, check whether it allows you to use passkeys or hardware security keys, which are much harder for AI to compromise.
Consider adding AI-specific security software. A few security suites now include modules that detect deepfakes in video calls or flag AI-generated phishing emails. The effectiveness of these tools is still being validated, but they can serve as an extra layer. For now, the most reliable defense remains skepticism: verify unexpected requests through a separate communication channel.
Adopt habit changes that work alongside tools. Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible, but prefer app-based authenticators or hardware keys over SMS codes. Update all your software—operating system, apps, browser—promptly when patches are released. And be aware that AI can make any message look authentic; a rule of thumb is to never click links in unsolicited messages, even if they appear to come from someone you trust.
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.
- World Economic Forum, “3 trends redefining cyber risk in 2026,” January 2026.
The landscape will continue to shift, but if you update your tools and habits now, you will be in a much better position to handle whatever comes next. The key is to stay proactive rather than reactive—because waiting until after an attack is too late.