Using AI? Here’s How to Cut Your Cyber Risk Through Better Data Privacy

If you use ChatGPT, a voice assistant, or any AI-powered tool, your data is part of the equation. That fact alone opens up new cyber risks. The World Economic Forum released a report in June 2026 titled “Cutting Cyber Risk in an AI Era,” and its core message is straightforward: data privacy isn’t just a legal checkbox—it’s one of your best defenses against attacks.

This article translates those insights into concrete, everyday habits you can start using today.

What happened

The World Economic Forum’s report (June 2026) examined how the rapid adoption of AI tools expands the attack surface for cybercriminals. Because AI models are trained on large datasets—and often rely on users feeding them personal information—the same convenience that makes AI useful also creates new vulnerabilities. The report suggests that data privacy practices, when applied consistently, meaningfully reduce risk for individuals and organizations. Separately, TechTarget’s “10 cybersecurity trends to watch in 2026” noted that AI-driven attacks are becoming more common and that personal data is increasingly a target.

Why it matters for you

Every time you paste a draft email into a chatbot, ask your smart speaker for a reminder, or upload a photo for AI editing, you are sharing data. That data can be stored, analyzed, or—if the service experiences a breach—exposed. Attackers can use it to impersonate you, answer security questions, or fine-tune phishing attempts.

The risk isn’t hypothetical. In 2025, several AI platforms disclosed data leaks that included user queries and account details. As AI becomes more embedded in daily life, the amount of personal information flowing through these systems will only grow.

What you can do: practical data privacy habits

You don’t need to stop using AI. You just need to be selective about what you share. Here are steps that directly reduce your exposure, drawn from the WEF’s recommendations and general cybersecurity best practices.

1. Share the minimum amount of information necessary.
If a chatbot asks for your name, email, or location, ask yourself whether it truly needs that information to answer your question. Often it does not. Use placeholders or omit identifying details.

2. Review permissions on AI apps and services.
Many AI assistants on your phone or computer request access to your microphone, camera, contacts, and location. Go into your device settings and revoke any permission that isn’t strictly required for the feature you use. For example, a note-taking AI does not need your location.

3. Use encryption and anonymization where you can.
For sensitive queries, consider using AI tools that offer end-to-end encryption or let you opt out of data training. Some platforms now include a “private mode” that prevents your chats from being stored or used to improve models. Turn it on.

4. Avoid sharing high-risk information in any AI tool.
Medical details, financial account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, or anything you wouldn’t put on a public forum should never be typed into an unverified AI interface. Even supposedly deleted data may linger in backups.

5. Check what data the tool collects about you.
Look for the privacy policy or data handling section for each AI service you use. If it’s vague or says it can share your data with third parties for advertising, treat that tool as untrustworthy for anything private.

Real-world scenarios

  • Chatbots (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude): When drafting a work email, do not include proprietary client details or internal passwords. Instead, describe the tone or structure you want without revealing confidential facts.
  • Smart speakers: Mute the microphone when you’re not using it. Review voice history and delete clips periodically.
  • AI image editors: Do not upload photos that contain sensitive documents, license plates, or faces of people who haven’t consented.

A quick checklist for daily AI use

  • I confirmed that the AI tool I’m using has a clear, accessible privacy policy.
  • I turned off any permission that isn’t essential (microphone, camera, contacts, location).
  • I did not enter my full name, address, phone number, or financial information.
  • I enabled the tool’s privacy mode or opted out of data training if available.
  • I will delete the chat history or store it locally after I’m done.

Sources

  • World Economic Forum, “Cutting Cyber Risk in an AI Era,” June 2026.
  • TechTarget, “10 cybersecurity trends to watch in 2026,” January 2026.