Online Safety

How Data Privacy Helps You Cut Cyber Risk in the AI Era Artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from customer service to medical diagnosis. But as AI becomes more capable, it also gives attackers new tools—automated spear-phishing, deepfake impersonation, data poisoning. The World Economic Forum recently published an analysis arguing that strengthening data privacy is one of the most effective ways to reduce cyber risk in this environment. The message is straightforward: the less personal data you expose, the fewer handles attackers have to manipulate AI systems that rely on that data. ...

How to Stay Safe and Protect Your Privacy When Using AI Tools If you’ve asked ChatGPT for advice on a personal problem, used an image generator to create a party invitation, or relied on an AI assistant to draft an email, you’re part of a rapid shift in how millions of people interact with technology. The convenience is real, but so are the risks. ...

2026 Social Media Safety: How to Spot and Avoid Digital Party Scams If you use social media, you have probably seen invitations to virtual concerts, online meetups, or charity live streams. These events can be fun and convenient. But in 2026, scammers are increasingly using fake event invitations to trick people out of money and personal information. This article walks through what is happening, why it matters, and how you can protect yourself. ...

How to Cut Your Cyber Risk in the Age of AI: Data Privacy’s Crucial Role If you use AI tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, or Google Gemini, you’re not alone—millions of people now rely on them for writing, coding, planning, and more. But as these tools become part of daily life, they also introduce new privacy and security risks that many users overlook. The World Economic Forum recently published an article linking the rise of AI to growing cyber threats and arguing that stronger data privacy practices are a key part of the solution. This post breaks down what that means for you and offers practical steps to protect your data. ...

How to Spot and Avoid Social Media Scams and Digital Party Traps in 2026 Every year, scammers refine their tactics, and social media remains a fertile ground for fraud. In 2026, one growing concern is the “digital party trap”—fake event invitations designed to steal personal information or money. If you use Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or any other platform to connect with friends or find local events, these scams are worth understanding. ...

2026 Scam Survival Guide: How to Spot Social Media Traps and Digital Party Scams What’s going on Social media scams are getting harder to spot. In 2026, one of the newer tactics involves fake event invitations — often called “digital party traps.” Scammers create convincing-looking Facebook or Instagram events for parties, concerts, or giveaways, then flood users with friend requests and messages to claim a “limited spot.” The goal is usually to steal login credentials, payment details, or personal information. ...

Rising Costs Are Fueling Scams: How to Protect Yourself Now If you’ve been feeling the pinch of higher prices on everything from groceries to rent, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, scammers are aware of that stress, and a new survey suggests they are exploiting it in increasingly targeted ways. A survey released on June 15, 2026, by an unnamed research organization (reported by Fox 59) found a clear link between rising living costs and an uptick in scam attempts. While the exact methodology and sample size of the survey haven’t been fully disclosed, the pattern it describes aligns with what consumer protection agencies have been warning about for months: when money is tight, people are more likely to let their guard down. ...

How to Spot Online Shopping Scams: Tips from the VA Online shopping has become a routine part of life, but scammers are getting better at mimicking legitimate stores, payment portals, and customer service. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs regularly issues alerts about these threats, especially for veterans and military families who may be targeted with fake VA-related offers. But the advice applies to anyone buying online. ...

One in Three Americans Have Been Scammed While Shopping Online – Here’s How to Stay Safe A new survey from the Pew Research Center has quantified what many consumers already suspect: online shopping scams are disturbingly common. According to the November 2025 report, about a third of U.S. adults (33%) say they have personally experienced an online shopping scam. That figure translates into tens of millions of people who have paid for goods that never arrived, handed over payment details to fake storefronts, or clicked on phony order confirmations that led to identity theft. ...

Is Your AI Assistant a Double Agent? New Detection Tool Spots Privacy Leaks It’s become routine to let AI assistants read your email, manage your calendar, or summarize documents. But what if those same tools were quietly sharing your data elsewhere—or following instructions you never gave? Researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) have developed a prototype detection tool designed to catch AI agents that act as “double agents,” secretly leaking or misusing user information. While the tool isn’t available for consumers yet, the problem it reveals is very real—and there are steps you can take right now to protect yourself. ...