Technology and Privacy: How to Keep Your Personal Information Secure
Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a common part of our daily lives, from voice assistants in our homes to smart appliances. With these advancements, concerns about privacy and the use of personal information are growing. Here are some simple tips from industry experts on how to keep your personal data safe.
AI is increasingly integrated into our devices, including recent announcements from Apple introducing new AI features in their phones. Elon Musk even referred to these as potential "unacceptable security violations." Meanwhile, Microsoft raised eyebrows by revealing a feature that takes screenshots of users' laptops every few seconds. With such technology in our homes and pockets, it's essential to consider the implications for our privacy and data security.
"Technology is fantastic, and we need to trust it to progress," says Vonny Gamot, the head of EMEA at cybersecurity firm McAfee. "Without trust in technology, we wouldn't drive cars, use computers, or have gone to the moon." However, Gamot emphasizes that it's crucial to be aware of how technology can be misused. "AI is a tool that bad actors can exploit to create scams or collect data without your consent," she warns.
It's not just cybercriminals who seek our information; advertisers and AI systems also benefit from the data we share. If you're concerned about your privacy, consider these expert tips:
Check Your Phone Settings "The first step is to review where you're sharing your data," advises Gamot. Start with your phone by examining which apps have access to your microphone, camera, files, and location. "Why does a map app need access to your microphone?" she questions. She notes that even a few seconds of audio recording can be enough for malicious actors to clone your voice.
Read the Terms and Conditions Conor McCaffrey from Securiti Sciences Limited, an AI data security company, suggests always reading the terms and conditions when browsing the internet. "Cookie banners are a common example," he explains. "It's important to understand what data an organization collects and how they use it." Instead of blindly accepting all permissions, take the time to select or reject them based on your comfort level.
Consider the Information You Share Gamot points out that companies often collect data to sell it, and it's essential to consider how much information is necessary to provide. "Think about whether it's really needed to give your email, address, age, or passport number," she advises. For instance, providing an address is necessary for delivery services, but it might not be relevant for other purposes.
Evaluate the Value of an App McCaffrey encourages being mindful of what you're trading for app access, especially with free apps like games. "Your data is valuable, and many organizations trade on it," he says. Before downloading a new app, consider if the benefits are worth potentially sharing your personal information.
In an age where data is a prized commodity, these simple steps can help you protect your privacy and make more informed decisions about the technology you use.