how to secure yourself while using AI technology

Limit Sharing of Personal Information
Minimize the data you share with AI systems. Avoid providing sensitive information, such as your address or financial details, especially to AI services that don't explicitly need them. Be mindful that AI assistants can collect more data than you realize. Limiting what you share reduces the risk of that information being exploited if the system is compromised or mishandled.

Review Privacy Policies
Always review the privacy policies of AI applications before using them. Make sure the AI provider outlines how they collect, store, and use your data. Trustworthy services should inform you about data anonymization, encryption measures, and data retention periods. A clear privacy policy indicates the organization’s commitment to data protection and helps you make an informed choice about your digital footprint.

Opt Out of Data Collection When Possible
Many AI platforms allow users to opt out of data collection or data sharing. Utilize these options wherever possible. This reduces the amount of data that AI systems store about you and prevents your information from being used for purposes like targeted advertising or third-party analytics. Check your account settings to find these privacy-related options.

Use Encryption and VPN
When interacting with AI services online, ensure your internet connection is secure. Use encryption and VPN services to protect your data from being intercepted by third parties. VPNs mask your IP address, making it difficult for others to track your location or link your activities across different platforms. Encryption adds an additional layer of security to any data shared during online interactions.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Protect accounts linked to AI applications by enabling MFA. This adds an extra security layer that requires more than just a password, like a text message code or biometric verification, to access your account. Using MFA significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access, even if your credentials are compromised.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Avoid using AI tools or interacting with sensitive data over public Wi-Fi networks, which are vulnerable to attacks. If you must use public Wi-Fi, employ a secure VPN to encrypt your connection. Public Wi-Fi networks are a hotbed for cybercriminals looking to intercept data, making it risky to interact with AI that has access to your personal information.

Keep AI Systems Updated
Keep all AI applications and tools updated to the latest version. Updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities discovered by developers or reported by users. Using outdated AI tools can expose you to security risks that newer versions would have protected against. Automatic updates are often an option worth enabling.

Restrict Permissions
AI applications often request permissions to access data on your devices, like location, microphone, or contacts. Only grant permissions that are absolutely necessary for the app to function. Review these permissions regularly and disable any that seem excessive or unrelated to the app’s intended functionality. Restricting permissions limits data collection and reduces your exposure.

Monitor Data Collection Settings
Regularly audit the data collection settings of any AI services you use. Many applications let you adjust how your data is gathered, used, and shared. Set these options to a minimum to enhance privacy. For voice-activated AIs, like virtual assistants, consider disabling always-listening features unless you need them.

Understand AI's Use of Data
Understand how the AI you use leverages your data to function. Some AIs require access to a lot of data to personalize services, while others can operate with minimal input. When you know what data is used and why, you can make better choices regarding the trade-offs between convenience and privacy, helping you limit exposure.