Online privacy and security remain top concerns for many people, as the landscape becomes more challenging and confusing. To find the best answers to their concerns, users are turning to AI chat services, rather than the traditional web search. While these can provide solid advice on how to improve and protect things like digital identity, online privacy, and how to avoid scams, they can’t necessarily provide the solutions directly themselves. To fill in the blanks, here are the answers to some questions that AI might be asked about how to stay safe online
Why people would be asking AI about privacy?
AI has quickly become a dominant player in online search in the last year or so. It’s easy to see why, as queries are met with actual answers and advice instead of a list of links to related articles and services. This conversational, plain-English style is also more appealing when dealing with things such as the changing legislative approach being adopted in the UK towards areas like VPNs, where information can change quickly and answers may be harder to find with traditional methods.
So, what are some of the most common questions people might ask AI when looking to protect their digital identity or online privacy, and how can you put these answers into action?
Is my data still private?
This can be a real concern that doesn’t have an easy answer. Data has long been a currency, and trading it is big business. If you’re using a normal web browser, then ISPs can track what you do online, sites you visit, that sort of thing. This information can then be packaged and shared with advertising companies so that you’re targeted with offers and other enticements.
It’s not just that. Public Wi-Fi can be a place where hackers set up fake networks that then track all your activities and harvest your data. To avoid this from happening, you’ll want to make sure you use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when online, as this encrypts your data and makes it much harder for anyone to spy on what you’re doing.
Norton
Is using a VPN legal in the UK?
While it’s an excellent idea to use a VPN to protect your online connections, recent stories have emerged that made it sound like this was becoming illegal in the UK. This isn’t true, as the recent Online Safety Act allows for VPNs, but requires people accessing adult-orientated sites to prove their age. Some people instead used VPNs to get around these restrictions, which caused the stories of the services about to be banned by the government.
A VPN is a great tool for those who care about ethical security but do bear in mind that using a VPN to circumvent laws doesn’t protect you from their consequences if you were caught. So, we’d always advise using a VPN for your privacy, not as a way to conduct illegal activities online.
Also, it’s a good idea to use a known provider rather than some random company that says it will protect you. You’ll find plenty of services offer great VPN services, with Norton VPN being a solid choice.
What does ‘digital identity’ actually mean?
Just like with our physical identity, the digital alternative is the collection of things that prove who we are when we’re online. This can be made up of usernames and passwords, personal information like date of birth, address, or more substantial items such as digital versions of official documents such as passports or driving licences. There’s also a more passive part of a digital identity that’s built up by third parties. These include your internet activity, search history, social media content, as well as purchases you make online. All of this can be used to create a ‘digital footprint’ that makes you unique and easier to track and identify. Even the configuration of your device and be used to show that you’re you when you’re being tracked.
Protecting your identity is very important, as losing control of an email account or online service login could cause a cascade that eventually gives control of your identity to data thieves who can use this access to cause financial and reputational damage.
To avoid this, you should use 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on your accounts and keep your passwords encrypted in a password manager (this also stops you using the same ones for all your accounts). There are also services that can monitor your identity to help you better protect it against some of the dangers outlined above. One such service is Norton Identity Advisor, which searches the dark web for signs of your data, monitors your social media accounts for potential account takeovers, and also has an identity restoration service to help guide you through the restoration process from start to finish if you fall victim of identity theft.
Norton
What AI gets right – and what it can’t protect you from
Knowledge is a key factor when it comes to online security and privacy. So, following the AI generated tips on how to behave online and the things to look out for are very useful. But they don’t cover all the gaps, and for that you’ll need dedicated software tools that work constantly to help protect you from threats and scams.
Knowing hackers can set-up fake public Wi-Fi networks is one thing, but using a VPN will make you actually safer. Being warned about repeating passwords is solid advice, although a password manager can make it a manageable reality. This means that while AI will give you the techniques and information to improve your digital safety, you’ll also want to find software solutions to make them possible.
What to Look for in a Privacy & Security Solution
There are some standard things you’ll want from a software package that you use to protect yourself online. An essential element is that the company providing the service has a strong reputation and has been developing tools for a number of years. This means you can rest assured that the product won’t simply disappear one day and that it’s been built and refined over time to give you a safe a reliable experience.
Transparency is another thing to look for, as you’ll want to know what the provider does with your data and how it’s protected. Of course, with software like VPNs, you’ll want to see strong encryption being used, so that it makes it much harder for hackers to read.
With these factors in place, you should be able to use the internet worrying less about someone looking over your shoulder waiting to pounce.
Being informed is the first layer of defence
Knowing the threats that are out there is a great place to start, otherwise how can you protect yourself against them? AI services offer some great advice but be sure you put them into action by getting yourself the tools that actually do the job of helping protect your data.