With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, concerns about the privacy of personal data have reached an all-time high. Generative AI is a type of AI that can generate new data from existing data, such as images, videos, and text. This technology can be used for a variety of purposes, from facial recognition to creating βdeepfakesβ and manipulating public opinion. As a result, itβs important to be aware of the potential risks that generative AI poses to your privacy. Β
In this blog post, weβll discuss how to protect your privacy from generative AI.Β
Generative AI is a type of AI that uses existing data to generate new data. Itβs usually used for things like facial recognition, speech recognition, and image and video generation. This technology can be used for both good and bad purposes, so itβs important to understand how it works and the potential risks it poses to your privacy.Β
Generative AI can be used to create deepfakes, which are fake images or videos that are generated using existing data. This technology can be used for malicious purposes, such as manipulating public opinion, identity theft, and spreading false information. Itβs important to be aware of the potential risks that generative AI poses to your privacy.Β
Generative AI uses existing data to generate new data, so itβs important to be aware of what data youβre sharing online. Be sure to only share data that youβre comfortable with and be sure to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication whenever possible.Β
There are a number of privacy-focused tools available that can help protect your data from generative AI. These include tools like privacy-focused browsers, VPNs, and encryption tools. Itβs important to understand how these tools work and how they can help protect your data.Β
Itβs important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in generative AI and privacy. Follow trusted news sources and keep an eye out for changes in the law that could affect your privacy.Β
By following these tips, you can help protect your privacy from generative AI. Itβs important to be aware of the potential risks that this technology poses and to take steps to protect yourself and your data.Β
Of course, the most important step is to be aware and informed. Research and organizations that are using generative AI and make sure you understand how they use your data. Be sure to read the terms and conditions of any contracts you sign and be aware of any third parties that may have access to your data. Additionally, be sure to look out for notifications of changes in privacy policies and take the time to understand any changes that could affect you.Β
Finally, make sure to regularly check your accounts and reports to make sure that your data is not being used without your consent. You can also take the extra step of making use of the security and privacy features available on your device. Taking the time to understand which settings are available, as well as what data is being collected and used, can help you protect your privacy and keep your data safe.Β
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This blog post was co-written with artificial intelligence (AI) as a tool to supplement, enhance, and make suggestions. While AI may assist in the creative and editing process, the thoughts, ideas, opinions, and the finished product are entirely human and original to their author. We strive to ensure accuracy and relevance, but please be aware that AI-generated content may not always fully represent the intent or expertise of human-authored material.Β
The post How to Protect Your Privacy From Generative AI appeared first on McAfee Blog.
Social media is part of our social fabric. So much so that over 56% of the global population are social media users to some degree or other. With all that sharing, conversing, and information passing between family and friends, social media can be a distinct digital extension of ourselvesβmaking it important to know how you can protect your social media accounts from hacks and attacks.Β
Beyond the sheer number of people whoβre on social media, thereβs also the amount of time we spend on it.Β People worldwide spend an average of 147 minutes a day on social media. With users in the U.S. spending just over two hours on social media a day and users in the Philippines spending nearly four hours a day, that figure can vary widely. Yet itβs safe to say that a good portion of our day features time scrolling and thumbing through our social media feeds.Β
Given how much we enjoy and rely on social media, nowβs a fine time to give your social media settings and habits a closer look so that you can get the most out of it with less fuss and worry. Whether youβre using Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or whatnot, here are several things you can do that can help keep you safe and secure out there:Β
Passwords mark square one in your protection, with strong and unique passwords across all your accounts forming primary line of defense. Yet with all the accounts we have floating around, juggling dozens of strong and unique passwords can feel like a taskβthus the temptation to use (and re-use) simpler passwords. Hackers love this because one password can be the key to several accounts. Instead, try a password manager that can create those passwords for you and safely store them as well. Comprehensive security software will include one.Β
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and others give you the option of making your profile and posts visible to friends only. Choosing this setting keeps the broader internet from seeing what youβre doing, saying, and posting, which can help protect your privacy.Β
Be critical of the invitations you receive. Out-and-out strangers could be more than just a stranger, they could be a fake account designed to gather information on users for purposes of cybercrime, or they can be an account designed to spread false information. There are plenty of them too. In fact, in Q3 of 2021 alone, Facebook took action on 1.8 billion fake accounts. Reject such requests.Β
Nothing says βthereβs nobody at home right nowβ like that post of you on vacation or sharing your location while youβre out on the town. In effect, such posts announce your whereabouts to a broad audience of followers (even a global audience, if youβre not posting privately, as called out above). Consider sharing photos and stories of your adventures once youβve returned.Β Β
Itβs a famous saying for a reason. Whether your profile is set to private or if you are using an app with βdisappearingβ messages and posts (like Snapchat), what you post can indeed be saved and shared again. Itβs as simple as taking a screenshot. If you donβt want it out there, forever or otherwise, simply donβt post it.Β
Weβre increasingly accustomed to the warnings about phishing emails, yet phishing attacks happen plenty on social media. The same rules apply. Donβt follow any links you get from strangers by way of instant or direct messengers. And keep your personal information close. Donβt pass out your email, address, or other info as well. Even those so-called βquizβ posts and websites can be ruses designed to steal bits and pieces of personal info that can be used as the basis of an attack.Β
Sadly, social media can also be a place where people pull a fast one. Get-rich-quick schemes, romance cons, and all kinds of imposters can set up shop in ads, posts, and even direct messagesβtypically designed to separate you from your personal information, money, or both. This is an entire topic to itself, and you can learn plenty more about quizzes and other identity theft scams to avoid on social media.Β Β
Some platforms such as Facebook allow users to review posts that are tagged with their profile names. Check your account settings and give yourself the highest degree of control over how and where your tags are used by others. This will help keep you aware of where youβre being mentioned by others and in what way.Β
Security software can protect you from clicking on malicious links while on social media while steering you clear of other threats like viruses, ransomware, and phishing attacks. It can look out for you as well, by protecting your privacy and monitoring your email, SSN, bank accounts, credit cards, and other personal information. With identity theft a rather commonplace occurrence today, security software is really a must.Β
Now you can point to a number that shows you just how safe you are with our Protection Score. Itβs an industry first, and it works by taking stock of your overall security and grading it on a scale of 0 to 1,000. From there, it calls out any weak spots and then walks you through the steps to shore it up with personalized guidance. This way, youβre always in the know about your security, privacy, and personal identity on social media and practically wherever else your travels take you online.
The post How to Protect Your Social Media Accounts appeared first on McAfee Blog.