With AI‑powered services, smart devices, and always‑on digital tools now embedded into daily life, global cybersecurity company Kaspersky has urged users to rethink outdated online safety practices. The company warns that traditional habits formed even a few years ago may no longer protect against emerging threats such as AI‑driven scams, data‑harvesting trends, and increasingly sophisticated digital manipulation techniques.
Kaspersky experts outlined five practical steps individuals can take to stay secure as AI reshapes how people communicate, work, and interact online.
A key recommendation is to scrutinize verification requests. Attackers increasingly imitate legitimate prompts, urging users to confirm accounts or approve fake login attempts. Because people have grown accustomed to constant notifications, Kaspersky recommends pausing before responding and validating requests directly through official channels.
“Technology evolves quickly, and our online behaviour should keep pace.”
— Brandon Muller, Technical Expert, Kaspersky
The company also advises developing responsible AI usage habits. Many popular AI tools require users to upload images, text, or files often without fully understanding how the data may be stored, repurposed, or used to train future models. High‑resolution facial images, for instance, can act as biometric identifiers. Users are urged to minimize personal data shared with AI platforms and avoid uploading sensitive or confidential material.
For families, Kaspersky highlights that children may increasingly use AI applications for homework or entertainment without recognizing privacy risks. Encouraging open discussions about responsible AI usage and data sharing can help build safe online behaviour early on.
Another recommendation is to audit digital subscriptions and dormant accounts, which often retain personal data long after they are forgotten. Regular cleanup can reduce exposure if one of these services suffers a breach.
Finally, Kaspersky emphasizes securing devices and home networks, particularly older devices no longer receiving updates. Ensuring firmware is current, enabling multi‑factor authentication, and replacing default passwords on connected devices all reduce the risk of compromise.
“As technology and AI become more integrated into daily life, security is less about dramatic measures and more about consistent, informed habits,” said Kaspersky expert Brandon Muller.
