AI & Tech Confusion

Editors note 

Technology is now integrated into our lives.

Everything we do today involves technology.

We work on our laptops.

We eat from our internet based fridges.

We exercise with our wearables.

We sleep with our wearables.

We watch tv on our internet tv’s.

We drive our electric cars connected to our phones.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now integrated into most of our

daily lives.

The only difference this time is it is happening at warp speed.

We are deploying AI in everything we do, both at work and in our

personal lives.

In this ultra marathon our ability to protect

ourselves online, is becoming harder and harder to do, because

lets be honest most of us don’t know what we are doing.

Managing our Digital Footprint

When we hear technology risk or cybersecurity

Many of us will turn a blind eye.

Not for me, or sounds too complicated.

The reality is whether you are a corporate or just an individual

it has never been more important to manage your digital footprint.

Our digital footprint is best described as anything you use or put online.

This applies to both businesses and individuals.

Applications.

Photos, documents.

Music.

Fitness wearables - Apple and Garmin products.

Laptops, desktops, iPhone, iPad.

Instagram, snapchat, LinkedIn.

Online Games.

Netflix, YouTube.

Restaurant menus, booking systems, cinemas.

Tv’s, PlayStation, Nintendo.

You get the gist as I could go on forever.

My friend the other day said

he configured his phone and his fingerprint

to enter his car. Now his fingerprint data

is stored on the cloud.

The point is our lives are online.

But how comfortable are we that we have the relevant

skills to be able to protect ourselves.

When you add AI to the mix it becomes even more complicated

as we have decisions being made for us

without our input.

Is this good? Is it safe?

Sometimes, but as we know from history and case studies

Not always the case.

Same with crossing the road. Most times it is safe

but it depends how you cross the road?

Here are a few things I have learnt that I think are important for everyone.

You can do these today.

1. Use a Password Manager - Identify your most critical things online. If it is connected to the internet update your password using a Password Manager. Switch on MFA if available. I personally use Bitwarden. But there are plenty like LastPass, and even Apple have their own manager - if you use an iPhone. Nordpass, Keeper, 1Password, are all alternatives and come recommended.

2. Check that all of your applications are set to auto update. Applications whether they are on your phone or computer often require updates. This could be for fixes or identified vulnerabilities. Auto-updates mean whatever gap, hole or vulnerability is fixed without you needing to do anything. Failing to do this can leave your devices vulnerable.

3. Freeze your credit - This one I got from a podcast. Its a really good idea and it prevents people from stealing your identity and getting credit in your name. Another add on I would include here is temporarily lock all your credit cards - until you know you need them. Most often you can do this via your banking app.

4. 9 Seconds before you click on anything - I got this also from the same podcast - but the premise is stop and breathe before you click on anything. If you are not sure ask for help. Give someone a call, or ask a neighbour, son, daughter. If you are concerned about financials call your fraud hotline for your bank or service provider.

5. Limit your data online - There are services now online that scrub the internet. The premise here is to reduce your digital footprint and reduce the chances that publicly available data can be used against you.

6. Delete apps you don’t use - Go through your phone and delete or disable applications

7. Incognito is not private - Yes its private on your device and browser, but the website knows you have been there, and you have left a footprint.

8. Don’t post pictures of videos online when you are on holiday. The most obvious reason is people know you are away. But more sophisticated attacks are using the fact that you are overseas to launch targeted attacks on your friends and family to extort money. Example being: Someone pretending to be you and saying they are in trouble overseas, please wire me some money. Wait till you get home to post your pictures and videos - and still don’t put exact locations.

A few additional / optional ones if you have kids. I have two girls so these are important

1. Switch off messaging on kids iPad’s or phones. Personally our kids don’t have smart phones.

2. Switch on parental controls if available. The ones I have used are not that intuitive and a bit challenging to use, but they can give you some control over their browsing.

3. Make sure that apps are in private mode and only operate locally. When they are young I tend to not let them engage with open / public games. If you do switch off any forms of messaging.

4. Don’t allow apps to have access to cameras. I think this is a good one for adults as well. Use a camera cover on your laptop when you are not using.

• The above are applicable to everyone including businesses. They are foundational to staying safe online. Whilst there are nuances and differences to how you would apply this as a business versus an individual - the core principles stand true.

• Give these a try - even I needed a refresher. In this supersonic world we all forget, or we fall behind the new trend. That’s ok though.

• We are constantly learning and constantly upskilling. As someone said feel empowered to take action, and never feel embarrassed about what you didn’t know.

This weeks myth

Interesting Reading

Stuff to think about over coffee

AI chess playing robot breaks finger of 7 year old child. 

5 Digital risks for 2026 

A couple of different articles here. Both highlighting the importance of governance and control, regardless of automation or toolsets.

People very much have a role to play. The difference with technology innovation and AI is those roles have changed or adapted.

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Many thanks

Rohan