5 practical ways to keep your data safe from AI threats
Did you know that a single click can put all your personal information at risk?
Discover how to leverage artificial intelligence to safeguard your data without losing control.
Losing control over personal information is not always a matter of bad luck—it often results from everyday oversights, deceptive tactics, and increasingly sophisticated digital tools. In Colombia, the Police Cyber Center reported 77,866 crime complaints in 2024, of which 31,095 involved theft through digital means, 10,155 involved violations of personal data, and 4,716 involved website impersonation.
When data is compromised, the consequences are often immediate: identity theft, unauthorized access, fraud, and a domino effect that is difficult to halt.
Common Everyday Mistakes
Often, the breaking point is not a technical failure, but daily actions such as clicking a link without checking it, trusting a response without validation, or sharing sensitive information in the wrong place. Verizon’s Data Breach Investigations Report estimates that 68% of breaches involve a human element.
During Safer Internet Month, the conversation has evolved: it is no longer about whether we use artificial intelligence, but how to use it without compromising our personal data.
“Before trusting intelligence, verify the information or the tool,” advises Jaime Pérez, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at IFX.
Based on this principle, Pérez outlines five practical ways to use artificial intelligence as an ally in protecting personal information:
1) Use Recognized AI Platforms (and Be Wary of Imitations)
Some websites mimic well-known tools to capture information. The first layer of protection is choosing reliable AI platforms and avoiding “copies” or suspicious links received via messages. If something seems too easy, too “free,” or too urgent, the safest approach is to pause and evaluate.
2) Understand That AI Assists but Does Not Replace Good Habits
AI can support decision-making, but it cannot replace fundamental practices: think before you click, check where you are going, and maintain digital discipline. “Using AI on autopilot opens the door to human error, which remains the most targeted vulnerability,” warns Jaime Pérez, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence at IFX.
3) Always Validate: The Final Decision Lies with the User
AI can be highly accurate, but it does not have the final say. Protecting data means using AI to understand situations while always verifying before taking action: confirm the source, review the sender, be skeptical of “rushed” instructions, and never make sensitive decisions solely because a chat suggested them.
4) Do Not Paste Confidential Information into AI Chats
Avoid sharing sensitive data in AI conversations. Passwords, identification numbers, banking information, addresses, or any data that could cause harm if leaked should remain private. “Even with safeguards, every provider can be breached. The best protection is to avoid exposing what cannot be recovered,” adds Jaime Pérez.
5) Learn in Groups: Sharing Warning Signs Improves Security
Security is not only an individual responsibility. Pérez recommends forming a small group—family, friends, or colleagues—to share warning signs: fraud attempts, suspicious messages, unusual calls, or fake websites. This communication allows potential breaches to be detected before they affect others.
The executive concludes his recommendations emphasizing:
“The most important thing is to understand that the context we provide can determine whether the response is good or bad. One must strive to become an expert in how to query artificial intelligence to prevent data leaks.”
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