How Safe Is Our Data in the AI Era?

January 28, 2025, was the annual Data Protection Day – an important reminder as to how valuable our personal data is and why we should actively protect it. In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into our everyday lives – from personalized search results to automated job application processes – a crucial question arises: how secure is our data really?

Many people use AI-supported tools on a daily basis, whether for text generation, image editing or automated job processes. But who thinks about the security risks? Our latest LinkedIn survey shows that the biggest concerns are distributed as follows: 

• 38% worry about the spread of fake news through AI-generated content. 
• 35% are afraid of unsafe use of personal data in AI systems. 
• 22% see the lack of transparency of algorithms as the biggest problem. 
• Only 5% have not yet thought about the risks. 

These figures clearly show that while AI offers numerous benefits, many people are also aware of the potential dangers. But where exactly are the risks? 

Data Security & AI Tools

Many AI models are trained with huge amounts of data - but where does this data come from? Personal information is often used without users actively knowing or consenting to this. Companies that use AI must therefore pay particular attention to data protection and transparency. 

Fake News Through AI

Thanks to generative AI, deceptively real texts, images, and even videos are just a click away. The risk: false information spreads rapidly and can cause political, economic or personal damage. Deepfake technologies in particular show how easy it is to create manipulated content. 

Non-transparent algorithms

Many AI systems influence which content we see, which jobs are suggested to us or which prices we are shown. Yet, there is often a lack of clarity about the rules according to which the algorithms work. In the absence of transparency, unfair, or discriminatory decisions can go unnoticed. 

What can you do to protect your personal data? We spoke to some of our IT security experts who recommend the following: 

1) Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

An additional security code makes it difficult for hackers to access your accounts. 

2) Update passwords regularly & choose strong combinations 

It's best to use a password manager to create secure passwords for each platform. 

3) Check app permissions & delete unused accounts 

Which apps have access to your data? Delete what you no longer need and minimize unnecessary risks. 

4) Critically scrutinize AI-generated content 

Don't blindly trust everything that AI-supported systems produce – check the sources before you pass on information. 

5) Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN 

This will prevent your data from being accessed on insecure networks. 

 Data Protection Day reminds us of something important: data protection is not a given – especially not in an era where AI is influencing more and more decisions. But with the right awareness and straightforward precautions, everyone can protect their data better. 

Our recommendation: Stay informed and be aware of how you handle your data. 

How do you see it? What data protection measures are you already implementing? Feel free to write to us if we should include another important tip on data protection.

Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash