5 Chapter 5: Staying Private and Safe Online
Simple Steps to Keep Your Info Secure Without Getting Overwhelmed
Using AI tools and the internet doesn’t mean giving up your privacy or automatically being scammed. With a few small changes to your devices and habits, you can enjoy the benefits of technology while keeping your personal information safe.
What Does “Privacy” Really Mean?
When we talk about privacy, we’re really talking about control over your information:
- Who sees your personal information
- Who can contact you
- What data is being collected and stored
AI-powered apps and websites might gather info to make suggestions. However, you can limit what they see and change your settings.
Common Privacy Risks (And How to Avoid Them)
| Risk | What It Looks Like | How to Stay Safe |
| Phishing emails | Messages asking you to “confirm info” or click links | Don’t click links from unknown sources. Delete the message |
| Over-sharing on social media | Posts about your location or routine | Use “Friends Only” privacy settings. Never post when you’re away from home |
| Unsecured apps or games | Free downloads that ask for camera, mic, or contacts | Only install from official app stores and check reviews |
| Microphone/camera always on | Smart devices listening when not needed | Turn off permissions in settings or unplug devices at night |
Tools & Settings You Can Use
| Tool | What It Does | Where to Find It |
| Privacy Settings | Choose who sees your info | In Facebook, Google, phone settings |
| Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) | Adds a second step when logging in | Offered by most email, bank, and shopping sites |
| DuckDuckGo | A private search engine that doesn’t track you | duckduckgo.com |
| HaveIBeenPwned.com | Tells you if your email was ever part of a data leak | Enter your email on the website to check |
Smart Habits for Everyday Online Safety
- Use strong passwords (and don’t reuse the same one everywhere)
- Be cautious with links and attachments in emails or texts
- Don’t share birthdays, addresses, or banking info in chat apps or online forms
- Keep a printed copy of your important logins in a safe place. It should be a hard copy, not on your computer.
Hypothetical Scenario: “Cleaning Up My Facebook”
Nancy, 72, used to post everything on Facebook including vacations, birthdays, what she cooked, and even her regular workout routine. After watching a safety talk at her library, she realized she was giving away more than she meant to.
With help from her niece, she:
- Switched her account to “Friends Only”
- Removed her phone number from her profile
- Turned off location tagging
Proactive Step: Review your Facebook or Google account settings with a trusted person.