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Chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and the recently released DeepSeek have revolutionized how we interact with technology, offering assistance with almost every task imaginable – from drafting e-mails and generating content to writing your grocery list while keeping it within your budget.

But as these AI-driven tools weave themselves into our daily routines, questions about data privacy and security are becoming harder to ignore. What exactly happens to the information you share with these bots, and what risks are you unwittingly exposing yourself to?

These bots are always on, always listening and always collecting data on YOU. Some are more discreet about it than others, but make no mistake – they’re all doing it.

So, the real question becomes: How much of your data are they collecting, and where does it go?

How Chatbots Collect And Use Your Data

When you interact with AI chatbots, the data you provide doesn’t just vanish into the ether. Here’s a breakdown of how these tools handle your information:

Data Collection: Chatbots process the text inputs you provide to generate relevant responses. This data can include personal details, sensitive information or proprietary business content.

Data Storage: Depending on the platform, your interactions may be stored temporarily or for extended periods. For instance:

● ChatGPT: OpenAI collects your prompts, device information, the location you’re accessing it from and your usage data. They might also share it with “vendors and service providers.” You know, to improve their services.

● Microsoft Copilot: Microsoft collects the same information as OpenAI but also your browsing history and interactions with other apps. This data may be shared with vendors and used to personalize ads or train AI models.

● Google Gemini: Gemini logs your conversations to “provide, improve, and develop Google products and services and machine learning technologies.” A human might review your chats to enhance user experience, and the data can be retained for up to three years, even if you delete your activity. Google claims it won’t use this data for targeted ads – but privacy policies are always subject to change.

● DeepSeek: This one is a bit more invasive. DeepSeek collects your prompts, chat history, location data, device information and even your typing patterns. This data is used to train AI models, improve user experience (naturally) and create targeted ads, giving advertisers insights into your behavior and preferences. Oh, and all that data? It’s stored on servers located in the People’s Republic of China.

Data Usage: Collected data is often used to enhance the chatbot’s performance, train underlying AI models and improve future interactions. However, this practice raises questions about consent and the potential for misuse.

Potential Risks To Users

Engaging with AI chatbots isn’t without risks. Here’s what you should watch out for:

Privacy Concerns: Sensitive information shared with chatbots may be accessible to developers or third parties, leading to potential data breaches or unauthorized use. For example, Microsoft’s Copilot has been criticized for potentially exposing confidential data due to overpermissioning. (Concentric)

Security Vulnerabilities: Chatbots integrated into broader platforms can be manipulated by malicious actors. Research has shown that Microsoft’s Copilot could be exploited to perform malicious activities like spear-phishing and data exfiltration. (Wired)

Regulatory And Compliance Issues: Using chatbots that process data in ways that don’t comply with regulations like GDPR can lead to legal repercussions. Some companies have restricted the use of tools like ChatGPT due to concerns over data storage and compliance. (The Times)

Mitigating The Risks

To protect yourself while using AI chatbots:

● Be Cautious With Sensitive Information: Avoid sharing confidential or personally identifiable information unless you’re certain of how it’s handled.

● Review Privacy Policies: Familiarize yourself with each chatbot’s data-handling practices. Some platforms, like ChatGPT, offer settings to opt out of data retention or sharing.

● Utilize Privacy Controls: Platforms like Microsoft Purview provide tools to manage and mitigate risks associated with AI usage, allowing organizations to implement protection and governance controls. (Microsoft Learn)

● Stay Informed: Keep abreast of updates and changes to privacy policies and data-handling practices of the AI tools you use.

The Bottom Line

While AI chatbots offer significant benefits in efficiency and productivity, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about the data you share and understand how it’s used. By taking proactive steps to protect your information, you can enjoy the advantages of these tools while minimizing potential risks.

Want to ensure your business stays secure in an evolving digital landscape? Start with a FREE Network Assessment to identify vulnerabilities and safeguard your data against cyberthreats.

Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!

Think ransomware is your worst nightmare? Think again.

Hackers have found a new way to hold your business hostage – and it may be even more ruthless than encryption. It’s called data extortion, and it’s changing the rules of the game.

Here’s how it works: They don’t bother encrypting your files anymore. Instead, they just steal your sensitive data and threaten to leak it unless you pay up. No decryption keys, no restoring your files – just the gut-wrenching fear of seeing your private information splashed across the dark web and facing a public data breach.

This new tactic is spreading like wildfire. In 2024 alone, over 5,400 extortion-based attacks were reported worldwide, an 11% increase from the previous year. This isn’t just ransomware 2.0. It’s a whole new kind of digital hostage situation.

The Rise Of Data Extortion: No Encryption Necessary

Gone are the days when ransomware simply locked you out of your files. Now, hackers are bypassing encryption altogether. Why? Because data extortion is faster, easier and more profitable.

Here’s how it works:

● Data Theft: Hackers break into your network and quietly steal sensitive information: client data, employee records, financial documents, intellectual property – you name it.

● Extortion Threats: Instead of encrypting your files, they threaten to publicly leak the stolen data unless you pay up.

● No Decryption Needed: Since they’re not encrypting anything, they don’t need to deliver decryption keys. This means they can dodge detection by traditional ransomware defenses.

And they’re getting away with it.

Why Data Extortion Is More Dangerous Than Encryption

When ransomware first hit the scene, businesses were mainly worried about operational disruption. But with data extortion, the stakes are much higher.

1. Reputational Damage And Loss Of Trust
If hackers leak your client or employee data, it’s not just about losing information – it’s about losing trust. Your reputation can be destroyed overnight, and rebuilding that trust could take years (if it’s even possible).

2. Regulatory Nightmares
Data breaches often trigger compliance violations. Think GDPR fines, HIPAA penalties or PCI DSS infractions. When sensitive data goes public, regulators come knocking with hefty fines.

3. Legal Fallout
Leaked data can lead to lawsuits from clients, employees or partners whose information was compromised. The legal fees alone could be catastrophic for a small or midsize business.

4. Endless Extortion Cycles
Unlike traditional ransomware, where paying the ransom restores your files, data extortion has no clear endpoint. Hackers can keep copies of your data and re-extort you months – or even years – later.

Why Are Hackers Ditching Encryption?

Simply put: It’s easier and more profitable.

While ransomware is still on the rise – with 5,414 attacks reported worldwide in 2024, an 11% increase from the previous year (Cyberint) – extortion offers:

● Faster Attacks: Encrypting data takes time and processing power. But stealing data is quick, especially with modern tools that allow hackers to quietly extract information without setting off alarms.

● Harder To Detect: Traditional ransomware often triggers antivirus and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions. Data theft, on the other hand, can be disguised as normal network traffic, making it much harder to detect.

● More Pressure On Victims: Threatening to leak sensitive data creates a personal and emotional impact, increasing the likelihood of payment. No one wants to see their clients’ personal details or proprietary business information on the dark web.

No, Traditional Defenses Aren’t Enough

Traditional ransomware defenses aren’t effective against data extortion. Why? Because they’re designed to prevent data encryption, not data theft.

If you’re relying solely on firewalls, antivirus or basic endpoint protection, you’re already behind. Hackers are now:

● Using infostealers to harvest login credentials, making it easier to break into your systems.

● Exploiting cloud storage vulnerabilities to access and extract sensitive files.

● Disguising data exfiltration as normal network traffic, bypassing traditional detection methods.

And the use of AI is making everything faster and easier.

How To Protect Your Business From Data Extortion

It’s time to rethink your cybersecurity strategy. Here’s how to get ahead of this growing threat:

1. Zero Trust Security Model

Assume every device and user is a potential threat. Verify everything – no exceptions.
● Implement strict identity and access management (IAM).
● Use multifactor authentication (MFA) for all user accounts.
● Continuously monitor and validate devices connecting to your network.

2. Advanced Threat Detection And Data Leak Prevention (DLP)

Basic antivirus won’t cut it. You need advanced, AI-driven monitoring tools that can:
● Detect unusual data transfers and unauthorized access attempts.
● Identify and block data exfiltration in real time.
● Monitor cloud environments for suspicious activity.

3. Encrypt Sensitive Data At Rest And In Transit

If your data is stolen but encrypted, it’s useless to hackers.
● Use end-to-end encryption for all sensitive files.
● Implement secure communication protocols for data transfer.

4. Regular Backups And Disaster Recovery Planning

While backups won’t prevent data theft, they’ll ensure you can restore your systems quickly in the event of an attack.
● Use offline backups to protect against ransomware and data destruction.
● Test your backups regularly to make sure they work when you need them.

5. Security Awareness Training For Employees

Your employees are your first line of defense. Train them to:
● Recognize phishing attempts and social engineering tactics.
● Report suspicious e-mails and unauthorized requests.
● Follow strict access and data-sharing protocols.

Are You Prepared For The Next Generation Of Cyberattacks?

Data extortion is here to stay, and it’s only getting more sophisticated. Hackers have found a new way to pressure businesses into paying ransoms, and traditional defenses just aren’t enough.

Don’t wait until your data is on the line.

Start with a FREE Network Assessment. Our cybersecurity experts will evaluate your current defenses, identify vulnerabilities and implement proactive measures to protect your sensitive information from data extortion.

Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!

Cyberthreats are evolving. Isn’t it time your cybersecurity strategy evolved too?

Mark your calendars: October 14, 2025 – the day Windows 10 officially reaches its end of life. After this date, Microsoft will no longer provide security updates, bug fixes or technical support for Windows 10. But what does this mean for your business applications and productivity tools?

If you’re still using Windows 10 after the cutoff date, it’s not just your operating system that will be at risk – your critical business applications could be affected too. Let’s break down what you need to know.

No More Security Updates = Major Vulnerabilities

Once Windows 10 support ends, there will be no more security patches. This means any vulnerabilities discovered after October 14, 2025, will remain unpatched, leaving your applications exposed to cyberthreats.

What This Means For Your Applications:

● Higher Risk Of Data Breaches: Without security patches, your applications will be more susceptible to hacking attempts, ransomware and other malicious attacks.
● Compliance Issues: If you’re in a regulated industry (e.g., health care or finance), running applications on an unsupported OS could lead to compliance violations and hefty fines.
● Productivity Disruptions: If a cyberattack compromises your systems, it could bring business operations to a standstill.

No More Feature Updates = Compatibility Issues Becoming Inevitable

As software vendors continue to release updates and new versions, they’ll eventually stop supporting Windows 10. This means your applications may no longer be compatible with your operating system, leading to:

● Frequent Crashes And Glitches: Applications may become unstable, crash frequently or fail to launch altogether.
● Feature Limitations: You might miss out on new features and functionality that are only available on supported operating systems like Windows 11.
● Security Gaps: Application updates often include security patches. If your OS is no longer supported, the latest security features won’t work, increasing your risk of cyberattacks.

No More Technical Support

It’s not just Microsoft ending support – third-party software vendors will follow suit. As Windows 10 becomes outdated, you’ll notice:

● No More Technical Support: Software vendors will stop providing customer support for their products running on Windows 10.
● Lack Of Integration With New Tools: Modern tools and applications will be optimized for Windows 11 and beyond, leading to compatibility issues and reduced productivity.
● Limited Hardware Compatibility: New peripherals and hardware may not have drivers compatible with Windows 10, limiting your ability to upgrade or expand your setup.

Performance And Productivity Will Suffer

Outdated systems can’t keep up with modern demands. As more advanced applications are developed, they require updated operating systems to run efficiently.

The Impact On Your Business:

● Slow Performance: Applications may run slower on outdated operating systems, affecting employee productivity.
● Increased Downtime: More frequent crashes and glitches lead to costly downtime.
● Maintenance Costs: Keeping legacy systems functional can require more IT resources and expenses, cutting into your bottom line.

What Should You Do?

To ensure your applications continue running smoothly after Windows 10 support ends, consider these steps:

1. Back Up Your Data – You don’t want to risk losing anything
2. Decide To Upgrade To Windows 11 Or Replace Your Computer

○ Check Compatibility: Not all devices will support Windows 11. You can use Microsoft’s PC Health Check tool to confirm.
○ Plan For Upgrades: Budget for new hardware if your existing devices are incompatible.

3. Partner With A Trusted IT Provider – RECOMMENDED

○ Get expert guidance on the best upgrade path for your business.
○ Ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your operations.
○ Implement security measures to protect your data throughout the upgrade process.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The end of Windows 10 support is closer than you think. Waiting until the last minute could leave your business vulnerable to cyberthreats, productivity bottlenecks and compliance issues.

Start with a FREE Network Assessment. Our experts will evaluate your current setup, identify application dependencies and help you create a seamless transition plan to ensure your business stays secure and productive.

Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today!

Don’t leave your applications to chance. Take action now to protect your business from the risks of outdated technology.