Up to 61 percent of Finns are concerned about artificial intelligence – Expert shares seven tips for AI users

There is reason to be concerned about the cybersecurity threats posed by AI, as scammers have also discovered AI applications and are seeking to exploit them. AI enables scams to be carried out on a large scale, credibly and in a targeted manner, even without language skills. For example, it can add a personal and believable touch to phishing attempts.

“The biggest cybersecurity threats in AI use relate to privacy, the use of false information, and potential scams. Scammers can use AI for phishing, and personal data entered into AI systems may leak into the wrong hands. Unreliable AI applications may contain spyware or unauthorized data collection features,” says Ilkka Tuominen, Fraud Manager at DNA.

Recently, there has been growing concern about how AI can be tricked into executing harmful commands within services used by scam victims. These so-called “promptware” attacks aim to get AI to carry out malicious actions, such as phishing or distributing spam. These attacks are a clever way to deceive the AI itself.

“Cybersecurity threats affect AI use both at work and during leisure time, which is important to keep in mind,” Tuominen reminds.

Seven Tips for Using AI Securely

According to the Digital Life survey, 57 percent of respondents believe they will use AI within the next two years - an increase of eight percent from last year. As AI usage grows, so does the likelihood of cybersecurity threats, which everyone should be prepared for. These expert tips can help make your AI usage more secure:

1. Use AI services from reputable providers

Choose AI tools from providers with transparent operations and proven security. Do not install or allow others to install unknown applications on your device.

2. Avoid entering sensitive information

Refrain from submitting confidential or personal data into public AI services. Even with trusted providers, avoid entering address, banking, or health information into public AI tools. Internally customized AI systems within companies are safer in this regard.

3. Treat AI like any other software
This means protecting the application, keeping it up to date, and managing access rights in corporate use. The simplest and most universal cybersecurity advice also applies to AI: use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.

4. Remove unnecessary features

Disable features in AI applications that you don’t need. Removing unnecessary extensions and integrations reduces the risk of misuse.

5. Understand the risks of prompts
Be aware of the risks associated with AI prompts. AI can be a useful tool, but it is still an unreliable master. The desire to experiment is strong, and when users don’t fully understand the technology, they may copy prompts from websites. Be cautious with prompt formatting and avoid unknown sources unless you are sure of what you’re doing.

6. Approach results critically
This advice has been repeated often, but it bears repeating: critically evaluate the responses generated by AI. The answers may contain anomalies, so it’s important to validate critical outputs and check the links provided. If the results are used for decision-making, ensure that a human remains in control.

7. Log interactions
Finally, Tuominen recommends auditing and logging interactions with AI. By saving AI inputs, usage can be monitored, helping to detect potential misuse or data leaks.

Nearly one-third of respondents in the Digital Life survey said they use AI on smart devices, an increase of 12 percent from last year. It’s important to remember that regardless of the device used, computer or smart device, the same cybersecurity principles apply.

The Digital Life survey, conducted by DNA in collaboration with Nepa Insights, was carried out via an online panel between March 24–28, 2025. Its goal is to explore how Finns use various digital services and how digital equality is perceived. The annual survey received responses from 1,020 Finns aged 15 and older. The study has been conducted since 2013.
https://corporate.dna.fi/medialle/dnan-tutkimukset/digitaalinen-elama-2025 (in Finnish)

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