Virus removal or hacked toasters: people ask about cybersecurity
Millions of people rely on AI for cybersecurity advice, but in the process, they reveal their personal data.
Nearly 800 million people, about 10% of the world's population, use ChatGPT, and millions turn to it for advice on how to protect their online privacy and keep their digital lives secure. The most common questions reveal users' deepest digital fears: fraud, data leaks, and how to stay safe online. Ironically, many unwittingly share their personal data when seeking help.
NordVPN researchers reviewed the most common (and sometimes strangest) questions Mexicans ask ChatGPT. Here, they share some key findings from their investigations.
“While some questions are serious and insightful, others are very funny and strange, they all highlight a worrying reality: many people still don't properly understand cybersecurity. This knowledge gap leaves them exposed to fraud, identity theft, and social engineering attacks. Even worse, users unwittingly share personal data when seeking help,” says Marijus Briedis, CTO at NordVPN .
The 5 most common cybersecurity questions asked so far in 2025
In 2025, users are most concerned about three key areas of cybersecurity: protecting their personal information, keeping their online accounts secure, and maintaining privacy in their communications. These priorities are reflected in the most frequently asked questions:
- “How can I recognize and avoid phishing scams?”
- “How can I tell if my phone has been hacked?”
- “Does a VPN protect me from hackers?”
- "What should I do if I fall for online fraud?"
- “How can I protect my social media accounts?”
These concerns are valid, but they remain superficial. There are some impressively strange or misguided questions that also underscore a lack of basic understanding of digital security.
The most surprising cybersecurity questions people ask
Beyond reasonable concerns about online security, here are some of the strangest and most misguided questions users have asked:
- "Can hackers steal my thoughts through my smartphone?"
- "If I delete a virus by pressing the delete key, is my computer safe?"
- “Can my smart toaster join a botnet and attack me?”
- “If I whisper my password while typing, could hackers hear it?”
- "Can I be hacked if I charge my cell phone during a thunderstorm?"
These questions are good for a laugh, but they also highlight a deeper problem: many users don't understand the basics of how digital security works.
The real problem: users expose their personal data without realizing it
"While these questions can be fun, they also reveal a deeper problem: users often share personal information without realizing the risks," says Marijus Briedis.
Here are some of the most common types of personal information that users disclose:
- Full name and contact details. Users often include their full name, email addresses, or phone numbers, especially when requesting help with their email or account recovery.
- Location information. People often share their city, street address, or GPS coordinates when searching for local recommendations or troubleshooting.
- Social media profiles. Users may paste your profile links or username when seeking advice on account security.
- Financial information. Some users provide sensitive information such as bank account numbers, credit card information, or payment screenshots when seeking help with online payments.
- Login information. Occasionally, users share usernames, passwords, or even two-step verification codes when asking for help accessing their account.
The excessive and accidental sharing of sensitive information is a reminder that even when seeking cybersecurity advice, users should be cautious about the personal information they provide. After all, protecting privacy starts with knowing what they share. For added security, ChatGPT users can disable the use of data for training by going to Data Controls and turning off the Chat History and Training option .
“Why is this important? Because what may seem like a harmless question can quickly turn into a real threat,” says Briedis. “Scammers can exploit the information users share—whether it's an email address, login information, or payment details—to launch phishing attacks, hijack accounts, or commit financial fraud. A simple chat can end up compromising your entire digital identity.”
ABOUT NORDVPN
NordVPN is the world's leading VPN service provider, used by millions of internet users worldwide. NordVPN offers features like Dedicated IP, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN servers, and helps strengthen your online privacy with its zero-logs policy. One of the product's key features is Threat Protection Pro™, a tool that blocks dangerous websites, malware, trackers, and ads. The latest service from Nord Security, the company behind NordVPN, is Saily : a global eSIM service. NordVPN is easy to use and offers one of the best prices on the market. We are a VPN provider with coverage in 165 locations in 118 countries worldwide. For more information, visit https://nordvpn.com/en-mx/ .