We’re hearing more and more about AI being used to scam, manipulate, and deceive. Fake emails. Fake voices. Fake offers that look just real enough to trick you. And it’s scary.

But here’s the thing most people are missing… The same AI that threatens you can also protect you.

Don’t avoid AI, rather use it wisely:

A lot of people think the safest approach is to stay away from AI completely. But that’s no longer realistic. AI is already part of our daily lives, in our phones, our inboxes, our social media, our work.

(And yes, I TOTALLY used Copilot to help me write this blog. I was inspired on a call with a client, while showing them how to use Copilot to find 20 things they could teach their children to protect themselves, and then realized I should put it out there, because many people simply don’t think that far. So “thank you Copilot”, for helping me reach and help people, FASTER!!! ❤️. I had the empathy and idea, I wrote 80% of it > Copilot helped me rewrite it, I reviewed it, I published it.)

So, the real question becomes: “Are you facing it alone… or are you using it to your advantage?”

Your new habit: Pause. Ask. Review. Act.:

Before you trust anything online:

  • Pause
  • Ask Copilot
  • Review
  • Then act

It’s that simple.

Real-life ways AI can protect you:

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to ask.

  • Got a strange SMS? → “Is this message a scam? Explain why.”
  • Email feels “off”? → “What red flags are in this email?”
  • Too-good-to-be-true deal? → “Is this company legitimate? What should I check?”
  • Suspicious link? → “What are the risks if I click this?”

Within seconds, you have a second opinion — one that isn’t emotional, rushed, or distracted. “Before you react… ask Copilot.”

Family protection angle:

  • Teach kids: “Don’t trust links, ask Copilot first”
  • Protect elderly parents from scams
  • Use Copilot as a “second opinion brain” before clicking, paying, sharing

“You don’t need to be tech-savvy to be safe, you just need to ask smarter questions.”

The “Pause → Ask → Review → Act” rule:

Before you trust anything digital:

  • Pause
  • Ask Copilot
  • Review
  • Then act

Change Fear into Empowerment

Old mindsetNew mindset
“AI is dangerous”“AI can protect me”
“I don’t understand scams”“I can validate in seconds”
“I might fall for this”“I have a co-pilot checking with me”

Accessibility

“AI safety is no longer reserved for experts, it’s available to anyone willing to ask.”

  • Don’t have a company Microsoft 365 account with Copilot? No problem.
  • Don’t have a paid Copilot license? Still no problem.
  • There’s a free consumer version of Copilot available to anyone with internet access: 👉 Microsoft Copilot: Your AI companion

Important: Use the consumer version for personal use and everyday decision-making, not for sensitive company information.

“Your safest habit? Curiosity before action.”

Closing:

I’ve realised that I’m so much more than my job. And so are you. Let Copilot help you be a better human, a better friend, partner, parent. Use it to give yourself back something we’re all running short on: time.
– Time to breathe.
– Time to be present.
– Time to actually appreciate life.

In this video Digital transformation: Are you ready for exponential change? futurist Gerd Leonhard explains it so well (and believe it or not, this was published 10 years ago, nearly to the day, on the 11th of May 2016 – still SO relevant). “Anything that cannot be digitized or automated, will become extremely valuable.” And if you don’t know this yet, we are talking about YOU.

I’m excited to do this with you. And spoiler alert, Nistasja van Deventer has some incredible insights to share on this topic as well… so watch this space.

Stay awesome. Chat soon. ❤️🤘

Author’s note: With over 1 000 blogs published, there’s simply not enough time (or wine 🍷) to retroactively update older posts every time features change. I always try to clearly state which version I’m using, so you can easily research what may be new or different from the images or videos I’ve shared. All Copilot‑related blogs I write are based on the Microsoft 365 Copilot for Business add‑on license that I currently use (most prompts are available with the “free included Copilot” which I regularly test in). Where applicable, it will state whether the action / prompt is possible with the Copilot Chat included in your standard Microsoft 365 license.

Microsoft Resources:

Other Copilot related blogs I’ve written:

Copilot Adoption, Tech Readiness & Licensing:

Copilot Prompts and Learning:

“Build confidence, boost creativity, and let Copilot do the heavy lifting. Your journey from beginner to brilliant starts with one good prompt. SuperZero to SuperHero in no time!” Join our Copilot Zero to Hero program here: Copilot: Zero to Hero: AI Supercharged #LearningThroughSharing #Community #Microsoft

Contact me:

Do you need help with your #Microsoft365 #Copilot journey? Contact me.

Please DO NOT contact me to publish blogs on your behalf, advertise on my site, endorse your product or solve a problem you have (that could have been solved by posting on an online forum). As part of the #Micosoft365 #Copilot #Community, we work really hard on content and support that we give back to you, for free – because we really do care. You are always welcome to leave (relevant) comments on my blogs / videos, and I’ll respond, as this way, others also get value from it. 

Stay awesome, keep learning, help others.