Can my toaster hack me?: The most unusual questions about cybersecurity that Chatgpt receives

In a context where Artificial intelligence is consolidated as a key tool in digital life, More and more users go to platforms such as ChatGPT To solve doubts about cybersecurity. According to a recent one Nordvpn studyalmost 800 million people use the popular Openai chatbot, and millions of them do so specifically to protect their online privacy.

However, the report reveals a worrying contradiction: While looking for tips to protect themselves, many users end up sharing sensitive informationexposing themselves unintentionally to even greater risks.

«Many of the questions we receive are intelligent and relevant, but others are absolutely crazy. And, behind humor, there is a reality that we cannot ignore: many people still do not understand how cybersecurity works, ”he explains Marijus Briedis, Cto de Nordvpn.

The 5 most frequent questions about cybersecurity in 2025 to chatgpt

NordvPN identified the most common concerns that Spanish users raise to ChatgPT, all centered on three main axes: Protection of personal information, online accounts and privacy in communications.

• How can I recognize and avoid phishing scams?
• Is it safe to use a public wifi network?
• What is a VPN for and I really need it?
• What do I do if they have hacked or leaked my data?
• What messaging apps are safer in terms of privacy?

These consultations reflect an increasing awareness about digital threats, but also an urgent need for deeper training and technological education.

The strangest questions to chatgpt

The study also reveals some of The most unusual questions (and poorly founded) that they receive in the context of cybersecurity. Among some of them there are examples such as:

• Can hackers steal my thoughts via mobile?
• If I erase a virus by pressing the ‘Delete’ key, I’m already safe?
• Can my intelligent toaster be part of a robot network and attack me?
• If my password whispers while writing it, can hackers hear it?
• Can you hack me if I charge the phone during a storm?

Although first they may seem questions with some grace, the truth is that they are a Reflection of a lack of digital education That, in practice, leaves the door open to real threats.

The greatest risk: share personal data without noticing it

Beyond the anecdotal, the background problem is presented as something much more serious. According to Nordvpn, users, in their attempt to get help, They end up sharing confidential information, including:

• Full name, email or telephone number
• Exact location (city, street, GPS)
• Links to Social Network Profiles
• Financial data such as account numbers or payment catches
• User names, passwords and authentication codes

«What begins as an innocent question can end in a Phishing attack, in the kidnapping of an account or in a financial fraud. And all for not being aware of the type of information we are delivering », ADVIERTE DRIEDIS.

From NordVPN They recommend being selective with the data that is shared, even when using apparently safe platforms such as Chatgpt. For the most concerned about their privacy, OpenAI allows to disable the use of model training data From the “data controls”, as well as deactivating the conversation history.

A call to education and reflection

In the Age era, Cybersecurity not only depends on having good tools, but knowing how to use them. Chatgpt’s popularity as a source of help to protect digital life is a positive phenomenon, but only if it is accompanied by a clear awareness about the risks involved in sharing personal information, even in automated environments.

Protecting our digital identity begins to know what we share and with whom. Because, as the NordvPN report remembers, even an innocent question can open a door to cybercrime.