AI Best Practices: How To Securely Use Tools Like ChatGPT

AI is a type of computer technology that makes machines “smart.” It helps machines perform tasks with human-like intelligence. Take ChatGPT, for example. Just type in what you want it to write — a song about your dog, for instance — and it generates one in seconds. Now, people are using this technology to help with their jobs.

AI is a valuable business tool. It can analyze data, generate reports, and even write code. But before you use any app, you need to understand the inherent security risks associated with AI. AI is useful but can also be a huge cybersecurity and privacy risk. So it’s important to understand what it is and the best practices you should employ to use it safely.

An AI tool is only as good as the data it uses, if the data is old or incomplete, the content it generates could be biased, inaccurate or just plain wrong. It does save you time, but can run the risk of generating code that could very well have errors that cause it to be unstable or insecure.

• Never input personal identification information (PII): Don’t use any protected data or personal information when utilizing or experimenting with AI. For instance, say you have a confidential sales report and want to generate a summary using AI. You upload the report, but now the data that you entered is stored on ChatGPT’s servers — and it will use that data to answer queries from other people, possibly exposing your company’s confidential information.
• Be cautious when using photo editors
• Verify the data you get from the tool before using it
• Stay vigilant against phishing attacks
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about the capabilities and limitations of the AI chatbot you are using. Understanding what it can and cannot do will help manage your expectations.
• Check for Authentication: Ensure that you are interacting with a legitimate AI chatbot from a reputable source. Scammers sometimes use AI chatbots to impersonate trusted entities.
• Protect Sensitive Data: Avoid discussing or sharing sensitive personal or financial information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers, with AI chatbots.
• Verify Information: If you receive important information or advice from an AI chatbot, cross-verify it from multiple sources before making decisions based on it. AI chatbots may not always provide the most up-to-date or accurate information.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any AI chatbot that seems to engage in malicious or harmful activities, such as phishing attempts or spreading false information, report it to the relevant authorities or platform administrators.
• Guard Against Overreliance: While AI chatbots can be helpful, they should not replace critical thinking and human judgment. Use AI chatbots as a tool to assist you, but don’t solely rely on them for important decisions.

Your security, our priority.