A Cybersecurity Expert Warns Against Oversharing to AI Chatbots ...
I'm a security expert and a vice president of engineering at a content management system company, which has Netflix, Tesla, and Adidas among its clients. I think that artificial intelligence and its most recent developments are a boon to work processes, but the newer capabilities of these generative AI chatbots also require more care and awareness.
Interacting with AI Chatbots
Here are four things to keep in mind when interacting with AI chatbots like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, or Perplexity AI.
An important thing to remember when using these chatbots is that the conversation is not only between you and the AI. While using AI in the workplace becomes common for tasks like coding or analysis, it is crucial to follow your company's AI policy.
Beware of Oversharing
When interacting with AI chatbots, it is crucial to avoid oversharing personal information. Sharing details about finances or net worth with these Large Language Models (LLMs) can have serious implications. If in doubt about what details to share, ask yourself if you would post it on Facebook. If not, then refrain from uploading it to the LLM.
Protecting Confidential Information
Many companies, including my own, have strict policies regarding the type of information that can be shared with AI chatbots. Confidential items such as salaries, employee information, and financial performance should not be uploaded to any chatbot or LLM to prevent potential data breaches.
For coding tasks, AI-generated code must be checked by a human developer before storage. Despite the risks, a large percentage of companies do not have an established AI policy yet.
Differentiating AI Chatbots
Not all AI chatbots are built the same. While some like ChatGPT prioritize cybersecurity, others may lack necessary security measures. Homegrown chatbots found on websites may pose a higher risk of data breaches, especially when dealing with sensitive information like personal health data.
As AI chatbots become more humanlike, the temptation to share personal details increases. It is essential to exercise caution and avoid being too specific when interacting with any AI chatbot.
Do you have a story to share about your experience with AI in tech or cybersecurity? Share your experience by contacting us at [email protected].
