Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Stay Safe Online When Using AI
October 09, 2024
Fred Smith
As we observe Cybersecurity Awareness Month, it’s crucial to recognize the dual-edged nature of artificial intelligence (AI). While AI offers remarkable capabilities that can enhance productivity and creativity, it also presents significant risks that users must navigate. This article provides essential tips to help you stay secure while leveraging generative AI, ensuring that you remain proactive and informed about potential threats.
Understanding the Risks of AI
AI systems are designed to learn from user inputs, which means that the information you provide can be used to train these models. This raises a critical question: how much of your personal or sensitive information are you willing to share? The general rule of thumb is simple: if you wouldn’t post it on social media, don’t share it with AI.
Mind Your Inputs
When interacting with AI, be mindful of the data you input. Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information, such as your workplace’s proprietary data or your personal identification details. The more cautious you are with your inputs, the less likely you are to expose yourself to potential data breaches or misuse.
Be Privacy Aware
AI models often scrape data from the web, which means that anything you share publicly could be collected and utilized by these systems. Before posting online, consider whether you would be comfortable with an AI having access to that information. This awareness can help you maintain your privacy and protect your personal data from being exploited.
The Dark Side of AI: Cybercriminals at Work
As AI technology evolves, so do the tactics employed by cybercriminals. Hackers can use AI tools to create convincing deepfakes—manipulated audio or video that can impersonate trusted individuals. This can lead to scams where criminals mimic a colleague’s voice to request money or harass individuals by distributing fake or altered images.
Stay Informed on Cybersecurity Best Practices
To combat these threats, it’s essential to stay updated on cybersecurity best practices. The use of AI by criminals underscores the importance of adopting the “Core 4” cybersecurity behaviors:
- Use strong, unique passwords: A password manager can help you create and store complex passwords securely.
- Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts, making it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.
- Keep software updated: Regular updates ensure that you have the latest security patches and features.
- Watch for phishing attempts: Be vigilant about suspicious emails or messages that may attempt to trick you into revealing personal information.
AI as a Tool, Not a Replacement
While AI can assist with various tasks, it’s vital to remember that it should complement your skills rather than replace them. Relying solely on AI-generated content can lead to a decline in your expertise and critical thinking abilities. Instead, treat AI as a helpful tool that can enhance your work while you maintain your own knowledge and creativity.
Embrace the Core 4
As generative AI continues to gain traction, adopting the “Core 4” cybersecurity behaviors is paramount for everyone. Here’s a quick recap:
- Use strong, unique passwords (and a password manager!)
- Turn on multifactor authentication for all accounts
- Keep software updated
- Watch for phishing
For more detailed information, you can refer to the Secure Our World — Stay Safe Online When Using AI Tip Sheet.
Conclusion
As we celebrate Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let’s commit to being vigilant and informed users of AI technology. By understanding the risks and implementing best practices, we can enjoy the benefits of AI while safeguarding our personal and professional information. Stay safe online, and remember that knowledge is your best defense against cyber threats.