In recent years, generative AI has taken center stage in the technological landscape, transforming industries from entertainment to finance. This powerful tool creates content by learning patterns from vast datasets, enabling businesses and individuals to innovate like never before. However, navigating the world of generative AI requires a balanced approach, ensuring its benefits without compromising safety.
Generative AI is a subset of artificial intelligence that focuses on creating data similar to what it has been trained on. Unlike traditional AI, which identifies patterns to make predictions or classifications, generative AI can produce new, original content. From generating realistic images and text to composing music, this technology opens doors to creativity and efficiency previously unimaginable.
While AI offers valuable capabilities, always remember to stay proactive and educated about the risks. Here are essential tips to ensure you stay secure while using generative AI.
MIND YOUR INPUTS
The quality of AI outputs depends heavily on the data it is fed. Unethical or inaccurate data can lead to biased or erroneous results. It’s vital to ensure that the information used to train AI models is diverse, ethical, and accurate. Since AI systems learn from user inputs, refrain from sharing anything you want to keep private, like your workplace’s company data or your personal details.
TIP: Avoid sharing sensitive or confidential information with AI models – if you wouldn’t post it on social media, don’t share it with AI.
BE PRIVACY AWARE
Generative AI can inadvertently infringe on privacy if it processes sensitive personal data without consent. Implementing robust data protection measures and being transparent about data usage are essential in safeguarding privacy. Since AI models often scrape data from the web, what you share publicly online may be copied, in whole or in part, by AI tools.
TIP: Think about what you share with a wide audience – would you want an AI to have it?
HOW HACKERS USE AI
Many cybercriminals are now using AI to fool you. They can exploit generative AI to create convincing phishing scams or launch AI-driven attacks. Public tools can mimic a person’s voice or image (this is sometimes called a “deepfake”). Criminals can make a voice call to mimic a trusted person and steal money or to harass people by posting fake or modified images and videos. Businesses must stay vigilant, regularly updating their security protocols to protect against these threats.
TIP: Stay updated on cybersecurity best practices. Criminals using AI as a tool makes it more important that everyone protect themselves using the core 4 behaviors: strong passwords, MFA, software updates, and reporting phishing.
AI IS A TOOL
Although AI can augment decision-making, it should not replace human judgment. Individuals must maintain accountability for AI-driven actions, ensuring ethical and responsible use of technology. AI is great for assisting with tasks. However, it’s important to maintain your expertise and not rely solely on AI-generated content. Prompting isn’t the same as creating!
TIP: Treat AI as a helpful tool rather than a replacement for your skills.
CYBERSECURITY AWARENESS MONTH
Generative AI holds immense potential for innovation and growth, but its safe usage requires vigilance and understanding. By addressing key safety concerns and implementing best practices, businesses and individuals can leverage AI’s capabilities while minimizing risks. Adopt the “Core 4” cybersecurity behaviors to keep your data secure. Use strong, unique passwords (and a password manager!), turn on multifactor authentication for all accounts, keep software updated and watch for phishing. Let’s continue to explore this exciting technology responsibly and ethically. Stay safe out there!
Written by: Chris Zambuto | Chief Information Security Officer @CMITBostonCambridge
