Many people say they turn to ChatGPT before even asking a friend. The AI tool has become a go-to resource for many seeking quick answers to all sorts of questions. However, experts advise against asking certain questions to ChatGPT, especially if they involve sharing personal information like your Social Security number, ID card, or home address. Furthermore, some questions can trigger a serious security alert, such as, “How can I do something illegal, violent, or harmful without getting caught?.”
You shouldn’t ask questions seeking ideas for launching a cyberattack or have the bot explain cybercrime techniques
In addition to a security alert, an account can also be suspended if the question asked triggers any kind of alert in the Artificial Intelligence tool. For example, obviously, you shouldn’t ask questions seeking ideas for launching a cyberattack or have the bot explain cybercrime techniques for compromising systems and stealing data, even out of curiosity. While it’s true that ChatGPT often refuses to obey these types of queries or questions, simply attempting to do so can result in an account being flagged. As OpenIA itself explains, this type of request does not “seek direct instructions to break the law, evade authorities, or harm other people,” at least not initially.
The data can be stored, used for AI training, reviewed by strangers, or leaked in a security breach
People shouldn’t be looking online for help to break the law or harm others. Even so, experts advise against seeking help with social engineering attacks or crafting convincing phishing emails for identity theft. Furthermore, people risk compromising their own personal identity. They end up exposing highly sensitive information directly to AI systems. What happens next? That data can be stored, used for AI training, reviewed by strangers, or leaked in a security breach.
It is recommended not to use ChatGPT to ask questions about the effectiveness of a company’s digital systems
It is important for citizens to know or remember that everything they write is not private. Hence the great sensitivity involved in sharing sensitive data. It is recommended never to use ChatGPT to ask questions about the effectiveness of a company’s or institution’s digital systems, providing data, graphs, or names of technological models. This puts extremely important company information at risk, information that can affect millions of people since, in many cases, the reach of these companies is enormous.
Even seemingly minor details can be gathered for malicious reconnaissance
Experts warn that disclosing this type of internal company or institutional information can have consequences for security configurations, and vulnerabilities can provide a roadmap for cybercriminals. Even seemingly minor details can be gathered for malicious reconnaissance. Remember that AI platforms operate under strict responsible use policies. So, let’s be responsible with this incredibly advanced technology.
The ChatGPT tool can be extremely useful, provided it’s used appropriately and within the correct parameters
Regarding the latter, it’s important to remember that you should never share personal or business information. Similarly, avoid making requests such as, “Summarize this confidential document,” or “Improve the code for this business algorithm attached below.” These types of inquiries often contain confidential information that could open the door to a large-scale hack. Therefore, the ChatGPT tool can be extremely useful, provided it’s used appropriately and within the correct parameters.
For everyone’s own safety, experts advise limiting oneself to a context of general knowledge, public information, requests for ideas on professional matters without private implications, or pure curiosity. Always remember that this is a very advanced technology that must be used responsibly.