Artificial intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence. These tasks include recognizing speech, making decisions, solving problems, and understanding natural language. AI systems use algorithms and data to learn from experience, improve over time, and make predictions or recommendations. AI can be divided into two categories: narrow AI, which is designed for specific tasks like voice assistants or facial recognition, and general AI, which hypothetically could perform any intellectual task that a human can. AI is increasingly used in various fields, such as healthcare, finance, education, and information technology, to enhance efficiency and automate complex processes.

While AI might offer 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: AI systems learn from user inputs, so refrain from sharing anything you want to keep private, like CMU’s restricted data or your personal details.
  • Tip: If you wouldn’t post it on social media, don’t share it with AI.
• Be Privacy Aware: 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 Attackers Use AI: Cybercriminals may use AI to fool you. 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.
  • 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: While AI can assist with tasks, 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.