October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. So, all month long, we’re offering tips to bolster your cyber-savviness. This week it’s all about responsible use of AI.
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and their many browser-plugin cousins are undeniably impressive. They summarize articles, fix awkward grammar, generate fake Oscar speeches, and (let’s be honest) make you feel like a productivity genius.
But here’s the catch: They’re not private, they’re not secure, and they don’t defer to common sense, by default.
Even when AI tools feel like personal assistants, remember:
- They’re powered by external infrastructure you don’t control
- They may retain or reuse your input (even anonymized)
- They’re often integrated with cloud platforms that request sweeping access permissions (like “read/write all emails and documents”)
So let’s talk about how to stay smart while staying efficient.
Responsible AI Use:
Here’s your digital citizenship cheat sheet:
- ❌ Don’t paste private data into public AI tools.
That includes names, emails, social security numbers, rosters, financial records, counseling notes, HR content, or anything else labeled “sensitive” or “non-public.” Even if you remove names, context can still reveal more than you think. - ✅ Only use tools approved by your organization.
Not sure what’s approved? Check with your IT or leadership team. - 🧠 Think of AI as an overconfident intern.
It’ll sound great. It’ll be fast. And it might be wildly wrong or accidentally plagiarized. Proofread everything. Check citations. Don’t trust AI with nuance or policy.
⚠️ Bonus Nerd-Level Tips:
- Don’t authorize random Chrome extensions or Gmail add-ons that claim “AI-enhanced” features without reviewing their access scopes. Some request full read/write permissions on your email, Drive, or calendar.
- Avoid pasting meeting transcripts, congregant letters, or donor records into AI prompts – even if it’s “just for tone.”
Final Word:
AI is a powerful tool. But like all powerful tools (e.g. chainsaws, nail guns, board votes), you should only use it when you understand the risks. Treat AI with curiosity, creativity, and caution.