In our previous blog, we covered some of the top cybersecurity concerns that have been discovered when using ChatGPT for business purposes. The top concerns being privacy/non-compliance, malicious use, and misinformation. Catch up on our previous blog to learn more about the top cybersecurity concerns when using ChatGPT.
Now that we've learned about the possible vulnerabilities that lie ahead, how can a business owner or IT leader make sure that their organization is protected and prepared for the use of ChatGPT in the business space?
In this blog we will give some proactive advice on "future-proofing" your business for the use of tools like ChatGPT. Though it may be impossible to foresee all the risks that lay ahead, we can use what we’ve learned from the experience of others through news headlines and stories and build a list of protocols that may help keep your business protected. We can also use our understanding of the IT infrastructure and how it all connects to keep the core of your business as safe as possible.
Here are 10 tips to protect your business while using ChatGPT:
- Conduct a thorough risk assessment: Begin by assessing the potential risks associated with using ChatGPT internally for your specific business and industry. Identify the sensitive data that may be involved, the potential impact of a breach, and the specific security requirements of your organization.
- Implement strong access controls: Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to ChatGPT and any associated data. Use strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication and enforce least privilege principles, granting employees only the necessary permissions. If your organization has decided to block the use of ChatGPT, request that your IT personnel block access to the ChatGPT website on your business network and devices.
- Choose a reputable and secure provider: There are many AI solutions that are integrated with ChatGPT. Some popular examples include Duolingo, Wix, and Expedia, but at this point there are hundreds. Although ChatGPT itself might be safe to use, a third-party solution could be compromised or have a malicious intent. If you are utilizing a third-party provider or platform that uses ChatGPT, carefully evaluate their security practices and track record. Choose a provider that prioritizes data security, employs encryption, and has a strong reputation for safeguarding customer data.
- Secure data transmission: There has been an increase of incidents where a malicious actor will create a site that looks like ChatGPT thereby redirecting an unsuspecting user to their site to gain any information that is entered or download a malicious payload. Make sure you’re using ChatGPT at the following link – https://chat.openai.com. Do not search for ChatGPT using a search engine, as there is a possible risk of navigating to one of these fake websites
- Regularly update and patch all systems: ChatGPT does not need any type of updates, as the version that you will be using will be the latest version updated by OpenAI, however this does not mean that any plugins, source code, or third-party integrations are up to date. Keep software and any underlying infrastructure up to date with the latest security patches or updates. Regularly check for updates provided by the vendor or programmers and promptly apply them to address any known vulnerabilities.
- Monitor for unusual behavior: Implement monitoring mechanisms to detect any unusual or suspicious activity related to ChatGPT. This can include monitoring access logs, analyzing system behavior, and setting up alerts for potential security incidents.
- Employee awareness and training: Educate employees about the potential cybersecurity risks associated with ChatGPT and provide training on best practices for using the technology securely. This includes raising awareness about phishing attacks, social engineering, and other common tactics employed by cybercriminals.
- Regularly audit and review: Conduct regular audits and security reviews of your ChatGPT implementation. Assess the system's security controls, review access privileges, and verify that data handling processes align with relevant data protection regulations.
- Data privacy and compliance: Ensure that the collection, storage, and handling of any user data comply with applicable data protection laws and regulations. Implement appropriate consent mechanisms and establish data retention and deletion policies. This is especially important for HIPAA, NIST/DFARS, FINRA and SEC regulations.
- Incident response plan: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a security incident or breach involving ChatGPT. This plan should include protocols for reporting, containing, and mitigating the impact of any security issues.
By implementing these proactive measures, a business can significantly mitigate the cybersecurity risks associated with the internal use of ChatGPT. This fosters a secure environment that not only safeguards sensitive data but also enables the seamless incorporation of technology to enhance various aspects of internal operations. ChatGPT also has a resource page for their safety standards here.
When it comes to adopting new technologies, the significance of a knowledgeable partner cannot be overstated. Having the right partner by your side can mean the difference between making positive headlines and facing potential pitfalls. At Techmedics we specialize in aligning businesses with the latest advancements in technology. By partnering with us, we can help you understand the possible implications for your business.
We understand the underlying technology infrastructure of a business and how these innovative technologies can affect it. By understanding the infrastructure of your business and how these new technologies are built on it, we can help explore new possibilities. If you are interested in learning more about how Techmedics can consult your business on leveraging AI technology safely and effectively, contact us today.
Let us help guide your business toward a secure and thriving future.
