UCSB is participating in UC Cybersecurity Awareness Month (UCCAM) during the month of October. The goal of UCCAM is to increase systemwide awareness about cybersecurity and to educate our campus community on ways to better protect yourselves and your devices from cyber-attacks. This week we will focus on safely utilizing AI technology.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is more integrated into our daily lives than we might think. Whether through smart home devices or predictive text in emails, AI has become an essential part of the technology we rely on every day. AI not only enhances convenience but also plays a significant role in improving cybersecurity. For instance, email services like Gmail use AI to filter spam, adding a layer of security against phishing emails. 

While AI technologies such as chatbots are extremely effective for assisting with tasks and answering questions, it’s important to be aware of the potential privacy and security risks associated with them. Here are some key tips for using AI services safely: 

  1. Be cautious about the data you share: Before using AI chatbots or any AI-powered services, carefully consider the information you are submitting. Once you provide personal or sensitive data to an AI service, you lose control over where it might be stored or how it could be used in the future.
  2. Avoid sharing personal information: Do not share personal information such as your home address, phone number, social security number, or government-issued ID numbers with AI tools. These details could be at risk of exposure if the AI platform isn’t secure.
  3. Understand AI policies and regulations: It is essential to be aware of the AI policies and regulations in place at the organization or institution you are working with. You can check out UCOP's Presidential Working Group On Artificial Intelligence to better understand how the University is handling the integration and utilization of artificial intelligence. 
  4. Protect confidential or proprietary information: If you work with sensitive or proprietary data, avoid discussing it with public AI chatbots. These systems may not have adequate security measures in place to protect your information.
  5. Use enterprise or educational AI versions: When possible, use enterprise or educational AI services. These versions are designed to keep your organization's data secure and prevent it from be
  6. Be mindful of intellectual property: Be cautious when sharing original ideas with AI chatbots, as anything you provide may be accessible to others. If you want to protect your intellectual property, refrain from sharing it with AI unless you are comfortable with the possibility of it being used more broadly.

Don’t forget to check out UCSB’s lineup of UCCAM events this month! Students, staff, faculty, family, and friends are all encouraged to join and learn. The UC Cyber Champions group also has a full list of systemwide events occurring throughout October. We appreciate your engagement and hope you stay cyber safe!