ChatGPT, a popular neural network-based language model, has gained widespread usage for a variety of tasks. However, for businesses, there are critical concerns regarding the privacy risks associated with its use. Here are four key privacy risks that businesses should be aware of:
1. Data breach on the provider’s side: While ChatGPT is operated by a tech giant, even they can fall victim to hacking or accidental data leaks. An incident occurred where ChatGPT users had access to other users’ chat histories, highlighting the vulnerability of data on the provider’s side.
2. Data exposure through chatbots: ChatGPT utilizes chats with chatbots to train future models. This means that any information shared in these chats, such as phone numbers, passwords, or trade secrets, may be stored and accessed by other users. This unintended memorization poses a significant privacy risk.
3. Malicious client usage: In regions where ChatGPT is blocked by authorities, users may resort to unofficial alternatives like programs, websites, or messenger bots that could potentially contain malware or spyware. These malicious clients can compromise user data, leading to theft or damage.
4. Account hacking: ChatGPT accounts are susceptible to compromise through phishing or credential-stuffing techniques. Attackers can gain access to user data, including chat histories, contacts, or files, and exploit them for malicious purposes.
To address these concerns, businesses must familiarize their employees with the risks associated with chatbot usage and establish clear guidelines for their usage. Establishing a thorough understanding of what data is confidential or personal, and should not be shared with chatbots, is crucial. Simultaneously, companies need to define specific rules for using these services, if permitted at all.
To maximize the benefits of chatbot usage while maintaining safety, experts from Kaspersky provide the following recommendations:
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Implement complex passwords for each account and avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names.
2. Beware of Phishing: Exercise caution when responding to unsolicited emails, messages, or calls that request personal information. Always verify the sender’s identity before sharing any sensitive data.
3. Educate Your Employees: Keep employees informed about the latest online threats and provide them with best practices for staying safe online.
4. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update operating systems, apps, and antivirus programs to ensure system security and access the latest security patches.
5. Limit Corporate Information Sharing: Exercise caution when sharing personal information on social media platforms or public forums and only provide it when necessary.
6. Verify URLs and Websites: Double-check website URLs before entering login credentials or making online purchases to prevent falling victim to phishing attacks.
The analysis conducted by Kaspersky reveals that the B2B sector generally maintains higher security and privacy standards compared to the B2C sector since they handle more confidential information. B2B solutions usually do not store chat histories or send data to the provider’s servers. Some solutions even operate locally within the customer’s network.
In conclusion, data loss poses a significant privacy risk for both users and businesses when using chatbots. Different chatbot providers, including ChatGPT, have varying privacy policies that explain their data usage, collection, storage, and processing. By following the recommended precautions and adopting stricter security measures, businesses can continue leveraging the benefits of chatbot usage while safeguarding sensitive information.
