Staying Safe Online with AI: Tips for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live, work, and interact online, offering incredible opportunities for efficiency and innovation. But with AI's rapid rise, it's essential to stay mindful of the risks it brings to your digital security. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, let's dive into some practical tips to ensure you use AI tools safely and securely.

Mind Your Inputs

AI systems learn from the information users provide. That means you should be careful about what you share with AI tools—whether it’s personal data or sensitive company information. A good rule of thumb is: If you wouldn’t post it on social media, don’t share it with AI.

Know How Hackers Use AI

Cybercriminals are also leveraging AI to their advantage. AI tools can create convincing "deepfakes" that mimic someone’s voice or image. Hackers could use these deepfakes to impersonate trusted individuals to steal money or damage reputations. Stay vigilant against these threats and continue to follow the "Core 4" cybersecurity practices:

• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Enable multifactor authentication (MFA).
• Keep your software updated.
• Watch for phishing attempts.

AI is a Tool, Not a Replacement

While AI can assist with various tasks, it’s important to remember that AI-generated content doesn’t replace human expertise. Whether it’s helping with customer service or creative projects, rely on your judgment and skills to verify the output. Think of AI as a helpful tool rather than a replacement for your skills.

Be Privacy Aware

AI models often gather data from the internet to generate content, and some of what you share publicly could be replicated by AI systems. Think twice about what you post online—once it’s out there, it could become part of an AI dataset, whether you intended it or not.

Follow the Core 4 for Better Security

With AI playing a growing role in our daily lives, maintaining strong cybersecurity habits is more important than ever. To protect yourself online, always remember the "Core 4" behaviors:

• Use strong passwords (consider using a password manager).
• Turn on MFA for an extra layer of protection.
• Keep your software up to date to avoid vulnerabilities.
• Recognize and report phishing attempts to prevent falling victim to cyberattacks.

By adopting these practices and staying informed about the role of AI in cybersecurity, you can enjoy the benefits of AI while keeping your digital world secure. Share these tips with friends and family to help them stay safe too!

For more information on cybersecurity and staying safe online, visit CISA’s "Secure Our World" campaign at CISA.gov.

Teknologize is a SOC 2 certified, Professional Technology Services company with clients throughout the Pacific Northwest. We have offices located in:

• Tri-Cities, Washington 509.396.6640
• Yakima, Washington 509.396.6640
• Bend, Oregon 541.848.6072
• Seattle, Washington 206.743.0981

Questions about your IT or Cybersecurity? Give us a call today!