GREENVILLE, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Many people turn to artificial intelligence for advice on their health, money and relationships. Cybersecurity experts warn what users type could be exposing their most sensitive information.
AI-powered digital security protection company, Aura, found 71% of people have told AI something they’d be embarrassed to tell their closest friend or partner.
Users describe how they use AI
Chris D’Amico, who spoke with FOX Carolina in downtown Greenville, uses AI chatbots for work and personal questions.
“More professionally, to ask questions about work, more like financial situations as well…even planning, like financial planning, it’s really useful,” D’Amico said.
D’Amico said he uses Claude most often, along with Grok and ChatGPT sometimes.
“I would say I use Claude, sometimes Grok, although I use Claude more than anything, I would say. Sometimes ChatGPT as well,” D’Amico said.
D’Amico said privacy is a concern, but that shouldn’t stop people from using AI.
“I think the benefits far outweigh the risk,” D’Amico said.
Expert warns about data profiles
Tom Clayton is president and COO of Aura, a company that sells AI-powered security tools. Clayton said people should consider what all their individual conversations can reveal together.
“They’re really treating AI like a confidant, and they’re sharing vulnerable topics about health, finance, relationships, major life decisions,” Clayton said.
Clayton said that information can build a profile over time.
“If that gets in the hands of the wrong people they can misuse it to have a tailor-made scam,” Clayton said.
Clayton said to keep passwords, bank information and Social Security numbers out of AI chats. He also said people should check their privacy settings and what outside accounts they’ve connected.
“The longer-term damage is what is scary about it,” Clayton said.
Deleted conversations may still exist
Deleting a conversation from chat history doesn’t necessarily mean every piece of information associated with it has been erased. How information is stored depends on the AI service and user settings. Experts say it’s worth checking those policies before sharing anything sensitive.
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