As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more widely used in workplaces and daily life, Brock’s Information Technology Services (ITS) team is sharing tips to help users protect their privacy and University data.

Faculty, staff and students are advised to:

• Verify suspicious videos or calls, including those who appear to be friends, family or colleagues, as criminals can now create convincing voice clones or faked videos. Users can confirm someone’s identity by calling them on a known number and establishing safe words to use during suspicious calls.
• Avoid sharing sensitive or personally identifiable information when interacting with third-party products, especially those that are not University-approved, to safeguard both personal and University data.
• Verify the legitimacy of apps, downloads, browser extensions or emails related to AI as cybercriminals often create fake, malicious versions of popular tools to exploit users. Users should always contact the ITS team before installing AI apps or browser extensions.

Beyond protecting their privacy and sensitive information, users are also advised to check the accuracy of AI-generated information as these tools are not always reliable and can produce biased or incorrect results.

Faculty and instructors can find guidance on the use of generative AI in teaching and learning at Brock on the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation website. Guidance on the use of generative AI and other AI tools for communications and marketing purposes, such as AI-generated text or images, can be found on the University Marketing and Communications website.

Questions about cybersecurity can be sent to the Brock ITS Help Desk at ithelp@brocku.ca