AI tools like Copilot and ChatGPT can be powerful — but remember, they’re not built to keep your secrets. Once you paste information into an AI, you can’t always control where it goes..
Smart AI Safety Habits
- Don’t enter sensitive data. Avoid putting FERPA, HIPAA, PII, student records, grades, payroll, proprietary research, or passwords into AI tools. Free platforms may store or reuse what you share — learn why data privacy matters with AI.
- Use the right tools. Stick to SMU’s licenses for Copilot, GPT Business, and Liminal — they’re safer and keep data within our tenant. Still, review every output carefully.
- Be cautious with notetakers. Only use Zoom’s transcription or Copilot’s meeting notes when all participants consent. Avoid third-party notetakers that capture data outside SMU systems.
- Trust but verify. AI can “hallucinate,” fabricate sources, or appear more confident than it should. Double-check results and stay alert for deepfakes or AI-generated phishing.
- Don’t rely on AI alone. Use it for low-risk tasks like brainstorming, summarizing public info, or drafting non-sensitive communications. High-stakes decisions (legal, financial, compliance) must be made by humans.
- When in doubt, ask. Report accidental exposures to OIT Security, or email askaboutai@smu.edu for guidance.
Learn more: Visit our AI at SMU site for additional guidance and resources.
Week 1 Challenge: The Haunted AI Escape Room
The Haunted AI House awaits — use Copilot to solve its riddles and escape with the secret phrase.
How to Play:
- Upload the Haunted AI Escape Room Prompt document into Copilot.
- In the chat box, type the prompt: Play the Haunted AI Escape Room in this document.
- Play through the Haunted AI Escape Room it generates – At the end, you’ll receive a secret phrase.
- Email that phrase to oitsecurity@smu.edu with subject “Week 1 Escape Room” to earn your points!
Wordle of the Week
How to earn points:
- Play the puzzle: [Play the Week 1 Wordle]
- Take a screenshot of your solved puzzle and email it to oitsecurity@smu.edu with the subject “Week 1 Wordle.”
* One submission per person, per week.
