Are you wondering how much information chatbots need to know in higher education networks? Well, setting up chatbots on a network requires careful and meticulous planning to minimize the risk of them accessing sensitive data. Just like any other user, chatbots should only have access to the information necessary for their function and should be restricted from accessing anything else. This concept of zero trust applies to chatbots as well; they should not be allowed to roam freely on the network without human oversight.
However, configuring a chatbot correctly is a complex task with high stakes. A single mistake could lead to disastrous consequences, such as leaking Personally Identifiable Information (PII), which can result in reputational damage and compliance penalties for the institution. When setting access permissions for chatbots, it’s essential to understand that they are not immune to data privacy challenges prevalent on the internet.
From the initial training phase, where chatbots learn from real-world examples, to their continuous learning from user queries, data is constantly being ingested. This data may include personal information, which poses a risk when handled carelessly. Publicly available chatbots like ChatGPT raise concerns as they collect and store data for machine learning purposes, potentially merging it with other sources to create detailed user profiles.
Researchers at Stanford University have highlighted the risks associated with generative AI tools memorizing personal information, making data privacy a critical concern when using chatbots. Reports of large language models revealing sensitive information and being manipulated underscore the importance of securing data shared with chatbots.
To ensure data security and prevent data sharing with unauthorized parties, colleges and universities can develop proprietary chatbots tailored to their specific needs. Custom chatbots offer personalized responses, better information direction, and data segregation from public AI models. While building a chatbot may be a challenging and resource-intensive endeavor, the benefits outweigh the risks of using third-party options.
Trusted partners like CDW can assist universities in building custom chatbots, ensuring data segregation and implementing security measures to protect sensitive information. By following best practices like role-based access controls and privileged access management, institutions can safeguard their data and maintain control over chatbot interactions.
