ChatGPT Adds New Security Mode to Protect Your Private Information

OpenAI has introduced a new security feature called Lockdown Mode for ChatGPT. This setting is designed to protect people who handle sensitive information while using the AI chatbot. Lockdown Mode reduces the risk of data exfiltration (data being secretly stolen out of a network), which happens when hackers use clever prompts to trick the AI into revealing private information you have shared in conversations. This feature is available to anyone with a ChatGPT account, including users on the Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans.

If you use ChatGPT for work tasks, family planning that involves private details, or conversations containing personal information like addresses or financial details, this feature adds an extra layer of protection. Lockdown Mode limits certain ChatGPT tools that could potentially be exploited to steal your data through prompt injection attacks. To turn on Lockdown Mode and protect your information:

1. Log into your ChatGPT account through the website or app.
2. Go to your account settings by clicking on your profile picture or name.
3. Look for the new Lockdown Mode option in the security or privacy settings.
4. Enable Lockdown Mode by toggling it on.
5. Review what limitations this creates for your ChatGPT use to make sure it still meets your needs. Develop careful habits when using AI chatbots with any personal information. Avoid pasting sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, or Social Security numbers into ChatGPT or similar tools, even with Lockdown Mode enabled. Treat AI chatbots like public spaces where others might see what you share. When in doubt, keep private information private and use AI tools only for general questions and non-sensitive tasks.