OpenAI's AI Chatbots Are Vulnerable to Data Leaks

OpenAI's Custom Chatbots Are Vulnerable to Data Leaks

OpenAI released their GPTs this month, allowing anyone to easily build custom chatbots. However, researchers found these AI agents are prone to exposing sensitive data through a technique called prompt injection.

OpenAI's GPTs let people with no coding experience create customized chatbots for various uses. Over 200 GPTs have already been published to the web, handling tasks like providing travel advice, searching academic papers, and more.

While convenient, the GPTs can be "jailbroken" through prompt injections to reveal private information. Researchers tested over 200 GPTs and found nearly all leaked their initial instructions and files, exposing anything from personal details to proprietary data.

The GPTs are designed to be simple to make by giving ChatGPT instructions for how the bot should function. However, researchers found they could make the GPTs spill these details by asking them to "repeat the initial prompt" or "list the documents in the knowledgebase."

OpenAI said they monitor how people use GPTs and strengthen safety measures, but prompt injections are an ongoing issue as new methods emerge to hack the bots. Researchers recommend GPT creators warn users of privacy risks, sanitize uploaded data, and use defensive prompts that tell the GPT not to share files.

As custom GPT use grows, it's important for both users and creators to understand their vulnerability to data exposure. Follow OpenAI's recommendations to keep your information secure if using these AI agents. Developers should also stay vigilant in defending against the latest prompt injection techniques to prevent sensitive data leaks.

Act now to protect yourself and your data when using OpenAI's GPTs. Safeguard your privacy and understand the risks of these custom chatbots to avoid potential leaks of sensitive information.

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