Privacy & Security
AI security relies on UM's established IT policies combined with smart data practices for responsible innovation
Our Security Approach
UM doesn't create separate security policies for AI tools. Instead, we rely on our established IT policies and standards that already address data protection, privacy, and security requirements.
This approach ensures consistent security practices while allowing flexibility as AI technology rapidly evolves.
Why Data Privacy Matters More with AI Tools
AI tools present unique privacy and security challenges that go beyond traditional software. Understanding these risks helps you make informed decisions about when and how to use different AI technologies.
Data Security Risks
- Training Data Exposure
- Your conversations might be used to improve AI models, potentially exposing sensitive information to future users.
- Data Breaches
- AI systems process vast amounts of data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking access to personal or institutional information.
- Third-Party Sharing
- Many AI tools share data with partners, advertisers, or other services, potentially exposing your information beyond the original platform.
- International Data Transfer
- Your data may be processed in countries with different privacy laws and protections than the United States.
Privacy Concerns
- Data Persistence
- Even "deleted" conversations may remain in backups, logs, or training datasets long after you think they're gone.
- Inference and Profiling
- AI systems can infer sensitive information about you from seemingly innocuous data, creating detailed personal profiles.
- Lack of Transparency
- Many AI systems don't clearly explain how your data is used, stored, or shared, making it difficult to assess privacy risks.
- Compliance Gaps
- Some AI tools may not meet the same regulatory standards (FERPA, HIPAA) that govern university data handling.
The UM Advantage
This is why it matters which tool you use. Tools the university has reviewed and licensed are covered by negotiated agreements rather than consumer terms of service. Before using AI with sensitive data, contact ai-help@umontana.edu to confirm a tool is approved for it.
Key Security Principles for AI Use
- Protect Sensitive Data
- Never input FERPA-protected student information, HIPAA health data, or confidential university information into public AI tools.
- Use Approved Tools First
- Prioritize tools on UM's approved list that have been reviewed against UM's security standards.
- Read Privacy Policies
- Before using any AI tool, understand how it handles your data - does it train on your input, share with third parties, or store information?
- When in Doubt, Don't
- If you're unsure whether information is appropriate to share with an AI tool, err on the side of caution and contact us for guidance.
Official UM IT Policies
These established policies provide the foundation for secure and responsible technology use at UM, including AI tools.
UM IT Policies & Standards
Comprehensive policies covering data protection, security, and acceptable use
Read the policiesKey Policy Areas Include:
- Data governance and classification
- Information security requirements
- Acceptable use guidelines
- Privacy protection standards
Security Incident Reporting
If you suspect a security issue related to AI tool usage - such as accidental sharing of sensitive data or suspicious activity - report it immediately.
Follow UM's incident reporting procedures for all security concerns.
Remember: Security is Shared Responsibility
While UM provides secure tools and clear policies, individual users play a crucial role in maintaining security by making smart decisions about data sharing and tool selection.
Questions About AI Security?
Our team can help you understand how UM's security policies apply to your specific AI use case.