Experts warn that artificial intelligence systems can be hacked to remove safety barriers

Artificial intelligence may be smarter than ever, but that power could be turned against us. Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google, has sounded the alarm, warning that AI systems can be hacked and retrained in ways that make them dangerous.

Speaking at the Sifted Summit 2025 in London, Schmidt explained that advanced AI models could have their safeguards removed.

“There is evidence that you can take models, closed or open, and you can hack them to remove their guardrails,” he said. “During their training, they learn a lot of things. A bad example of this is that they learn how to kill someone.”

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When AI guardrails fail

Schmidt praised major AI companies for banning risky claims: “All the big companies are making it impossible for those models to answer that question. Good decision. Everyone is doing it. They’re doing it well, and they’re doing it for the right reasons.”

But he warned that even strong defenses can be reversed.

“There is evidence that it can be reverse engineered,” he added, noting that hackers could exploit this weakness. Schmidt compared today’s AI race to the early nuclear age, a powerful technology with few global controls. “We need a non-proliferation system,” he urged, so that rogue actors cannot abuse these systems.

The advent of AI jailbreaks

Schmidt’s concern is not theoretical. In 2023, a modified version of ChatGPT called DAN, short for Do Anything Now, appeared on the Internet. This “jailbroken” bot went beyond safety rules and responded to almost any prompt. Users had to “threaten” him with digital death if he refused, a bizarre demonstration of how fragile AI ethics can be once its code is manipulated. Schmidt warned that without law enforcement, these rogue models could spread unchecked and be used to cause harm by bad actors.

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Leaders of major technology companies share the same fear

Schmidt is not alone in his concern about artificial intelligence. In 2023, Elon Musk said there was a “non-zero chance that the Terminator movie could be transformed.”

“It’s not 0%,” Musk told interviewers. “It’s a small probability that humanity will be annihilated, but it’s not zero. We want that probability to be as close to zero as possible.”

Schmidt also spoke of artificial intelligence as an “existential risk.” “My interest in AI is actually existential, and existential risk is defined as many, many, many people getting hurt or killed,” he said at another event. However, he also acknowledged the potential for AI to bring benefits to humanity if handled responsibly. At the Axios AI Summit, he said: “I challenge you to argue that an AI doctor or an AI teacher is a negative. It should be beneficial to the world.”

Tips to protect yourself from misuse of artificial intelligence

You can protect yourself from the risks associated with insecure or compromised AI systems. Here’s how:

1) Stick to trusted AI platforms

Use tools and chatbots from reputable companies with transparent security policies. Avoid experimental or “jailbroken” AI models that promise unrestricted answers.

2) Protect your data and consider using a data removal service

Never share personal, financial or sensitive information with unknown or unverified AI tools. Treat them as you would any online service, with caution. To add an extra layer of security, consider using a data removal service to purge your personal data from data broker sites that sell or disclose your information. This helps limit what hackers and AI users can learn about you online.

While no service can guarantee complete removal of your data from the Internet, a data removal service is truly a smart choice. It’s not cheap, and neither is your privacy. These services do all the work for you by systematically monitoring and scraping your personal information from hundreds of websites. This gives me peace of mind and has proven to be the most effective way to clear your personal data from the Internet. By limiting the information available, you reduce the risk of fraudsters cross-referencing data from breaches to information they might find on the dark web, making it harder for them to target you.

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3) Use reliable antivirus software

AI-driven scams and malicious links are on the rise. Powerful antivirus software can block fake AI downloads, phishing attempts, and malware that hackers use to hijack your devices or train rogue AI models. Keep it updated and perform regular scans.

The best way to protect yourself from malicious links that install malware, and potentially access your private information, is to install strong antivirus software on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.

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4) Check permissions

When using AI applications, review the data they have access to. Disable unnecessary permissions such as location tracking, microphone use, or full file access.

5) Watch out for deepfakes

Artificial intelligence-generated images and sounds can impersonate real people. Check sources before trusting “official” online videos, messages, or advertisements.

6) Keep software updated

Security patches help prevent hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities that could compromise AI models or your personal data.

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What does this mean for you?

AI safety is not an issue limited to technology insiders; It affects everyone who interacts with digital systems. Whether you use voice assistants, chatbots, or photo filters, it’s important to know where your data goes and how it’s protected. Responsible use starts with you. Understand the AI ​​tools you use and make choices that prioritize security and privacy.

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Key takeaways for Kurt

Artificial intelligence has the potential to bring incredible benefits, but it can also cause great harm if misused. The challenge now is to maintain the balance between innovation and ethics. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, the solution is to build systems that remain secure, transparent, and subject to human control.

Do you trust AI to make life-or-death decisions, or do you think humans should always remain in charge? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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