Martin and Ben are the Octagon Technology newsletter editors this month and they have chosen artificial intelligence (Copilot AI) as their theme. They asked me to write the first article.
Copilot AI and Word
I had thought to write about how I use Copilot in Microsoft Edge, to help me with parts of the articles I write for Octagon Technology, Smart Thinking Solutions and CyberAwake. But I do not use Copilot AI very much in my technical and cyber security writing except for a couple of very specific tasks:
- I use it for definitions. Q. “What is the principle of least privilege?”
The results for that question are above. But I am not that happy with Copliot AI’s answer and this is usually the case. I end up using this as a draft and then write my own version in a style for my audience.
- The how to. Q. “Instructions to open the settings for Windows 11 disk encryption”
Again I have included the results for the Copilot AI answer to my question above. I like these better but they still need work to make it to my article.
How to open the settings for Windows 11 disk encryption.
- To access the disk encryption settings in Windows 11, you’ll need to use an administrator account.
- Once you’re signed in, click on the Start menu and navigate to Settings.
- From there, select ‘Privacy & Security’ and then ‘Device encryption’.
- If the ‘Device encryption’ option is not visible, your device may not support it, but you can check if standard BitLocker encryption is available instead.
My use of Copilot AI
These are the two main ways I use Copilot AI and Word. It is included in our Premium Microsoft 365 licence so why not make use of it? But I use it as a tool to move my writing along – not as a way to produce the whole article.
I am not being preachy here – if using Copliot AI to produce your work floats your boat, then go ahead. But do treat it as a draft and read it before sending it to your client, or worse, your boss. Remember the button you press to get your copy says “Generate Draft”.
Copliot AI and Cyber Security
Then I remembered that a few weeks ago I wrote about AI as a part of my Back-to-Basics Phishing Email Primer. So rather than write something new, in the spirit of sustainability (that will score brownie points with Diana) I am going to recycle that article here:
Octagon Technology August Newsletter and AI
OK this article is a little tongue in cheek, but it is the summer and it is a wonderful 26c here whilst I write this.
I know Martin and Ben will produce a great August Newsletter – sign up for copy here – it will be emailed out to you on 1 September.
Have a great summer.
Clive
p.s. In the spirit of the theme the featured image was produced by Copilot and DALL-E 3, using the prompt “create an image of AI on holiday on a beach in the sun with a cold beer and a Kindle”. I am not sure where the straw came from in a pint!
Clive Catton MSc (Cyber Security) – by-line and other articles
