Thinking of using a personal AI agent? Here's how to do it safely

Personal AI agents can help users with many tasks, such as manage emails, browse websites and make bookings on their behalf.Unlike conventional AI chatbots, these agents can take actions on behalf of users by connecting to their apps and online accounts. Examples include Dots, Hermes, Muse, Grok Bot and OpenClaw.But granting personal AI agents access to personal accounts could expose users to privacy and cybersecurity risks.In an advisory released on Friday (Nov 6), the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech) outlined five steps consumers should take to use personal AI agents safely. 1. Limit what your AI agent can accessUsers should only connect accounts and apps necessary for the agent's tasks, starting with low-risk accounts such as secondary email accounts.IMDA, CSA and GovTech advised against granting access to sensitive accounts, including those used for banking, government services and healthcare.