ChatGPT in 2025: 7 Key Features, Risks & Safety Tips You Need to Know
Main Takeaways
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ChatGPT is a powerful AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, used by millions worldwide.
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It offers advanced features like natural conversation, creative writing, and coding help.
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Security concerns like phishing, privacy risks, and misuse remain a growing issue.
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You can stay safe by avoiding personal data, using a VPN, and enabling account security settings.
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External tools like ZovoVPN help protect your data while using AI online.
Table of Contents
ChatGPT in 2025: 7 Key Features, Risks & Safety Tips You Need to Know
Main Takeaways
-
ChatGPT is a powerful AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, used by millions worldwide
-
It offers advanced features like natural conversation, creative writing, and coding help
-
Security concerns like phishing, privacy risks, and misuse remain a growing issue
-
You can stay safe by avoiding personal data, using a VPN, and enabling account security settings
-
External tools like ZovoVPN help protect your data while using AI online
Table of Contents
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What is ChatGPT?
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How ChatGPT Works
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Top 3 Features of ChatGPT
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4 Security Risks of ChatGPT
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How to Use ChatGPT Safely
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FAQs
What is ChatGPT?
ChatGPT is an advanced AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, capable of understanding and generating human-like responses in real time. It uses artificial intelligence and natural language processing to simulate conversation, answer questions, and assist with a wide range of tasks.
Launched in late 2022 and upgraded consistently through 2023 and 2024, ChatGPT has become a go-to tool for millions — students, business owners, developers, marketers, and casual users alike. Whether you’re writing essays, translating languages, planning content, coding apps, or simply chatting, ChatGPT delivers rapid, coherent results.
How ChatGPT Works
The tech behind ChatGPT is based on a machine learning framework called a “transformer model,” specifically OpenAI’s GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer) architecture. The chatbot has been trained on vast amounts of data pulled from books, websites, articles, and other public sources.
When you input a question or prompt, ChatGPT predicts what words are likely to come next — allowing it to form full responses that feel like human conversation. It doesn’t “think” in the way people do, but it excels at mimicking patterns in human language.
Want to dive deeper into the tech? OpenAI explains more in their technical documentation.
Top 3 Standout Features of ChatGPT
1. Natural Conversations
Unlike older bots that gave rigid or repetitive answers, ChatGPT is designed for fluid, intelligent dialogue. It can remember what you said earlier in the session, answer follow-up questions, and adjust its tone depending on your context — formal, funny, casual, or professional.
Example: Ask it to “explain quantum physics like I’m 10” — and it’ll do it. Then say, “Now explain it like I’m a scientist,” and it’ll shift gears.
2. Multitasking at Scale
From students to software developers, people are using ChatGPT to juggle multiple tasks in seconds. It can draft emails, summarize long documents, debug code, brainstorm headlines, translate content, and even give fitness advice — all in one session.
It supports plugins, voice inputs, and document uploads in premium versions, giving it even more flexibility.
3. Creative Capabilities
ChatGPT isn’t just functional — it’s also creative. It can write poems, short stories, social media captions, ad scripts, jokes, or even act as a Dungeon Master for your next game of D&D.
Whether you’re a content creator or just having fun, ChatGPT provides new ways to explore imagination using AI.
4 Security Risks of ChatGPT You Should Know
As powerful as it is, ChatGPT comes with some real security concerns. While OpenAI continues to improve the system’s safety, no tool is 100% risk-free.
1. Privacy Risks
Your chats may be stored and reviewed to improve the model. Even though OpenAI follows strict privacy rules, you should never share passwords, payment info, or personal data in your prompts. This includes confidential business information, client details, or anything you wouldn’t want leaked.
Learn more via Surfshark’s ChatGPT privacy analysis.
2. Malware Creation
While ChatGPT tries to reject malicious requests, attackers can manipulate it with workarounds — using vague language or breaking tasks into smaller steps to create code that mimics malware or spyware.
SentinelOne highlights how ChatGPT has been abused for malicious coding.
3. Phishing Scams
Thanks to its perfect grammar and natural tone, ChatGPT is now being used by scammers to generate realistic phishing emails. These look more legit than ever and are harder for spam filters to catch.
Malwarebytes warns that AI-powered phishing is rising fast, especially in 2025.
4. Misinformation & Fake News
ChatGPT doesn’t always cite sources — and it can get facts wrong. If the model was trained on outdated or biased data, the response could contain false or misleading info.
That’s why users are always advised to verify answers with trusted sources like Google or official sites before relying on ChatGPT for health, legal, or financial advice.
How to Use ChatGPT Safely
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Never share private or financial information
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Use 2FA on your OpenAI account
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Always double-check facts using trusted sources like Google
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Use a VPN like ZovoVPN to protect your online connection
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Be cautious of fake ChatGPT apps or extensions
FAQs
What is ChatGPT used for?
ChatGPT is used for content creation, research, coding, brainstorming, translation, and much more — all through natural conversation.
Can ChatGPT be hacked?
ChatGPT itself has security safeguards, but users can be phished or misled. Always practice good online hygiene.
Is it safe to use ChatGPT without a VPN?
It’s possible, but using a VPN like ZovoVPN adds essential privacy protection, especially when accessing ChatGPT in restricted regions or public networks.
How often is ChatGPT updated?
OpenAI rolls out regular updates and safety improvements, especially for paid versions like GPT-4 Turbo. Always check the OpenAI changelog for the latest.