Artificial intelligence chatbots have rapidly become essential tools for both personal and professional use. From drafting documents and analyzing reports to browsing the web and connecting with external applications, AI assistants are now deeply integrated into daily workflows.
However, as their capabilities expand, so do security risks. Recognizing this, OpenAI has introduced two major security upgrades for ChatGPT: Elevated Risk labels and Lockdown Mode.
These new protections are designed to alert users when certain features may expose more data and to offer tighter control over how ChatGPT connects to external systems.
As AI tools become more interconnected with web content and third-party applications, the risk landscape changes significantly. Users increasingly rely on AI systems to handle sensitive information, including business documents, financial data, research material, and confidential communications.
OpenAI explained the reasoning behind the update in its official announcement:
“As AI systems take on more complex tasks — especially those that involve the web and connected apps — the security stakes change. One emerging risk has become especially important: prompt injection,” the company wrote in its official blog post. “We’re introducing two new protections designed to help users and organisations mitigate prompt injection attacks, with clearer visibility into risk and stronger controls.”
The move reflects a broader industry trend in 2026, where AI security and data governance have become central concerns for enterprises, governments, and individual users alike.
Prompt injection is a cybersecurity technique in which attackers embed hidden malicious instructions inside web pages, files, or linked content. When an AI system processes that content, it may unknowingly execute those instructions.
This could potentially result in:
Exposure of confidential information
Unintended system actions
Compromised workflows
Manipulated outputs
As millions of users worldwide depend on AI tools for document review, web browsing, and connected applications, the impact of such vulnerabilities can become serious.
Prompt injection has emerged as one of the most discussed AI security risks in recent months, especially as AI agents gain more autonomy.
Lockdown Mode is a new optional setting introduced by OpenAI that significantly limits how ChatGPT interacts with external systems.
When enabled, Lockdown Mode can:
Restrict live web browsing
Limit integrations with third-party apps
Reduce data exchanges with external services
Disable certain connected tools
By minimizing these interactions, OpenAI aims to shrink what cybersecurity experts call the “attack surface”—the range of entry points that hackers might exploit.
According to OpenAI, Lockdown Mode is not required for everyday users. Instead, it is designed primarily for individuals who handle highly sensitive data or operate in high-risk environments, such as:
Journalists
Corporate executives
Researchers
Security professionals
Policy advisors
For these users, the trade-off between functionality and security may justify tighter restrictions.
In addition to Lockdown Mode, OpenAI has introduced Elevated Risk labels within ChatGPT. These visible indicators appear next to tools or features that involve greater interaction with external systems.
For example, if a feature connects to outside content, integrates with third-party platforms, or provides broader system access, ChatGPT will display a warning label highlighting potential risks.
Many of ChatGPT’s most powerful capabilities depend on external connections, including:
Web browsing
File uploads and analysis
API integrations
Third-party app connections
While these features enhance productivity and functionality, they may also introduce vulnerabilities if misused or exploited.
Elevated Risk labels give users greater transparency, allowing them to make informed decisions before proceeding.
OpenAI’s latest security enhancements reflect a careful balance. The company is not removing powerful features but instead offering:
Better visibility into potential risks
Optional tighter controls
Greater user autonomy
Enhanced safeguards against prompt injection
This approach ensures that everyday users can continue enjoying ChatGPT’s capabilities, while those needing stricter security can activate stronger protections.
As AI systems become more embedded in enterprise workflows and critical infrastructure, security features like these are likely to become standard across the industry.
With the introduction of Elevated Risk labels and Lockdown Mode, OpenAI is taking a proactive step toward strengthening AI security. As ChatGPT becomes more capable and connected, safeguarding user data becomes increasingly important.
By providing clearer warnings and optional restrictions, OpenAI is addressing one of the most pressing risks in AI systems today—prompt injection—without compromising usability for most users.
The update signals a broader shift in the AI industry: innovation must now move hand-in-hand with accountability and cybersecurity resilience.