# "Think First, Verify Always": Training Humans to Face AI Risks

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.03714 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.03714/

## Key facts

- Cited by 2 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- Builds on 1 of its 17 references that are in the map.
- First posted on arXiv 23 Jul 2025.

## Builds on (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Discovering Language Model Behaviors with Model-Written Evaluations](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2212.09251/) (2022)

## Built on by (most cited first, 2 of 2)

- [Cognitive Cybersecurity for Artificial Intelligence: Guardrail Engineering with CCS-7](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.10033/) (2025)
- [CIA+TA Risk Assessment for AI Reasoning Vulnerabilities](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2508.15839/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Artificial intelligence enables unprecedented attacks on human cognition, yet cybersecurity remains predominantly device-centric. This paper introduces the "Think First, Verify Always" (TFVA) protocol, which repositions humans as 'Firewall Zero', the first line of defense against AI-enabled threats. The protocol is grounded in five operational principles: Awareness, Integrity, Judgment, Ethical Responsibility, and Transparency (AIJET). A randomized controlled trial (n=151) demonstrated that a minimal 3-minute intervention produced statistically significant improvements in cognitive security task performance, with participants showing an absolute +7.87% gains compared to controls. These results suggest that brief, principles-based training can rapidly enhance human resilience against AI-driven cognitive manipulation. We recommend that GenAI platforms embed "Think First, Verify Always" as a standard prompt, replacing passive warnings with actionable protocols to enhance trustworthy and ethical AI use. By bridging the gap between technical cybersecurity and human factors, the TFVA protocol establishes human-empowered security as a vital component of trustworthy AI systems.