August 25, 2025
The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable—and rightly so. Innovations like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are revolutionizing the way businesses operate. Companies leverage these AI tools to generate content, handle customer interactions, compose e-mails, summarize meetings, and even streamline coding or spreadsheet tasks.
AI offers tremendous potential to save time and boost productivity. However, like any powerful technology, improper use can lead to serious risks—particularly regarding your company's data security.
Remember, even small businesses face significant threats.
The Core Issue
The technology itself isn't the problem—it's how it's utilized. When employees input sensitive or confidential information into public AI platforms, that data might be stored, analyzed, or even contribute to training future AI models. This exposes proprietary or regulated information, often without anyone realizing it.
For instance, in 2023, Samsung engineers inadvertently leaked internal source code on ChatGPT, prompting the company to ban public AI tools to prevent further privacy breaches, as highlighted by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine a similar scenario at your workplace: an employee unknowingly shares client financials or medical records into ChatGPT seeking summaries, immediately putting that private information at risk.
Emerging Threat: Prompt Injection
Beyond accidental data leaks, cybercriminals now exploit a subtle attack method called prompt injection. They embed malicious commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even video captions. When AI tools process this content, they can be manipulated into disclosing sensitive data or executing unauthorized actions—without realizing they're being exploited.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially at Risk
Many small businesses lack internal oversight of AI usage. Employees often start using new AI tools independently and with the best intentions, assuming these platforms function like enhanced search engines. They are unaware that shared information may be permanently stored or reviewed by others.
Additionally, most companies don't have clear policies or training to guide safe AI usage.
Immediate Actions to Protect Your Business
You don't have to eliminate AI tools from your operations, but it's crucial to implement strong controls.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Establish a clear AI usage policy.
Specify approved tools, define prohibited data sharing, and designate a point of contact for questions.
2. Train your team thoroughly.
Educate employees about the risks of public AI platforms and explain sophisticated hacking tactics like prompt injection.
3. Adopt secure, business-grade AI solutions.
Encourage use of trusted tools like Microsoft Copilot, which are designed with enhanced data privacy and compliance features.
4. Implement AI usage monitoring.
Keep track of AI tools in use and consider restricting public AI access on company devices when necessary.
Final Thoughts
AI technology is a permanent part of business innovation. Companies that adopt it responsibly gain a significant edge, while those that overlook security face potential data breaches, regulatory penalties, and other serious consequences. Just a few careless keystrokes can jeopardize your entire operation.
Let's discuss how to secure your AI practices and safeguard your company's data without hindering productivity. We'll help craft an effective AI policy tailored for your business. Contact us today at 314-993-5528 or click here to schedule your 10-Minute Discovery Call.
