August 25, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way businesses operate, with tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot becoming essential in content creation, customer support, email drafting, meeting summaries, coding, and spreadsheet management.
While AI can dramatically enhance efficiency and save valuable time, it also poses significant risks if not handled properly—especially concerning your company's data security.
Even small businesses face these dangers.
Understanding the Risk
The challenge lies not in AI itself, but in how it's used. When employees input sensitive information into public AI platforms, that data might be stored, analyzed, or even used to train future AI models—potentially exposing confidential or regulated information without anyone realizing it.
For example, in 2023, Samsung engineers inadvertently leaked internal source code through ChatGPT, prompting the company to ban public AI tools, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine a similar scenario where an employee shares client financial or medical data with ChatGPT to "summarize" it, unaware of the consequences. In moments, sensitive information could be compromised.
Emerging Danger: Prompt Injection Attacks
Beyond accidental disclosures, hackers are exploiting a sophisticated method called prompt injection. They embed harmful commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even YouTube captions. When AI systems process this content, they may unknowingly reveal sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions.
In essence, the AI becomes an unwitting accomplice to cyberattacks.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially at Risk
Small businesses often lack oversight on AI usage. Employees frequently adopt new AI tools independently, assuming they’re simply advanced search engines, unaware that their inputs might be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Moreover, many organizations have yet to implement clear policies or training on safe AI practices.
Take Charge: Steps to Protect Your Business
You don’t need to eliminate AI from your operations, but you must manage its use carefully.
Start with these four essential actions:
1. Establish an AI Usage Policy.
Clearly define approved tools, restrict sharing of sensitive data, and designate a point of contact for questions.
2. Train Your Team.
Educate employees on the risks of public AI tools and explain how threats like prompt injection operate.
3. Adopt Secure AI Platforms.
Encourage the use of enterprise-grade tools such as Microsoft Copilot that offer enhanced data privacy and compliance controls.
4. Monitor AI Activity.
Keep track of which AI tools are in use and consider restricting access to public AI platforms on company devices when necessary.
The Bottom Line
AI technology is here to stay, and businesses that master secure usage will gain a competitive edge. Ignoring the risks can lead to data breaches, legal issues, and severe damage. Protect your company by adopting smart AI practices today.
Let's discuss how to safeguard your business from AI-related risks. We’ll help you develop a robust AI policy and secure your data without hindering productivity. Call us at 214-845-8198 or click here to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call now.
