August 25, 2025
The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable—and for excellent reasons. Cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are rapidly transforming how businesses operate. From crafting content and answering customer queries to drafting emails, summarizing meetings, and even assisting with coding or spreadsheet tasks, AI is becoming indispensable.
While AI can dramatically boost efficiency and save valuable time, it must be used wisely. Misapplication of these powerful technologies can expose your business to significant data security risks.
Even small businesses face these threats.
The Core Issue
The challenge doesn’t lie in AI itself but in how it’s handled. 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’s knowledge.
For instance, in 2023, Samsung engineers accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT, prompting the company to ban public AI tools entirely, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine a similar mistake in your office—an employee pasting client financial records or medical details into ChatGPT to "summarize" data, unaware of the risks. In moments, sensitive information could be compromised.
Emerging Danger: Prompt Injection
Beyond accidental leaks, cybercriminals are now leveraging a sophisticated attack called prompt injection. They embed harmful commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even YouTube captions. When AI processes this content, it can unknowingly reveal confidential data or perform unauthorized actions.
Simply put, the AI becomes an unwitting accomplice to the attacker.
Why Small Businesses Are Particularly at Risk
Many small businesses lack internal oversight on AI usage. Employees often adopt AI tools independently, with good intentions but without clear guidance or understanding of the risks. They may treat AI like an advanced search engine, unaware that their inputs could be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Few organizations have established policies or training programs to manage AI safely.
Take Action: Protect Your Business Now
You don’t have to eliminate AI from your operations, but you must establish control measures.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Develop a clear AI usage policy.
Specify approved tools, define what data must never be shared, and designate contacts for questions.
2. Train your team thoroughly.
Educate employees on the risks of public AI tools and explain threats like prompt injection.
3. Adopt secure AI platforms.
Encourage the use of business-grade solutions like Microsoft Copilot that provide enhanced data privacy and compliance controls.
4. Monitor AI activity closely.
Keep track of AI tools in use and consider restricting access to public AI platforms on company devices if necessary.
The Bottom Line
AI is an integral part of the future. Companies that embrace it safely will gain a competitive edge, while those ignoring its risks invite potential breaches, compliance issues, and more. A single careless action can jeopardize your entire business.
Let's discuss how to safeguard your company’s AI use without hindering productivity. We'll help you craft a robust AI policy and protect your critical data. Call us at 760-770-5200 or click here to schedule your Quick and Easy Call today.
