August 25, 2025
The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable, and it's transforming the way businesses operate. Innovations like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are becoming essential tools for creating content, managing customer interactions, drafting emails, summarizing meetings, and even enhancing coding or spreadsheet tasks.
AI offers remarkable efficiency and productivity gains. However, like any powerful technology, improper use can expose your company to significant data security risks.
Even small businesses face these dangers.
The Core Concern
The technology itself isn't the problem; it's how it's utilized. 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 accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT, prompting the company to ban public AI tool usage entirely, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine a similar scenario in your workplace: an employee pastes client financial or medical data into ChatGPT for a quick summary, unaware of the risks. In moments, sensitive data could be compromised.
Emerging Danger: Prompt Injection Attacks
Beyond accidental leaks, cybercriminals are exploiting a sophisticated tactic called prompt injection. They embed harmful commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even YouTube captions. When AI tools process this content, they can be manipulated into revealing sensitive information or performing unauthorized actions.
Simply put, the AI unwittingly aids the attacker.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially at Risk
Many small businesses lack oversight on AI usage. Employees often adopt new AI tools independently, assuming they are just enhanced search engines, unaware that pasted data might be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Additionally, most companies haven't established clear AI policies or provided training on safe data sharing.
Immediate Actions to Protect Your Business
You don’t have to ban AI, but controlling its use is critical.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Develop a comprehensive AI usage policy.
Specify which AI tools are authorized, define prohibited data sharing, and designate a point of contact for questions.
2. Educate your team thoroughly.
Ensure employees understand the risks of public AI tools and recognize threats like prompt injection.
3. Adopt secure, enterprise-grade platforms.
Encourage use of trusted tools like Microsoft Copilot that prioritize data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor and regulate AI usage.
Keep track of AI tools in use and consider restricting access to public AI platforms on company devices if necessary.
Final Thoughts
AI is an unstoppable force in business innovation. Companies that master safe AI practices will thrive, while those ignoring risks expose themselves to hackers, regulatory breaches, and severe consequences. Protect your business by managing AI use wisely—because a single careless action can lead to costly data exposure.
Let's discuss how to safeguard your company’s AI use. We’ll help you craft a robust, secure AI policy and protect your data without hindering productivity. Call us today at 503-210-5203 or click here to schedule your Systems Assessment.
