August 25, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is generating tremendous buzz—and for good reason. Innovative platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are revolutionizing how businesses operate. Companies are leveraging these tools to craft content, engage customers, draft emails, summarize meetings, and even assist with coding and spreadsheet tasks.
While AI can dramatically enhance efficiency and productivity, misuse can expose your organization to serious data security risks.
Even smaller businesses are not immune.
Understanding the Risk
The challenge isn’t the AI technology itself—it lies in how it’s utilized. When employees input sensitive or confidential data into public AI platforms, that information might be stored, analyzed, or even used to train future AI models. This can inadvertently lead to exposure of private or regulated data.
For example, in 2023, Samsung engineers accidentally leaked proprietary source code into ChatGPT. This incident was so critical that Samsung banned the use of public AI tools company-wide, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine the same scenario in your workplace—an employee pastes sensitive client financials or medical records into ChatGPT to "get a quick summary" without realizing the potential fallout. In moments, confidential information becomes vulnerable.
Emerging Danger: Prompt Injection Attacks
Beyond accidental leaks, cybercriminals are exploiting a sophisticated technique called prompt injection. They embed malicious commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even YouTube captions. When AI tools process this content, they can be manipulated into revealing sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions.
Simply put, the AI unknowingly aids the attacker.
Why Small Businesses Are Particularly at Risk
Many small businesses lack oversight on AI usage. Employees often adopt AI tools independently, with good intentions but without proper guidance. They may mistakenly believe AI platforms function like enhanced search engines, unaware that their inputs could be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Additionally, few organizations have established policies or training programs to govern AI use and educate staff on data safety.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Business
You don’t have to eliminate AI from your operations, but you must implement controls.
Here are four essential actions to safeguard your company:
1. Develop a clear AI usage policy.
Specify approved tools, outline prohibited data sharing, and designate a point of contact for questions.
2. Train your team.
Educate employees on the risks of public AI tools and explain threats like prompt injection.
3. Adopt secure AI platforms.
Encourage use of enterprise-grade tools like Microsoft Copilot that prioritize data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI activity.
Keep track of AI tools in use and consider restricting access to public AI platforms on company devices.
Final Thoughts
AI is transforming business, and those who master safe usage will thrive. Ignoring the risks, however, invites potential breaches, regulatory penalties, and severe damage. Just a few careless keystrokes can jeopardize your entire operation.
Let's discuss how your AI practices may impact your company's security. We can help you establish a robust, secure AI policy that protects your data without hindering productivity. Call us at 435-313-8132 or click here to schedule your 10-Minute Conversation today.
