August 25, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming how businesses operate, with tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot becoming indispensable. Companies are leveraging AI to generate content, handle customer interactions, draft emails, summarize meetings, and even assist with coding and data management.
While AI dramatically boosts efficiency and productivity, improper use can expose your company to significant data security risks.
Even small businesses face these dangers.
Understanding the Risk
The technology itself isn’t the problem—it’s how it’s used. When employees input sensitive information into public AI platforms, that data might be stored, analyzed, or used to train future AI models, potentially exposing confidential or regulated information without awareness.
For example, in 2023, Samsung engineers accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. This breach was severe enough that Samsung banned public AI tools company-wide, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine this happening in your workplace—an employee pastes client financial or medical data into ChatGPT to "get help summarizing," unaware of the risks, instantly exposing private data.
Emerging Threat: Prompt Injection
Beyond accidental leaks, cybercriminals are exploiting a sophisticated attack 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.
In essence, the AI unknowingly aids the attacker.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially at Risk
Many small businesses lack oversight on AI usage. Employees often adopt AI tools independently, assuming they are as harmless as advanced search engines, unaware that shared data could be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Few organizations have established policies or training programs to guide safe AI use.
Take Action Today
You don’t have to ban AI, but you must manage it wisely.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Develop a clear AI usage policy.
Specify approved tools, identify data that must remain confidential, and designate a point of contact for questions.
2. Educate your team.
Inform employees about the risks of public AI tools and how attacks like prompt injection operate.
3. Adopt secure AI platforms.
Encourage the use of enterprise-grade solutions like Microsoft Copilot that prioritize data privacy and regulatory compliance.
4. Monitor AI usage closely.
Keep track of which AI tools are in use and consider restricting access to public AI platforms on company devices if necessary.
The Bottom Line
AI is here to stay, and businesses that harness it securely will thrive. Ignoring the risks invites potential data breaches, regulatory penalties, and severe consequences. Protect your business by implementing smart AI practices today.
Let's discuss how to safeguard your company’s AI use. We’ll help you craft an effective, secure AI policy and protect your data without hindering productivity. Call us at (336) 443-0061 or click here to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call now.
