August 25, 2025
The buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable—and for good reason. Innovative tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are transforming how businesses operate. From generating content and managing customer interactions to drafting emails, summarizing meetings, and even assisting with coding or spreadsheets, AI is revolutionizing productivity.
AI offers remarkable time-saving benefits and boosts efficiency. However, without proper safeguards, it can also introduce significant risks, particularly concerning your company's data security.
Even small businesses aren't immune to these threats.
Understanding the Core Issue
The challenge isn’t the AI technology itself—it’s how it’s used. When employees input sensitive or confidential information into public AI platforms, that data can be stored, analyzed, or even used to train future AI models. This can unintentionally expose regulated or private information.
For example, in 2023, Samsung engineers inadvertently leaked internal source code into ChatGPT, prompting the company to ban public AI tools entirely, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine this happening in your workplace: an employee unknowingly pastes client financial records or medical details into ChatGPT for help summarizing. In moments, sensitive data is compromised.
Emerging Danger: Prompt Injection Attacks
Beyond accidental data leaks, cybercriminals are exploiting a sophisticated method called prompt injection. They embed harmful commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even YouTube captions. When AI tools process this content, they may unknowingly reveal confidential information or perform unauthorized actions.
In essence, the AI becomes an unwitting accomplice to the attacker.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially at Risk
Many small businesses lack oversight on AI usage. Employees often adopt AI tools independently, with good intentions but without clear guidelines. Many mistakenly treat AI like an advanced search engine, unaware that shared information can be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Additionally, few companies have formal policies or training programs to guide safe AI use.
Take Action Today to Protect Your Business
You don’t have to eliminate AI from your operations—but you must establish control.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Develop a clear AI usage policy.
Specify approved tools, outline what data is off-limits, and designate contacts for questions.
2. Educate your team thoroughly.
Ensure employees understand the risks of public AI platforms and how threats like prompt injection operate.
3. Adopt secure, enterprise-grade AI platforms.
Encourage use of trusted solutions like Microsoft Copilot that prioritize data privacy and compliance.
4. Monitor AI tool usage consistently.
Track which AI services are in use and consider restricting access to public platforms on company devices.
Final Thoughts
AI is an indispensable part of modern business. Companies that adopt it safely will gain a competitive edge, while those ignoring risks may face data breaches, regulatory penalties, or worse. Just a few careless keystrokes can jeopardize your entire operation.
Let's discuss how to safeguard your business from AI-related risks. We’ll guide you in crafting a smart, secure AI policy and protecting your data without hindering productivity. Call us at 503-966-2538 or click here to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call today.
