August 25, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is generating immense buzz—and rightfully so. Cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are transforming how businesses operate. From crafting content and responding to customers to drafting emails, summarizing meetings, and even aiding with coding or spreadsheets, AI is becoming indispensable.
AI can dramatically boost your productivity and save valuable time. However, as with any potent technology, improper use can lead to serious risks, especially regarding your company's data security.
Even small businesses face these threats.
Understanding the Core Issue
The challenge isn't AI itself, but how it's used. 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 tools entirely, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine this happening in your own office—an employee pastes client financial records or medical details into ChatGPT for help summarizing, unaware of the risks. In moments, sensitive data could be compromised.
Emerging Danger: Prompt Injection Attacks
Beyond accidental leaks, cybercriminals are exploiting a sophisticated attack called prompt injection. They embed malicious commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even YouTube captions. When AI tools process this content, they can unwittingly reveal sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions.
Simply put, AI becomes a tool for attackers without realizing it.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially at Risk
Many small businesses lack oversight on AI usage. Employees often adopt AI tools independently, usually with good intentions but without proper guidance. They might treat AI like an advanced search engine, unaware that the data they share could be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Moreover, few companies have established AI policies or employee training to safeguard sensitive information.
Take Control: Four Essential Steps
You don't have to ban AI from your workplace, but you must manage its use wisely.
Start with these four critical actions:
1. Develop a clear AI usage policy.
Specify which AI tools are approved, identify data that must never be shared, and designate contacts for questions.
2. Educate your team.
Train employees on the risks of public AI platforms and explain how threats like prompt injection operate.
3. Adopt secure AI platforms.
Encourage use of enterprise-grade tools such as Microsoft Copilot, which provide enhanced data privacy and regulatory compliance.
4. Monitor AI activity.
Keep track of AI tools in use and consider restricting access to public AI sites on company devices if necessary.
The Bottom Line
AI is here to stay, and businesses that harness it safely will thrive. Ignoring the risks, however, invites costly breaches, compliance failures, and other serious consequences. Just a few careless keystrokes can jeopardize your entire operation.
Let's discuss how to safeguard your company's data while leveraging AI's benefits. We'll help you craft a robust, secure AI policy that protects your business without hindering productivity. Contact us at 281-367-8253 or click here to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call today.
