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—helping generate content, respond to customers, draft emails, summarize meetings, and even assist with coding and managing spreadsheets.
AI offers incredible opportunities to save time and boost productivity. However, like any powerful technology, improper use can lead to significant risks, especially concerning your company's data security.
Even small businesses face these threats.
The Core Issue
The challenge isn’t the AI technology itself, but rather how it’s used. When employees input sensitive information into public AI platforms, that data could 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 unintentionally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT, prompting a company-wide ban on public AI tools, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine a similar scenario in your office: an employee pastes client financial records or medical details into ChatGPT to "get help summarizing," unaware of the risks. In moments, sensitive data can become exposed.
Emerging Danger: Prompt Injection
Beyond accidental data leaks, hackers are exploiting a sophisticated attack called prompt injection. They embed harmful commands inside 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 unknowingly assists 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. They may mistakenly treat AI as just an advanced search engine, unaware that the data they enter could be permanently stored or accessed by others.
Additionally, few companies have established policies or training programs to guide safe AI use.
Take Action Today
You don’t have to eliminate AI from your operations, but you must take control of its use.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Develop a clear AI usage policy.
Specify approved tools, identify data that must never be shared, and designate a point of contact for questions.
2. Educate your team.
Train employees on the risks of public AI tools and explain threats like prompt injection.
3. Adopt secure AI platforms.
Encourage use of business-grade AI solutions like Microsoft Copilot that offer enhanced data privacy and compliance controls.
4. Monitor AI activity.
Keep track of which AI tools are in use and consider restricting access to public AI platforms on company devices if necessary.
In Conclusion
AI is a powerful, permanent part of the business landscape. Companies that master safe AI practices will unlock its benefits, while those ignoring the risks could face serious breaches, compliance failures, or worse. Just a few careless keystrokes can jeopardize your entire operation.
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 your team’s efficiency. Call us today at 312-564-5446 or click here to schedule your Initial Consultation.
