August 25, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is generating tremendous buzz—and for excellent reasons. Popular tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are transforming how businesses operate. From crafting content and handling customer inquiries to writing emails, summarizing meetings, and even aiding with coding and spreadsheets, AI is revolutionizing productivity.
While AI can dramatically streamline workflows and boost efficiency, it also carries significant risks if not used responsibly—especially in terms of safeguarding your company's sensitive data.
Even small businesses face these threats.
The Core Issue
The challenge isn’t the AI technology itself, but rather how it’s applied. When employees input confidential information into public AI platforms, that data may be stored, analyzed, or leveraged to train future AI models—potentially exposing private or regulated information without anyone’s awareness.
For example, in 2023, Samsung engineers accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT, prompting the company to prohibit public AI tool usage entirely, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine this happening in your workplace—an employee unknowingly pastes client financial records or medical information into ChatGPT to "get help summarizing," instantly putting sensitive data at risk.
A New Danger: Prompt Injection Attacks
Beyond accidental leaks, cybercriminals are exploiting a sophisticated tactic known as prompt injection. They embed harmful commands within emails, transcripts, PDFs, or even YouTube captions. When AI systems process this content, they can be manipulated into revealing confidential data or performing unauthorized actions.
In essence, the AI unknowingly aids attackers, creating a hidden vulnerability.
Why Small Businesses Are Particularly at Risk
Many small businesses lack oversight on AI usage. Employees often adopt new AI tools independently, assuming they are harmless extensions of search engines like Google. They don’t realize that anything pasted into these tools could be stored indefinitely or accessed by others.
Additionally, few organizations have established AI policies or provided training to educate staff on safe data sharing practices.
Immediate Actions to Protect Your Business
You don’t have to ban AI, but you must establish control.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Develop a clear AI usage policy.
Specify which AI tools are authorized, outline data that must never be shared, and designate contacts for questions.
2. Train your team thoroughly.
Educate employees on the risks of public AI platforms and explain how threats like prompt injection operate.
3. Adopt secure, enterprise-grade AI solutions.
Encourage use of trusted platforms such as Microsoft Copilot that provide enhanced data privacy and compliance controls.
4. Monitor AI usage closely.
Keep track of which AI tools are in use and consider restricting access to public AI services on company devices if necessary.
The Bottom Line
AI is an indispensable tool for modern business, but only when used safely. Organizations that embrace secure AI practices will gain a competitive edge, while those ignoring risks invite costly breaches, compliance failures, and reputational damage. Just one careless action can expose your business to hackers or regulatory penalties.
Let's connect to ensure your AI usage protects your company’s data without hindering productivity. We’ll assist you in crafting a robust AI policy and implementing safeguards tailored to your needs. Call us at 781-837-0069 or click here to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call today.
