August 25, 2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) is generating tremendous buzz right now—and for good reason. Popular tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot are revolutionizing how businesses operate. From crafting content and responding to customers, to drafting emails, summarizing meetings, and even assisting with coding and spreadsheets, AI is transforming workflows.
While AI can dramatically boost productivity and save valuable time, it also carries risks if not handled properly—especially concerning your company's data security.
Even small businesses face these threats.
The Core Issue
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 even used to train future AI models. This can unintentionally expose confidential or regulated information.
For example, in 2023, Samsung engineers accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT, causing a major privacy breach that led the company to ban public AI tools entirely, as reported by Tom's Hardware.
Imagine this scenario happening in your workplace—an employee pastes client financial records or medical information into ChatGPT to "get help summarizing" without realizing the risk. In moments, sensitive data can be compromised.
Emerging Threat: Prompt Injection
Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now 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 be manipulated into revealing sensitive data or executing harmful actions.
In essence, the AI unwittingly assists the attacker.
Why Small Businesses Are Especially at Risk
Many small businesses lack oversight of AI usage. Employees often adopt AI tools independently, assuming they're just advanced search engines, unaware that pasted information might be permanently stored or exposed.
Additionally, few have established policies or training to guide safe AI practices.
Take Control Today
You don’t have to ban AI—but you must manage it wisely.
Start with these four essential steps:
1. Establish a clear AI usage policy.
Specify approved tools, define what data is off-limits, and designate a point of contact for questions.
2. Educate your team.
Ensure employees understand the risks of public AI tools and how threats like prompt injection operate.
3. Adopt secure AI platforms.
Promote business-grade solutions such as Microsoft Copilot that offer enhanced data privacy and compliance controls.
4. Monitor AI activity.
Keep track of AI tools in use and consider restricting access to public AI platforms on company devices if necessary.
The Bottom Line
AI is a powerful, permanent part of business today. Organizations that master safe AI use will thrive, while those ignoring risks may face breaches, regulatory penalties, 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 slowing your team down. Call us at 404-719-5222 or click here to schedule your 15-Minute Discovery Call now.
