Artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini are changing the way we do business. From writing emails to summarizing meetings and generating code, AI is saving time and boosting productivity for companies of all sizes.

But beneath the convenience lies a hidden danger—AI data security risks that most businesses aren’t prepared for.

The Hidden Cost of Productivity

The biggest risk doesn’t come from the AI itself—it comes from how it’s used.

When employees paste sensitive information into public AI tools, such as client records, medical data or source code, that data may be stored, analyzed, or used to train future models. This can unintentionally expose private or regulated information to third parties.

In fact, Samsung engineers accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT in 2023. The breach was so serious, the company banned the use of public AI tools, as reported by Tom’s Hardware.

Now imagine the same happening at your business—without you ever knowing it.

Meet the New Threat: Prompt Injection

Cybercriminals are now using a technique called prompt injection, embedding malicious commands inside innocuous content like PDFs, transcripts, or even YouTube captions.

When an AI tool processes this content, it can be tricked into performing actions or disclosing sensitive data—without realizing it's being manipulated.

It’s a new kind of social engineering—one that turns your AI assistant into a liability.

Why Small Businesses Are Especially At Risk

Small businesses often lack clear policies around AI use. Employees may be using public tools on their own, copying and pasting sensitive information with no oversight. Unlike enterprise organizations, there’s usually no IT department actively monitoring AI interactions or potential data leaks.

And while tools like Microsoft Copilot offer enterprise-grade data protection, many teams default to free public platforms with fewer safeguards.

Four Steps To Minimize AI Data Security Risks

You don’t need to ditch AI—but you do need to manage it responsibly. Here’s how:

1. Create an AI Usage Policy

Clearly define which tools are approved for use, what data should never be shared with AI tools and how to report any security concerns. Need help? Book a discovery call and we’ll walk you through it.

2. Educate Your Employees

Train your team to understand how prompt injection works and why pasting customer or business data into public tools can be risky. Sign up for our Cybersecurity Tip of the Week to keep your staff up to date.

3. Stick With Secure Platforms

Use tools that offer built-in data privacy controls. Platforms like Microsoft Copilot are designed for business environments and include compliance-friendly safeguards. Learn more about our Network Security solutions.

4. Monitor and Restrict Usage

Use endpoint protection or monitoring software to track which AI tools are accessed on company devices. You may even consider blocking public platforms like ChatGPT from work systems.

Don’t Let AI Become Your Weak Link

AI is a powerful tool, but it must be used with caution. Without proper guidance, your employees could unknowingly expose confidential data, violate compliance standards or open the door for cybercriminals.

Don’t let a productivity shortcut become a security disaster. Book a discovery call now and we’ll help you build a secure AI policy tailored to your business.

Or, take it a step further—schedule your FREE Network Risk Assessment and we’ll identify any vulnerabilities your current tech setup may be leaving exposed.