Is unauthorised AI usage putting your company Data at risk?
AI tools have been everywhere recently with many employees eager to use them to work faster and smarter. From generating reports, writing code or brainstorming ideas - AI has become a huge productivity booster. There is a big problem lurking in the shadows: unauthorised AI usage.
Employees have been turning to AI tools without considering the potential risks. It isn't that they are trying to cause damage to the company but by feeding sensitive company data into AI tools, they could be unintentionally exposing trade secrets, customer information, or intellectual property.
The scary part? A lot of this happens outside official channels, meaning the company has no visibility or control over what data is being shared or how it’s being stored or used. This can open the door to serious security breaches, legal issues and compliance nightmares.
So, what can companies do about it?
Here are a few steps:
1. Educate employees
Many don’t realise the risks involved. Clear, simple guidelines about what can and can’t be shared with AI tools can go a long way.
2. Implement strong policies
Make sure there’s a clear policy on AI use in the workplace, including approved tools and how data should be handled.
3. Monitor and enforce
Companies should monitor AI tool usage and make sure the rules are being followed to protect sensitive data.
At the end of the day, AI is here to stay. It is however critical to make sure your company is using it in a secure and responsible way.
Without the right safeguards, AI could be eating away at your most valuable asset. YOUR DATA!
