Due to its increased integration into business applications, AI is becoming a ubiquitous presence in many businesses, whether small or large. While this technology has many benefits, it also has risks. Certain AI-powered functions can provide a backdoor to threat actors looking to access valuable and sensitive assets.

For this reason, businesses must approach AI integration carefully to ensure that their systems are not inadvertently put at risk. In this article, we examine some of the potential risks for businesses when it comes to AI technology and how robust governance and IT support can help.

Security issues of integrating generative AI-powered technology

Data security is a top priority for businesses, and data leaks of sensitive information can be very costly. Introducing AI-powered tools into your business will also mean granting access to company data, which can raise several security issues.

Data overflow

Generative AI works by users inputting data into a prompt command that the AI then uses to search and produce an answer from its data set. The user can input anything into the prompt, meaning staff need to be trained to ensure the information they provide isn’t sensitive.

Open access

Businesses must be careful about what AI tools they use, as some are open access. This can mean that the AI tool can hold and use the data provided. One serious concern is IP leakage and confidentiality when using AI. The ease of using web or app-based AI tools creates an increased risk of shadow IT. Using a VPN can provide an extra layer of security by masking a business’s IP and encrypting the data in transit.

AI Training

As generative AI models are built on and learn through the data sets they have access to, their open-access nature raises privacy and security issues. Firms must be clear about what integrated AI tools can access from their network and whether this data remains the company’s property once the AI has access. This is why it is advisable for businesses adopting AI-powered tech to conduct an IT audit and personnel access check before doing so. This will help ensure that AI can only access the data you want and avoid data access through unknown access points.

Data storage and AI tools

The data that AI learns from must be kept somewhere, usually in third-party storage spaces. This can create data misuse or leakage risks if it is not adequately protected. While AI vendors such as Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini currently have limited access to a business’s files, companies looking to incorporate AI tech must remain aware of any access changes that may crop up. This is why business data needs encryption and access controls dependent on the sensitivity. Implementing a data strategy and robust governance, as well as reviewing current security measures, is a must before introducing AI-powered software.

Compliance and AI

Poor data compliance can land firms in trouble, and using AI-powered technology can add to this. Third-party AI providers, like OpenAI, will not regulate the level of sensitivity in the information that passes through their models. If the data inputted or accessed by the AI includes Personally Identifiable Information (PII), it could create compliance problems with GDPR. Thorough staff training alongside stringent access controls can help to minimise the security risk.

Data leaks and malicious attacks

AI tools have the potential to be misused by hackers to gain access to data through a cyber attack and leak sensitive information. This is why companies need strict and robust IT security measures that consider the vulnerabilities AI models can bring to business networks.

While AI-powered applications have much to offer businesses in developing new ideas and streamlining processes, significant security risks are involved, not all of which are fully understood. Businesses looking to adopt new technology must thoroughly audit their IT systems before adopting new tech to ensure it is compliant, useful, and integrated. SDT can work with your business to conduct a thorough audit and advise on any incoming technology and its potential risks.

Find out more

If you would like to discuss your IT compliance or any of the issues discussed in this blog, we are here to help. Please contact Andrew Wayman at andrew.wayman@sdt.co.uk or call our office at +44 (0)1344 870062.