Do you know what your team’s AI tools are really doing with your data?
From content writing and data entry to customer service and research, AI tools are everywhere. Your team might already be using them, whether you approved it or not. Tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Jasper, and Bard promise speed, ease and productivity. And for the most part, they deliver. But there’s a growing problem that many businesses haven’t addressed: AI tools are smart. But they’re also a risk.
If your company uses AI without proper controls, you could be exposing sensitive information, breaking compliance rules, or creating gaps in your cybersecurity defenses.
Here’s how it happens, and what to do about it:
It usually starts with good intentions. An employee wants to write faster, summarize a meeting, or polish an email. So they copy and paste internal notes into a free AI tool. Maybe they upload a document, or connect the tool to your CRM or shared drive.
No one tells IT. No one checks security. The AI responds quickly, and the job gets done.
But here’s the problem:
That data might be stored on the AI provider’s servers
There’s no guarantee it’s encrypted
You don’t know where your info goes or how it’s being used
You might be violating NDAs, HIPAA, GDPR, or other compliance rules
What looks like a smart shortcut can easily become a costly mistake.
AI isn’t the enemy. In fact, when used right, it’s a great tool. But like anything else in tech, it needs rules. Here’s how to stay smart and safe:
Letting your team use AI without rules is like letting them install random apps on company devices. You lose visibility. You lose control. And when things go wrong, you lose data, trust, and time. Start now by asking: Do we know what tools our team is using? And what data they’re sharing?
If the answer is “no” or “not sure,” it’s time to act.
Start with a FREE Network and Cybersecurity Check-Up from TheCompuLab. We’ll help you identify hidden risks, set smart policies, and make sure your AI tools work for you, not against you. Book today!