As businesses start using artificial intelligence (AI), it is like opening a box of magic tricks that can do wonders. But as with any powerful tool, there is a flip side.  

While these technologies offer opportunities for innovation and improvement for businesses, they also introduce security vulnerabilities – especially when it comes to protecting sensitive business data or private information. 

Safe and sound when using AI tools 

Warren Bonheim, managing director of Zinia, a leading IT technology group and managed services provider, advises: “AI loves data. It needs lots of it to work well, which means it can access tons of sensitive information, and we need to make sure this data is locked up tight.” 

Many AI tools use third-party platforms to store or analyse the data, and they may not always have stringent security protocols, leaving sensitive information vulnerable. 

“Sometimes the biggest slip-ups come from our own team. Simple mistakes, such as setting up privacy settings incorrectly, losing devices or unwittingly granting permissions to malicious apps, can invite trouble,” Bonheim says. 

7 steps to safety 

Make clear rules about how to use AI safely.  

Establishing “house rules” helps to protect a business from risks, as everyone knows how to use AI tools responsibly and effectively. For those who are unsure about how to set this up, bring in an IT professional to ensure everything is set up correctly and securely. 

 Training. 

It is important that the whole team knows about the risks and the right ways to use AI technologies. Having regular training sessions isn’t just about following rules. It’s about helping everyone spot security risks before they turn into real problems. When staff know the best ways to handle these tools, it’s one of the best shields against data breaches. 

 Block all unwanted AI tools. 

Use the firewall to block tools and disallow non-approved users from making these decisions without the proper due process or knowledge. Some AI tools take notes of meetings, often where teams discuss strategic activities related to the business. These should also be controlled through policies and using approved vendors. 

 Steer clear of free AI tools. 

Most of these can share sensitive data, effectively making it public. It’s like leaving a diary open on a park bench – anyone can peek. If privacy is important for your business, it may be worth investing in a paid service that promises better security. 

 Choose your partners. 

When bringing in third-party AI technology, be very selective about who to team up with. Make sure they are good with security. Choosing partners who have a solid reputation for protecting data can really cut down the risks that come with handling and storing information on their platforms. 

 Regular check-ups. 

Conduct regular checks on the AI tech being used. These security assessments help to identify any weaknesses, whether it’s with the devices themselves, how data is sent back and forth, or how it’s stored. Catching these issues early means it can be fixed before it turns into bigger problems, helping the business steer clear of security headaches. 

 Use encryption tools. 

Encryption is like a secret code for the data. When sending or storing information through AI tools, encryption scrambles it up so only the right people can read it. Include access controls, such as multi-factor authentication and strict permissions, to ensure only those who really need to can access sensitive data. 

 Using AI is exciting. Staying informed about security and putting these simple steps into action will help businesses to enjoy the benefits of AI without the worry. “It’s not about fearing the new but being smart about it,” concludes Bonheim. 

Issue: Protecting data when using AI tools. 

Solution: Seven steps help to keep a business safe while enjoying the power of AI. 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to https://pressportal.co.za/ and https://www.zinia.co.za/ for the information in this article.