AI Outpaces SME Security: Data Breach Risk Skyrockets

Small businesses are dangerously adopting AI too quickly, leaving sensitive company data at risk. Daniel Shone from Apex Computing warns that AI's rapid use is outpacing security measures. Many companies are using AI without proper oversight or planning. For instance, a marketing manager might sign up for a generative AI tool, or a sales team might use AI for drafting emails. This organic growth of AI use means businesses often don't know what tools their employees are using or where data is going. Unlike other software, AI systems can expose data through how inputs are stored or transmitted. This is especially problematic when employees unknowingly paste sensitive customer or financial information into these tools. The bottom line: without clear policies and guidance, employees are making choices to boost productivity without understanding the significant data security risks involved. This matters because it could lead to serious data breaches for your business.