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Understanding the Security Risks of Using AI Tools in the Workplace
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, CoPilot, Gemini and others initially struggled to show users how they could simplify their work. However, over the past year, we’ve seen a surge in real-life examples demonstrating how these technologies can enhance our efficiency.
For instance, during online meetings, AI tools can transcribe, summarize and document action items, allowing me to focus on the discussion without worrying about taking notes or missing important points. This technology helps me perform better at my job.
Yet, as these tools become more embedded in our daily tasks, they also introduce new security risks for organizations. Let's explore some of these challenges:
Data Sharing:
Security professionals have long focused on preventing unauthorized access to sensitive company or customer data. But what happens if someone willingly inputs this data into an AI tool without understanding how the tool handles it? AI tools are constantly learning and use the data they receive to improve. So, when I input customer information into a tool, it helps me analyze that data. However, the tool now possesses that data and uses it to enhance its accuracy. This data is now at risk of being exposed.
Accidental Data Leaks:
Now that we understand the data we share might not remain private when input into AI tools, this can lead to accidental data leaks. Many users of this technology do not understand how AI tools operate or learn. Consequently, something as simple as summarizing customer data can put the company at risk, often without the user’s awareness. Additionally, these tools frequently store and process data in ways that are not transparent to the user, increasing the risk of unintended exposure. Therefore, raising awareness about these risks is essential to prevent potential data breaches.
Plagiarism:
When we prompt an AI tool to help us with a task, it uses vast amounts of data and resources. But where does it get that data? By accessing the information, it already has or can access. For example, if I ask it, “Write me a blog post on the risks of AI tools in the workplace,” it will do so by scouring its various sources, pulling pieces from different places and assembling a post. However, do I have permission to use the information from those sources? In doing so, I risk potentially plagiarizing someone else’s work, thereby putting the company at risk for copyright violations. So, ask yourself: Did I write this, or did an AI tool? That is the risk these tools introduce.
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