Are you ignoring the cybersecurity side of AI tools?
Artificial Intelligence is enhancing productivity and driving innovation. Has your organization started to take advantage yet? While there are numerous benefits, companies shouldn’t dive into AI without a solid plan for security. By mitigating risks when deploying AI technologies like Copilot and working with cybersecurity experts, organizations can reap the benefits of AI while also moving forward securely and smartly.
Why AI?
Artificial intelligence has impressive capabilities that help organizations in just about every industry to save time, cut costs, and boost productivity. Some examples that we’re already seeing in workplaces include:
- Better informed decisions and decision-making processes
- Enhanced capabilities
- Automation of routine tasks
- Improved data analysis
- Reduction of human error
- Personalized customer experiences and service
- Greater creative control
- Generation of dynamic content
- Improved problem-solving
One example of AI in the workplace is Microsoft’s Copilot. Able to integrate with Microsoft 365, the resource enhances creative processes, streamlines workflow management, and provides ongoing assistance to employees.
The Need for Secure AI Integration
As noted above, AI brings a world of benefits to businesses, but companies shouldn’t be integrating the technology into their processes without a solid plan for security. There are serious security concerns that come with AI, such as:
Lack of data privacy
Businesses need to have a plan of action in place, specifically for the protection of their data, informing internal teams of the correct and acceptable AI platform to use. Failure to do so can result in the exposure of sensitive business and customer information.
Potential for unintended biases
Poor data processes and strategies can result in unintended biases and skewed results, leading to poor business decisions.
Increased threats of malware and phishing
AI isn’t only being used by the good guys. Cybercriminals are using AI to attack businesses, including AI platforms, which is elevating their approach and creating malware that could avoid detection from current filters.
A proactive approach to AI is necessary to safeguard information.
Best Cybersecurity Risk Management Practices for Secure AI Deployment
There are a number of strategies businesses should embrace to ensure secure AI deployment throughout their organization. Here are three that come highly recommended and help build a solid cybersecurity foundation:
Security Assessments
Security assessments can assist businesses in understanding exactly where their current strategy stands. They highlight what’s working and what isn’t so companies can start to close the gaps within their security plan. Regular security assessments, especially when implementing new technologies like AI, can ensure your plan is keeping up with the latest threats.
Robust Configuration Management
A solid approach to configuration management works to prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your network. Without a strong plan, misconfigurations and improper settings could lead to compromised networks and data. Businesses should focus on granting user permissions, configuring firewalls and cloud platforms, encrypting sensitive data, and changing default settings.
Regular System Updates
One of the easiest steps businesses can take to protect themselves from emerging threats is to perform regular system updates. Malware, phishing, and ransomware tactics are constantly evolving, and updates are rolled out to help protect organizations from the latest cyberthreats.
Enhance the Security and Productivity of AI Tools Like Copilot
In order to balance both security and productivity when it comes to AI, businesses need to have a strategy in place. It’s not something that can be done on the fly, even if you’re using an established resource like Copilot. To prioritize data integrity and user safety while also fostering an environment of innovation and efficiency, businesses must:
Continue the Conversation
The very nature of AI is ever-changing. As more data is entered into the technology, AI evolves. It’s important that the conversation surrounding AI evolves too. Businesses should have regular conversations with policymakers, stakeholders, and developers to balance security, productivity, and privacy.
Work with Cybersecurity Experts like Network Coverage
Working with the cybersecurity experts like Network Coverage can help ensure your organization is deploying the best strategies for both security and efficiency.
Vet Their AI Tools
AI tools shouldn’t be implemented on a whim. Every resource should be properly vetted on a number of factors, including suitability and security. Not every AI tool, for instance, will be ideal for every company. Choosing the wrong ones can be costly and do more harm to efficiency than good. And going with one that lacks robust security and compliance practices could result in successful malware attacks or severe data privacy concerns.
AI is already changing workplaces, and it’s set to have an even bigger impact going forward when it comes to productivity. However, the conversation shouldn’t only be about, “How can this resource make us more efficient?” Companies need to have a mindful approach to security, vulnerabilities, and capabilities when deploying AI solutions.