Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a staple in small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) looking to streamline operations and drive growth. But as more companies integrate AI into their infrastructure, a critical issue looms—cybersecurity. According to the National Cybersecurity Alliance, over 70% of SMBs don’t fully understand how AI decisions are made, leaving the door wide open for shadow AI, data breaches, and compromised outputs. If your business is exploring AI adoption, it’s essential to understand the security risks that come with it.
Top 3 Security Concerns to Consider When Implementing AI
The AI Knowledge Gap
As AI technologies evolve at lightning speed, so do the methods cybercriminals use to exploit them. Many SMBs lack a dedicated IT team to manage these rapid changes, creating a dangerous knowledge gap. Without the right expertise, businesses may unintentionally allow shadow AI to slip through the cracks. Unauthorized use of AI tools can expose sensitive data, lead to biased outputs, and open the door to more significant security threats.
A New Back Door
Integrating AI often means connecting third-party systems to your infrastructure. While this can enhance automation, it also creates potential vulnerabilities. If not properly secured, these systems can serve as a back door for cybercriminals. Without robust Zero Trust policies and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) in place, malicious actors can exploit AI systems to access critical data.
Data Manipulation, Leaking, and Poisoning
AI poisoning is on the rise. Bad actors are now injecting malicious data into AI models, manipulating outcomes, and compromising the integrity of entire systems. Additionally, when credentials are stolen, cybercriminals can access the data being fed into your AI models, potentially leaking confidential business information.
- Did You Know? 3-out-of-4 businesses have experienced a breach in their AI systems, revealing just how vulnerable AI-powered automations can be.
How to Safeguard Your Business Before adding AI
The best defense is the right offense. Make sure you're considering the following things before implementation. If you've already started the process, no worries, just make sure you've got the right things in place to keep sensitive information safe (find our more here).
- Ask the Right Questions: Before partnering with AI vendors, ask how they store, train, and manage your data.
- Implement Zero Trust Policies: Treat every system as a potential threat until proven otherwise.
- Educate Your Team: Ensure employees understand how to recognize and mitigate AI-related risks.
Are You Ready for AI?
Before diving into AI adoption, make sure your business is prepared to handle the cybersecurity challenges that come with it. Download our Complete Guide to AI for SMBs for a comprehensive checklist, security best practices, and expert insights to keep your data safe and secure.
Download your FREE eBook and AI Readiness Checklist here!
Emily Kirk
