Should You Worry About AI Security?

Here’s a question for you: Can something be both a huge opportunity and a potential threat at the same time?

That’s exactly the dilemma many businesses are facing right now with artificial intelligence (AI).

On one hand AI, especially the kind that can generate text and images (known as generative AI), has the power to make businesses faster, smarter, and more efficient.

On the other, there are genuine concerns about the security risks it could bring.

And you’re not alone in feeling a bit cautious.

A recent report found that almost 70% of organisations see the rapid growth of AI as their biggest security worry. That’s a lot of businesses looking at this technology with a mix of excitement and anxiety.

The good news? That concern is a good thing.

Let me explain.

I always encourage business owners to treat new tech with a healthy dose of curiosity and caution. It’s smart to ask: “What could go wrong?” But the real win comes when you follow that up with: “And how do we protect ourselves from it?”

When used properly, and with the right security measures, AI can be a game-changer.

Take Microsoft Copilot, for example. It’s built into tools many businesses already use, like Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Copilot can help your team write better emails, analyse spreadsheets, draft documents, and even create presentations in a fraction of the time it would usually take. It doesn’t just save time either. It helps people get more out of the tools they’re already familiar with.

The security side?

Microsoft has invested heavily in making sure Copilot is safe to use in business settings. Your data doesn’t leave your Microsoft 365 environment, and access can be tightly controlled based on your existing user permissions. So, while Copilot uses AI to generate content, it does so within a secure and trusted setup.

Still, I won’t pretend there are no risks. Some generative AI tools rely on uploading your data to public systems, where you lose control over how that data is stored and used. That’s where things get tricky. And why it’s important to know what tools your team are using, especially if they’re experimenting with free or consumer-grade AI apps.

If you’re feeling a bit unsure about how to approach AI, my advice is this: Stay curious. Stay informed. And make security part of the conversation from the start.

The businesses that benefit the most from AI won’t be the ones that rush in blindly. They’ll be the ones that move forward with their eyes open, embracing the possibilities while putting smart safeguards in place.

Got questions about how to use AI safely in your business? My team and I can help. Get in touch.

The Bottom Line

AI is a powerful tool - but like any new tech, it comes with risks. The smartest businesses are the ones that stay curious, stay cautious, and build security in from the start.

Got questions about how to use AI safely in your business? My team and I can help. Get in touch. You can book a short chat with me here.