Are Your Employees Using AI Without You Knowing? The Hidden Cybersecurity Risks

Free Cybersecurity Risk Assessment: https://www.corsaircms.com/risk-asses... Your employees could be sharing confidential business information with AI tools without you even knowing it. In this episode of Protected by Corsair USA, Rick Valdez and Brian Gilchrist explain the hidden cybersecurity risks of workplace AI, what "shadow AI" means for small businesses, and why tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, and Claude require proper security oversight. Discover how to protect sensitive company data without preventing employees from taking advantage of AI. In this episode: What is shadow AI, and why is it a cybersecurity risk? Are employees sharing confidential company data with ChatGPT? What's the difference between consumer and enterprise AI tools? Is Microsoft Copilot automatically secure for businesses? What should your company's AI security policy include? How can businesses use AI safely without restricting productivity? Chapters: (0:00) AI and Cybersecurity for Businesses (0:45) How Employees Are Using AI at Work (1:46) ChatGPT and Confidential Business Data (2:25) What Is Shadow AI? (3:11) Why Banning AI Doesn't Work (3:27) Consumer vs. Enterprise AI Security (4:21) Is Microsoft Copilot Secure? (5:42) ChatGPT and Customer Privacy Risks (6:11) AI Policies and Employee Training (7:14) AI Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (7:58) Next: AI Agents and Security Risks What is shadow AI in the workplace? Shadow AI refers to employees using artificial intelligence tools without their organization's knowledge, approval, or security oversight. Similar to shadow IT, it can expose confidential business information to applications that haven't been properly reviewed or configured. Is it safe for employees to use ChatGPT at work? It depends on how the tool is being used and what information employees share. Using AI to improve general writing may present little risk, but entering customer contracts, financial records, employee information, or confidential business data into an unapproved AI tool can create security and privacy concerns. What is the difference between consumer AI and enterprise AI? Consumer AI tools and enterprise AI platforms can differ significantly in their security controls, administrative oversight, permissions, account configurations, and data protections. Businesses should evaluate how an AI platform is configured and managed rather than assuming all AI tools provide the same level of security. What information should employees never share with unapproved AI tools? Employees should avoid entering confidential customer information, employee records, contracts, financial data, source code, business plans, intellectual property, and other sensitive company information into AI tools that haven't been approved for that purpose. What should a business AI security policy include? An AI security policy should identify approved AI tools, explain what information employees can and cannot share, and establish approved workflows for using artificial intelligence. Employee training is equally important so staff understand how to recognize and protect sensitive information. About Rick: Rick Valdez is the founder of Corsair USA, an Austin-based IT and cybersecurity company helping small and mid-sized businesses strengthen cybersecurity, manage technology, and reduce operational risk. With more than 30 years of experience spanning technology, business consulting, healthcare, and nonprofit organizations, Rick brings a practical, business-first approach to IT and cybersecurity. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau serving the Heart of Texas and is committed to supporting and strengthening the Central Texas business community. Connect on LinkedIn:   / rickvaldez   About Brian: Brian Gilchrist is Partner and Vice President of Business Development at Corsair USA, where he works with businesses to identify technology needs, strengthen cybersecurity, and make smarter decisions about their IT investments. With a focus on building strong client relationships and understanding the challenges businesses face, Brian helps organizations evaluate their technology and security needs from a practical, business-first perspective. At Corsair USA, he works alongside the team to help small and mid-sized businesses reduce risk, improve operations, and get greater value from their technology. Connect on LinkedIn:   / brian-gilchrist-b807b371   About Corsair USA: Corsair USA helps small and mid-sized businesses better understand cybersecurity, managed IT services, technology risk, and the decisions that can help protect their operations, employees, and reputation. If you're a business owner in the Austin area and aren't sure whether you're getting the right level of IT support and cybersecurity protection, Corsair USA offers a complimentary cybersecurity assessment.