What Are the Main AI Security Risks (and How to Handle Them)
Contents
Key Takeaways
- AI tools can supercharge productivity — but they can also expose new security risks if left unchecked.
- Common AI threats include data leakage, model manipulation, and unauthorized access.
- Clear policies, permissions, and employee training are your first line of defense.
- Vetting AI vendors and integrations helps prevent shadow tools from sneaking into your stack.
- A trusted IT partner can help balance innovation with security and compliance.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way small and mid-sized businesses operate — from automating reports to assisting in drafting proposals and interpreting data. But as with any technology that handles information, convenience can come at a cost.
When employees input sensitive data into AI tools or systems that integrate AI models into workflows, new risks emerge — some familiar, others entirely new. Protecting your business means understanding where those weak points are hiding and what to do about them.
Let’s break it down.
What Are the Main AI Security Risks?
Data Leakage and Privacy Exposure
The most common AI risk for SMBs is also the easiest to overlook: data leaks. When staff input sensitive information into public AI tools — think customer data, contracts, or financial info — that data can unintentionally become part of the AI model’s training data or be stored on external servers.
Tip: Treat AI tools like the internet — never share anything you wouldn’t post publicly.
Model Manipulation (a.k.a. “Prompt Injection”)
Attackers can craft malicious prompts or data inputs that manipulate AI models to produce harmful or unauthorized outputs. In simpler terms, someone might trick your chatbot or AI assistant into revealing confidential info or performing tasks it shouldn’t.
Best Defense: Use AI systems with strong safeguards and regular updates, and restrict access to administrative prompts or developer interfaces.
When AI tools integrate with business systems (like CRMs, document databases, or analytics platforms), they often do so through APIs — convenient, but also a favorite target for cybercriminals. Weak authentication or outdated APIs can open doors for attackers to steal or corrupt data.
What to Do: Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication, enforce role-based access, and review API permissions regularly.
Employees love using new tools, especially when they make work faster. The downside? Not all AI apps are approved or secured by IT. This “Shadow AI” creates blind spots in your security landscape, since unvetted tools may store or transmit sensitive data outside company controls.
Solution: Maintain an approved AI tools list and educate teams about the risks of going rogue with new tech.
How to Handle AI Security Risks
Establish Clear Usage and Data Policies
Define what’s acceptable when using AI tools — what kind of data can be entered, which tools are approved, and how outputs can be used. A simple internal policy can prevent a world of risk.
Limit Access and Monitor Permissions
Not everyone needs the same level of access. Assign AI permissions by role and ensure system admins regularly audit who can use (and integrate) AI tools.
Train Employees on Safe AI Use
Your people are your best defense — or your biggest vulnerability. Regular training helps employees understand what AI can and can’t do safely. Teach them to recognize risks like phishing prompts or suspicious tool requests.
Partner with Trusted AI and IT Providers
Work with vendors and IT teams that understand AI security at the infrastructure level. From secure hosting to compliance monitoring, the right partner ensures your systems stay smart and safe.
Why AI Security Matters for SMBs
AI isn’t just for big enterprises anymore — SMBs are embracing it to save time, reduce costs, and compete at scale. But with that innovation comes responsibility. Neglecting AI security could lead to data breaches, compliance violations, or reputational damage that small businesses can’t afford.
With the right safeguards, AI becomes a growth driver, not a liability.
Keep Your AI Tools Secure with Kelley Create
At Kelley Create, we help businesses adopt emerging technologies without the growing pains. Whether you’re integrating Microsoft’s Copilot AI into your workflows or protecting data in the cloud, our team makes sure security and innovation go hand in hand.
Let’s make your next AI move a confident one.
FAQs
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Data exposure through public or unsecured AI tools — especially when employees unknowingly share sensitive information.
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Establish policies, use enterprise-grade AI platforms, and educate staff on what data is safe to share.
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Not always. Many free tools lack encryption, compliance measures, or data ownership guarantees. Stick with vetted providers.
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Regular audits, strong access controls, employee training, and working with a trusted IT partner all go a long way.
