AI is a powerful tool in the business world, ranging from advanced analytics engines to large-language models like the now-spotlighted Chat-GPT. However, just because a tool is useful does necessarily mean it is secure. Modern AI tools are built on the idea of learning from every experience. Every process, every question, and every task they are put to could become part of the shared data core run by the AI’s third-party provider.

Even if you are using an isolated pre-trained model on private servers, giving AI the reigns to run useful operations can lead to risks. Any time new technology is introduced to the digital business structure, it is important to reassess your security best practices. Let’s explore how your team can keep company data safe while using AI.

1) IMPLEMENT STRONG ACCESS CONTROLS

Who is authorized to use the AI tools? This will determine the queries asked of the AI, the data put into the AI, and what might be transmitted back to an uncontrolled third party. Therefore, every business using AI should implement strong access controls. Implement user authentication protocols that ensure only a select number of trained and authorized users can access the AI and its operations. Only employees who need to work with the AI, have been trained in AI security, and can be trusted with secure data should be authorized.

• Use IAM (identity access management) to assign a unique login for each employee
• Require MFA (multi-factor authorization) to log in
• Monitor for unusual account and login behavior (hacked accounts)
• Limit access only to accounts that need access to fulfill their role
• Separate types of access to allow limited use needed by each role

2) REGULARLY UPDATE SOFTWARE AND PATCHES

Keep your software up to date. This includes your AI program, security software, and programs in your tech stack. Outdated software can lead to exposed vulnerabilities, as hackers have more time to find problems and ways to exploit them. Recent updates and patches are often released to close vulnerabilities that have been identified.

Create a schedule to check for available updates and security patches, even if you have an automatically updating system. After updates, perform vulnerability tests to ensure that your entire stack is still secure after any changes that were made.

3) EDUCATE AND TRAIN EMPLOYEES

Provide cybersecurity training to your entire team. Team members who will work with the AI should receive additional security training that explores the security risks specific to AI. They should be aware that information entered into an AI tool may be shared with the creators and/or absorbed into the self-learning knowledge base. They should know that AI conversational answers are not always factually accurate, and new AI tools must be carefully vetted before being implemented on company systems or provided with company information.

4) UTILIZE ROBUST DATA ENCRYPTION

Data encryption is one of the business world’s best tools against unwanted access to secured data. Encryption renders it impossible to read stored data without the specific decryption key, which can help protect your data both from hacker theft and accidental exposure. The most secure approach is end-to-end encryption. This involves encrypting data at rest (in storage), data in motion (being transferred), and data in use (currently being used).

If you have created an environment where it is safe for AI to handle secure data, it is important to encrypt that data at every point where it is not being directly processed by the AI. Most AI programs do not inherently handle encrypted data, but you can create an encryption structure around AI functionality.

5) REGULARLY REVIEW PERMISSIONS AND ACCESS

Lastly, make sure that the list of people authorized to work with the AI and handle secure data is regularly reviewed. Make sure that the current authorized list and specific permissions meet the exact people and privileges that are intended. These reviews ensure that people who have changed teams or left the company do not maintain legacy access, and that if an account has been mysteriously added to permissions, that it is removed and the incident investigated.

Improper access controls can lead to insider threats, costly mistakes, and dormant accounts that are waiting for a hacker to occupy them. Set a routine schedule to audit permissions and access to AI tools. Access should also be reviewed any time there is a change in teams that would affect the AI operators.

WORKING SAFELY WITH AI Like many early-adoption trends in business tech, there are still a few serious potential security holes in AI operations. From the risk of exposing your data to a third party to the risk of becoming part of the AI’s training data, it’s important that your team proceed with care.

To explore how best to implement these security best practices with your team, contact Trava today

https://travasecurity.com