As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly becomes a ubiquitous part of the workplace, many organizations are lagging behind in preparing their employees for this transformative technology. Recent research highlights the urgent need for companies to create comprehensive AI employee policies and invest in training to mitigate the significant cybersecurity, ethical, and productivity risks associated with AI use.
A recent study by CybSafe and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) found that over a third (38%) of employees admit to sharing sensitive work information with AI tools without their employers’ knowledge. This risky behavior is even more prevalent among younger generations, with nearly half of Gen Z (46%) and 43% of millennials engaging in this practice. These findings underscore a critical gap in awareness and understanding regarding the potential consequences of sharing company data with AI tools.
The lack of clear AI policies and employee training creates a breeding ground for security breaches and data leaks. When employees input sensitive company information into AI tools without proper authorization or understanding of data security protocols, they expose their organizations to significant risks. As Ronan Murphy, a member of the AI Advisory Council for the Government of Ireland, aptly stated, “If you feed an AI model with all your IP, then anybody with access to it can ask it to spill the beans.”
The solution? Companies need to take a proactive approach to AI implementation by:
- Creating clear, comprehensive AI usage policies: These policies should outline acceptable and unacceptable AI use cases, data handling procedures, and the potential consequences of policy violations.
- Investing in employee training: Companies need to educate their workforce on the basics of AI, safe AI usage practices, data security protocols, and the ethical implications of AI. Training should be tailored to different roles and levels of AI interaction within the organization.
- Partnering with organizations like Blaizing Academy: Blaizing Academy offers AI literacy courses and workshops specifically designed for various audiences within an organization, including executives, working professionals, teachers, and even parents. These programs can help bridge the knowledge gap and empower employees at all levels to use AI safely and effectively.
Investing in AI literacy and establishing a robust AI policy framework is not just about mitigating risk; it is also about empowering employees to leverage the potential of AI for increased productivity, innovation, and professional growth. Companies that embrace a proactive and informed approach to AI implementation will be best positioned to navigate the challenges and opportunities of this new technological landscape.
About The Author:
Harrison Painter
