AI tools like ChatGPT, and Copilot, and other generative models have revolutionized how we work, code, write, and interact with technology. They are fast helpful, and increasingly embedded in business workflows. But with this new wave of productivity comes a new wave of cybersecurity concerns, and most organizations aren't prepared for them yet.
While Ai can be used to strengthen defenses, it also introduces serious data privacy intellectual property, and attack surface risks that both individuals and businesses must understand.
When users enter sensitive information into AI tools, like company secrets, source code, or customer records, it may be stored or processed in ways that violate data protection policies. Even if a tool says it doesn't store prompts, third party plugins or insecure APIs could be exploited. If your company doesn't explicitly control how AI tools are used, data could leak outside your network without any hacking at all.
Tools like Copilot are excellent at speeding up development, but they are not perfect. Studies have shown that AI-generated code may contain security vulnerabilities, like hardcoded credentials, SQL injection flaws, Buffer overflows, and Missing input validation. Without a secure code review process, these vulnerabilities can make it into production code undetected. This creates technical debt and attack vectors.
Even though others are using AI to protect and fix, with the advancements in AI, even attackers are using it too. They could be using it for phishing emails with better grammar, fake branding, and convincing tones. They can impersonate individuals through voice cloning or deep fakes, aiding social engineering attacks. They are helping create AI-written malware and scrips that are growing more sophisticated, making detection harder.
To safely benefit from AI tools while reducing risks you should, Create an AI use policy defining what data is allowed or not in AI prompts, Train employees to know what the privacy and IP concerns are, Review AI coding, And stay up to date on AI cyberattacks and security trends.
AI tools offer incredible benefits, but they are not risk free. As their use grows cybersecurity teams must treat AI as both a powerful asset and potential liability. With the right policies, training, and security controls in place, we can embrace AI innovation without compromising trust or safety.
- Joshua Xiong
Sources:
https://arxiv.org/abs/2108.09293
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