Is Your Business Training AI How to Hack You?

20 Aug 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere right now — tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini are helping businesses save time, create content, respond to customers, and more. At BlueReef Technology, we see the potential of AI to boost productivity. But like any powerful tool, if it’s not used carefully, it can open the door to serious risks — especially when it comes to your company’s data security.
Even small businesses aren’t immune.

Here’s the Problem

The technology itself isn’t the issue — it’s how it’s used. When employees copy and paste sensitive information into public AI tools, that data may be stored, analyzed, or even used to train future AI models. That means confidential or regulated information could be exposed without anyone realising it.

In 2023, Samsung engineers accidentally leaked internal source code into ChatGPT. It was such a big privacy concern the company banned public AI tools altogether. Imagine that happening in your office — an employee pastes client financial details or medical records into an AI chat, just to “get help,” not knowing the risk. In seconds, private information is out there.

A New Threat: Prompt Injection

Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now using a sneaky trick called prompt injection. They hide harmful instructions inside emails, documents, or even video captions. When AI tools read that content, they can be fooled into sharing sensitive data or doing things they shouldn’t — helping the attacker without realising it.

Why Small Businesses Are at Risk

Most small businesses aren’t keeping track of how AI tools are used. Employees often adopt them on their own, thinking they’re just smarter search engines. Few companies have clear policies or training about what data is safe to share with AI.

What You Can Do Right Now

You don’t have to ban AI — but you do need to take control. Here are four simple steps to start:

Create an AI use policy. Define which tools are allowed, what data must never be shared, and who employees can ask if they’re unsure.

Educate your team. Make sure everyone understands the risks of using public AI tools and how tricks like prompt injection work.

Use secure tools. Encourage your team to use business-grade AI platforms like Microsoft Copilot, which offer better control over data privacy.

Monitor AI use. Keep an eye on what tools are being used, and block public AI apps on company devices if needed.

The Bottom Line

AI isn’t going away — businesses that learn to use it safely will gain a real advantage. Those that ignore the risks could face serious breaches, compliance issues, or worse.
Let’s have a quick chat to make sure your AI use isn’t putting your business at risk. BlueReef Technology can help you build a smart, simple AI policy and protect your data — without slowing your team down.

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