Generative AI is taking the tech world by storm, but could it also be a ticking time bomb for data security?
The rapid adoption of large language models (LLMs) and generative AI is like walking on a double-edged sword. It’s revolutionising how we solve business problems but also raising new types of security risks.
Shadow IT, data leaks, and privacy violations are just the tip of the iceberg.
Hold tight, as we delve into the complexities of mitigating risks while harnessing the power of generative AI, based on insights from a VentureBeat article by Rob Picard.
Untrusted Middlemen: The New Shadow IT
The Risk:
As services like OpenAI and Hugging Face expand their offerings, employees often resort to third-party tools like browser extensions and APIs to access these powerful models.
While it may seem like a productivity boost, you could be inviting data leaks.
The Fix:
Your security protocols need to evolve. Establish ground rules for using third-party tools and ensure employees are educated about the risks involved.
Redefining Security Boundaries
The Challenge:
When it comes to generative AI, traditional security models don’t cut it. Boundaries between users, customers, and even within the organisation become blurred. Mismanaging this could lead to unauthorised data access.
The Solution:
Organisations need to understand and tightly control who has access to what data, especially in the training and fine-tuning of AI models.
Privacy Concerns: AI and Personal Information
The Issue:
Regulatory constraints around automated processing of personal data get trickier with generative AI. The risk multiplies when dealing with deletion requests and data residency issues.
The Play:
It’s crucial to collaborate with legal and privacy teams to develop robust policies that align with AI capabilities. Offering an opt-out feature for users is a must.
Vendor and Product Security
The Perspective:
Your vendors and products are part of this ecosystem, and if they’re lax in their approach to gen AI security, your data is at risk. Vendor due diligence has never been more important.
The Approach:
Make sure your vendors align with your security standards.
If you’re offering a product, be transparent about how customer data is used with gen AI. Trust is paramount here.
Final Takeaway
Don’t let the fear of risks deter you from exploring the massive potential of generative AI. But, do so with eyes wide open, continually adapting your security measures to stay ahead of potential threats.
The future is bright for those who adapt and precarious for those who lag behind. Choose wisely.
