Today we’re exploring the growing world of generative AI. This rapidly evolving technology has great potential to increase productivity and efficiency but is also at risk for phishing attacks, data threats, and more. To keep your business safe, it’s crucial to understand and mitigate these challenges.

In this issue:

🤔 What you should know about Generative AI

🛡️ How to protect your privacy 

✔️ How FIT helps mitigate your cybersecurity risk

🎓 Sign up for "Unlocking AI" FIT Strategy Series Webinar - July 25, 2024

Generative AI focuses on creating new content versus traditional AI which focuses on analyzing and interpreting data. While generative AI can be beneficial, it also poses significant cybersecurity risks.

This technology can be exploited to create:

• phishing emails
• deepfakes
• malicious code

This makes it easier for cybercriminals to breach security protocols. Additionally, it can be used to manipulate data which can potentially lead to financial loss and reputational damage. It is essential for businesses to implement robust security measures, continuous monitoring, and employee training to protect against these sophisticated threats.

The World Economic Forum outlines just a few of the threats that come with the use of generative AI. It also discusses the need for the cybersecurity industry to evolve, and the need for a collaborative defense so we can successfully and responsibly use AI while combating cyber threats. 

Many industries also have compliance and regulatory factors to consider. Healthcare, financial services, and education are just a few that have highly regulated data security frameworks that need to be considered when using generative AI. Many organizations have now put regulations in place on the ethical use of generative AI, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Used properly, generative AI tools can accelerate and transform your business's output and performance. A successful adoption of AI begins with an implementation plan that includes determining which AI services or tools are most secure for your organization and users. Before implementing any AI tool for your organization, talk to the experts at FIT to see how we can help prepare your environment to keep you secure.

Stay Informed!

When it comes to generative AI, the best thing that you can do is to understand the system or tool you are using. Open AI tools like Chat GPT are extremely powerful and useful when used properly. These cyber risks exist for both you and your business, so it is best to practice safe use in all areas of your life. McAfee breaks down 5 things you can do to help protect your privacy from generative AI.

Update Your Organization's Acceptable Use Policy

Including a section on generative AI use in your company’s acceptable use policy is crucial to ensure ethical and responsible deployment of generative AI technologies, safeguarding against potential misuse and bias. Clear guidelines help maintain transparency, protect intellectual property, and foster trust among employees and stakeholders.

Not taking steps to adopt AI language into your organization's policies can expose your business to a wide range of risks. Talk to your advisors at FIT to see how we can assist you with updating your policies to avoid any future disruptions.

FIT’s Cybersecurity Services mitigate risk by identifying, prioritizing, and shrinking gaps in protection. We believe that additional layers of security are needed to provide a more holistic approach to cybersecurity. When it comes to adoption of AI for your business, FIT offers several services that could assist in keeping your data and business secure.

Microsoft Copilot + Copilot for Microsoft 365

As Microsoft partners, FIT has the tools to allow you and your business to prepare, test, and use the different Copilot options that Microsoft offers. Microsoft Copilot is a generative AI tool like Chat GPT, but when used with your Microsoft school or work account keeps your prompts secure from the open data source. Copilot for 365 has taken generative AI one step further and integrates with your Microsoft applications, accelerating business productivity and output. FIT is committed to helping your business have a successful Copilot adoption story by assisting in determining your readiness and business use cases, so you can see the best return on your investment.

Data Loss Prevention

DLP is a critical cybersecurity strategy designed to detect and prevent unauthorized access, use, or transmission of sensitive information. By monitoring and controlling data flow within an organization, DLP solutions help safeguard against data breaches, ensuring that confidential information remains secure. Implementing DLP not only protects intellectual property and compliance with regulations but also fortifies the overall security posture of a business, mitigating risks of financial and reputational damage.

FIT is committed to keeping you informed about the latest technological advancements and their implications for your business. For any questions on products or services that you read about in this newsletter, or other ways to keep your business secure, reach out to your client services manager.