The Hidden Risks of AI: Employees Sharing Sensitive Information
Did you know that more than a third (38%) of employees share sensitive work information with AI tools without their employer’s permission? This shocking statistic comes from new research conducted by CybSafe and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA).
What’s even more surprising is that this behavior is particularly prominent among younger generations. Around half (46%) of Gen Z and 43% of millennials surveyed admitted sharing sensitive work information with AI tools without their employer’s knowledge.
The Need for AI Training
The research by CybSafe surveyed over 7000 individuals across multiple countries and revealed some concerning findings. For instance, 52% of employed participants admitted they have not yet received any training on safe AI use.
Furthermore, 58% of students, 84% of those not employed, and 83% of retirees have also not undergone any AI training.
Oz Alashe, CEO and Founder of CybSafe, highlighted the importance of addressing these behaviors, stating, “The introduction of AI has created a whole new category of security behaviors for CISOs and business leaders to be concerned with.”
Risks and Lack of Trust in AI
According to Ronan Murphy, a Member of the AI Advisory Council for the Government of Ireland, the access AI tools have to organizational data poses the biggest risk to cybersecurity, governance, and compliance that any industry has ever faced.
Concerns about AI-related cybercrime are prevalent, with two-thirds of respondents expressing worry about the use of AI for creating convincing phishing emails. Additionally, over half believe AI will make it harder to detect scams and be secure online.
Many people also lack trust in companies’ implementation of AI technologies. While 36% trust organizations’ implementation of AI, 35% have low trust, and 29% remain neutral.
There is also uncertainty about bias in AI technologies, with only 36% believing companies are ensuring bias-free AI. Furthermore, there is a split in confidence levels regarding the recognition of AI-generated content, with 36% expressing high confidence and 35% low confidence.
Lastly, 36% of respondents believe AI will influence their decisions on what is real and fake, particularly during election campaigns.
Overall, the research highlights the need for increased awareness, training, and trust-building measures when it comes to the use of AI in the workplace.