Today’s digital landscape has become more dynamic and quicker to evolve with the AI being integrated into SaaS or Software as Service platforms. Needless to say, it has transformed how businesses are operated. Mostly, to innovate products and services as well as increase efficiency and productivity. However, despite the conveniences that AI-powered tools provide, cybersecurity NYC firms warn of the threats behind it. And no, it is not just the hackers and malware that we have to watch out for but rather something more subtle but equally invasive.  

Subtle Yet Significant Threats 

Let us just put it out there: Companies use your company’s data for training AI models. And no, this is not a conspiracy theory. In fact, this practice is often declared, albeit buried in the fine print, of most bigger companies’ Terms & Conditions. Thereby posing potential risks to privacy, security, and regulatory compliance.  

These large tech and AI companies use personal and business data to train and refine their respective AI models. Unfortunately, cybersecurity NYC firms say that the practice is not limited to just data aggregation. Rather, it includes possible retraining on your proprietary information, review of sensitive company data by humans and even third-party sharing. Hence, it will result in exposure of intellectual property, compromise your company’s business advantage and open up to challenges in compliance. 

Cybersecurity NYC firms and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) themselves are also faced with challenges in recognizing and reducing these risks. This is because AI data training practices are not fully disclosed. Similarly, there is a lack of transparency regarding opt-out mechanisms available for users.  

Cybersecurity NYC Firms Your Data Is Used in Training AI

Cybersecurity NYC Firms Your Data Is Used in Training AI

Risks of AI Training, Cybersecurity NYC Firms Explain Further 

Compromise Competitive Advantage 

Having AI models use your company data will disclose sensitive information and the intellectual property of your business. Accidental or otherwise, this will lead to information such as business strategies, internal confidential communication, trade secrets and more to be exposed. Hence, compromising your company’s competitive advantage. 

Data Usage by Competition 

Imagine this, you and your team have worked for years to perfect your business model and your marketing strategies. Here comes the AI app who learns about your model. Now, your competitor then goes to AI to check for ideas on how to operate their business. Since AI is trained to help improve user experience and provide quick answers, it inadvertently shows the model to your competitor. Now this is not only unfair for you who invested a lot in the model but also raises questions about the fair usage of data gathered.  

Sharing Data to Third-Party Service Providers 

Most big tech and AI companies outsource some services to a third-party entity with the goal to help improve AI performance. However, these third-party data processors may lack stringent data protection measures. Similarly, having your data in their hands also includes the potential for misuse, leak or unauthorized data usage. 

Data Security Compliance Issue 

There are different regulations when it comes to data privacy and uses. Most government bodies have strict and complex requirements for this and, expectedly, failure to comply will result in penalties and reputation damage. However, with the AI training using your data, it makes following the rules more complicated.  

Cybersecurity NYC Firms Share Steps You Can Do to Minimize Data Exposure 

Opt-Out Options and Challenges 

Opt-out options vary greatly from one SaaS platform to another. This may include fine prints in clauses under their Terms and Conditions or even application settings. Some programs may have a straightforward opt-out button albeit with potential performance trade-offs. Whereas others required users to demand the opt-out from customer service channels. As expected, this lack of uniformity makes it challenging for users although not entirely impossible. You can try navigating through these SaaS platforms you use for your business and check your opt-out option. Similarly, you can do some online research on this.  

Get Help from Reliable Cybersecurity NYC Firms 

It is understandable that this issue can become overwhelming. So don’t try to take all the challenges yourself. EB Solution is here to provide you with IT management and cybersecurity NYC solutions. We can secure your data for you and so much more. Schedule your consultation and tell us what you need, and we will provide you with custom-made solutions. 

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