AI is changing the game. Make sure your data stays in safe hands.

Your team is already using AI tools. The question isn't whether they should be - it's whether they're doing it safely.

AI has moved from boardroom buzzword to everyday business tool faster than most organisations could blink. While you were deciding whether to embrace artificial intelligence, your employees were already there, quietly using ChatGPT to draft emails, generate reports, and solve problems.

This presents both an opportunity and a significant risk that many business leaders are only just beginning to understand.

The statistics paint a clear picture. Research indicates that uptake of AI by New Zealand organisations shows an almost 50-50 split, with 48% claiming they currently use some form of AI in their business.

But, here's the concerning part: policies around AI usage had been implemented by just 53% of respondents, and six in ten business leaders said they don’t feel well educated on the risks of AI from a security standpoint.

This gap between adoption and governance represents one of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges businesses face today. When your data governance isn't keeping pace with AI adoption, you're essentially handing over the keys to your most sensitive information without knowing who's driving.

The shadow IT problem: AI edition

Remember when employees started using Dropbox before IT departments had approved it? We're experiencing the same phenomenon with AI tools, but the stakes are much higher.

Shadow IT—the use of technology systems and solutions by departments other than IT without explicit approval—has found its perfect storm in AI adoption.

Your marketing team might be feeding customer data into AI tools to generate personalised campaigns. Your HR department could be using AI to screen resumes. Your finance team might be automating report generation.

All of these activities sound productive, and they probably are. But without proper data governance, each represents a potential security vulnerability.

The challenge is that AI tools are incredibly accessible. Unlike traditional software that required installation and setup, many AI platforms are available through web browsers with nothing more than an email signup.

This ease of access, while democratising AI capabilities, also means that sensitive business data can be shared with third-party AI services without proper oversight.

Employees aren't being malicious - they're being human. They see a tool that can help them work more efficiently, and they use it. The problem arises when that tool processes confidential client information, proprietary business data, or sensitive employee records without appropriate safeguards.

The human element is still crucial

Effective AI governance isn't just about technology - it's about people. Business leaders have long been aware of the crucial role staff buy-in plays in cybersecurity success.

As AI continues to reach new levels of innovation, it is more important than ever for your employees to understand not just what they should do, but why it matters.

The key is framing AI governance as enablement rather than restriction. Instead of telling your team they can't use AI tools, help them understand how to use them safely.

Establishing clear guidelines for good governance and responsible AI use is critical to fostering a culture of strong data security. By ensuring everyone understands their role in protecting data, organisations can drive meaningful behavioural change.

With AI firmly in the picture, it’s essential to provide clear direction on approved AI platforms, what types of data can be shared with these tools, and how to handle sensitive information in AI-enabled workflows.

Training is key, but it needs to be practical and relevant. Your team needs to understand how AI tools process and store data, what happens to information they input, and how to recognise when an AI tool might be compromising security.

AI as a strategic advantage

The time for AI governance is now. Your competitors are already moving, your employees are already using these tools, and the threat landscape is evolving rapidly. The businesses that act decisively to implement strong AI data governance will be the ones that thrive in an AI-enabled future.rtance of data privacy.