Adopting AI securely

AI has gone from a nice-to-have experiment to a must-have for businesses of every size. But like any fast-moving technology, it can come with a few myths and genuine risks if you rush in without a plan.

We look at AI’s real security challenges, how to manage them, and highlight practical steps to adopt AI safely.

How do I keep my business safe when using AI tools?

So how secure is AI? It depends on the way you set it up and use it. That means making security part of your everyday approach.

You won't need to worry about common concerns like AI sharing your data with competitors or if AI is compliant if you choose reputable, enterprise-grade tools. The real risks include:

Cyber security threats

Hackers are already using AI to launch phishing attacks, spread malware, and find weak spots. Treat your AI tools as part of your core cyber security strategy.

Intellectual property risks

Free or unapproved AI tools can look tempting but can be risky. If a model’s trained on copyrighted material, it could create content very close to someone else’s work, leaving you open to legal trouble. Always check how providers use your data and stick to business-grade tools.

Misinformation

AI can sound confident and be completely wrong–from fake statistics to manipulated images. Use them without checking and you risk misleading customers or even making bad business decisions. Always verify ‘facts’ before you act.

Operational risk

AI should make life easier for your team, not take over. Relying on it too much can backfire if it fails or misbehaves after an update. Always keep people involved and have a backup plan in place.

Human error

Even the most secure system can be undone by a simple slip, like sharing sensitive data or falling for phishing. People are the biggest risk in AI security, so training and awareness are as important as the tech.

Shadow IT

One-off sign-ups for AI tools might seem harmless, but this ‘shadow IT’ is one of the fastest ways for sensitive data to slip through blind spots and security gaps. Limit access to approved platforms, keep an eye on who’s using what, and make sure people understand the risks.

How do we manage the risks of AI?

You don’t need to avoid AI to stay safe. It’s all about simple steps and best practice.

Get your data ready

AI is only as good as the data you feed it. High-quality, clean, structured, and compliant data reduces risks and gives you better results.

Use secure cloud services

‘Cloud’ doesn’t automatically equal ‘secure’. Check your provider’s credentials, turn on encryption, add multi-factor authentication, and monitor people’s activity.

Create an AI inventory

Keep a simple record of every AI tool and project used across the business–who owns it, what it’s for, and any risks. This helps you stay compliant, avoid unnecessary spending, and make better decisions.

Run AI-specific risk checks

Standard IT reviews can overlook AI. Do a quick 1-5 risk score for every AI tool you plan to use–what happens if it goes down, gives you wrong results, or leaks data?–so you can prioritise the biggest risks.

Put governance in place

AI works best when there are clear procedures. Decide who’s responsible for what, which tools are approved, and what’s acceptable use. It also means making sure it meets data privacy regulations and other regional or industry rules.

Raise AI cyber security awareness

Your people are your first line of defence. Provide regular, practical training so your team understands what’s safe to share and how to spot anything suspicious.

Choose the right tools

AI tools don’t all offer the same level of protection. Choose enterprise-grade platforms that include encryption, audit trails, and recognised compliance standards.

Want to know which AI tool is right for your business? Take our quick quiz.

Prepare for incidents

No system’s completely foolproof. A clear response plan covering who does what, how to escalate problems, and what you tell people helps you minimise damage and bounce back fast.

Ongoing management

Regularly check for accuracy, behaviour, updates, and performance so you can spot small issues before they become bigger problems. Reviewing results against your KPIs also makes sure your AI is actually delivering what you expect.

How to implement AI

Adopting AI securely is about balance–taking a structured approach that lets you experiment, learn, and grow without creating unnecessary risks.

Budget properly

AI isn’t something you can either instantly plug in or forget. It needs upfront investment in infrastructure, governance, training, and ongoing resources to keep running smoothly. Remember to include licensing fees, compliance checks, and rollout to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Start small

Try AI in low-risk areas first, well away from sensitive data. Use it for simple tasks, see what works, and use the lessons to help your wider rollout.

Make integration a priority

AI should slot in nicely with the tools you already use, like your CRM or data storage. Think about your workflows and if everything meets your security standards.

Prep your team

Make sure your team understands AI’s strengths, weaknesses and limits, how to use it properly, and recognise any unusual or unexpected outputs.

Stay compliant

Run a compliance check against your local regulations. Doing it before you go live helps you avoid regulatory and reputational risks later.

Choose the right partner

If you’d prefer not to do everything yourself, choose a partner with proven security credentials, compliance expertise, and a track record of supporting small businesses.

Here’s more on the best AI agents for SMEs.

Find out how AI can help your business

AI is helping SMEs work faster, cut costs, and make better use of data. By understanding the risks and knowing how to manage them, you can adopt AI confidently and safely.

Need help implementing AI in your own small business? Check out V-Hub Digital Advice.