Your data isn’t just information; it’s a strategic asset, a potential goldmine – and it’s increasingly vulnerable.
Organizations are sleepwalking into a data breach of a different kind: the silent theft of their intellectual property by external partners and vendors and their use of AI engines.
The question isn’t about if your data is being used, but how and by whom.
Are you comfortable with external consultants, software vendors, and even contractors training AI models on your company’s proprietary information?
I recently witnessed a disturbing case where a consulting firm was embedding a client’s operational data into GenAI engines without their consent.
Is that acceptable?
I suspect the answer is a resounding “no”.
Here’s what executives need to be doing, and why:
Action 1 – Audit Your Contracts
Review all vendor and partner agreements. Add clauses explicitly prohibiting the use of your data to train AI models without your consent.
Action 2 – Implement Data Governance Policies
Establish clear guidelines for data access, usage, and security.
Action 3 – Educate Your Teams
Raise awareness among employees about the risks associated with data sharing and the importance of data governance.
Action 4 – Demand Transparency
Require vendors to disclose how they are using your data and to provide assurances that your intellectual property is protected.
Reflective Questions for Executives:
– Do you have a clear understanding of who has access to your data and how it is being used?
– Are your contracts adequately protecting your intellectual property and preventing the unauthorized use of your data?
– Do you have the right data governance policies and procedures in place to ensure the security and privacy of your data?
– Are you actively monitoring your data for unauthorized access or usage?
– What are the potential legal and reputational risks associated with data breaches and the misuse of your data?
Are you proactively safeguarding your most valuable asset, or are you leaving the door open for silent theft?
#AI #DataGovernance #IntellectualProperty #RiskManagement #Security #Leadership #CEO #DearCEO
