The buzz around AI is undeniable. With most marketing teams (or leaders) inundated with a variety of initiatives across everything from social media, paid campaigns, brand awareness, event management, and content creation, having a tool to help you process it all seems like a slam dunk. Using AI in marketing is like having an intern who helps you process information every day. Especially, when you are in the moment and every photo or networking event feels like a race against the clock to be relevant. However, AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot can be incredibly useful, but they also come with some important considerations, especially when it comes to handling sensitive company data. The conversation around AI safety for marketers is a critical part of your business marketing strategy so we’ve put together some key points to consider.
AI as Your Day-to-Day Helper
Need a quick caption for a photo? A final proofread over that article? A quick outline for a presentation that’s due in the morning? AI has you covered. That’s not to say you type in a request and perfection is the result. On the contrary, it’s a baseline to elevate existing skills and become more productive.
When creating road mapping for strategies or outlines to processes, AI helps marketers (and others) go from draft to execution far quicker. In addition, AI supports marketing with things like:
- Analyzing consumer behavior: AI can sift through tons of data to spot trends and preferences, making it easier to tailor your campaigns.
- Creating content: Need a blog post or social media update? AI can generate engaging content quickly.
- Optimizing strategies: AI can evaluate your marketing strategies and suggest tweaks to improve them.
The Problem with Proprietary Data
AI safety for marketers is essential. While AI tools like ChatGPT are great, they come with risks when it comes to proprietary data. Unlike Copilot, which is integrated with Microsoft 365 and offers better control over data, ChatGPT’s shared database means any data you enter could potentially be referenced later.
That proprietary marketing playbook you created for your business? Well, if you’re using a program like ChatGPT, that means it has the potential to be a source of public reference. This is probably great news for your competitors. Other risks to consider include:
- Data Leakage: Sensitive information, like marketing roadmaps and strategy outlines, could end up being shared or referenced later.
- Intellectual Property Risks: Loss of proprietary data, such as trade secrets and intellectual property, could be exposed and misused. This could allow competitors to access insights about your business, giving them an unfair edge.
- Reputational Damage: Data breaches and misuse of proprietary information can lead to loss of trust among customers and stakeholders. Moreover, incidents involving insecure AI tools can attract negative publicity, damaging the organization’s reputation.
AI Safety For Marketers? AI Can Still Help.
The good news? Using Copilot within Microsoft 365 provides a safer and more secure environment compared to alternative free AI tools, thanks to its integration with Microsoft’s robust security measures, compliance with regulations, and enhanced productivity features. These advantages make it a safer choice compared to alternative free AI tools, which may lack critical protections and features.
More good news for business users; Copilot is included in Microsoft 365 for business subscriptions, offering additional capabilities tailored for professional use.
Interested in how a CEO uses AI? A recent article published on Bridgehead IT’s blog outlines how their CEO, Wes Bunch, uses AI tools in his everyday life.
References from Bridgehead IT partners, KnowBe4
KnowBe4 has some great resources on AI and data protection. They emphasize the importance of robust data protection and logical database separation to safeguard customer data [1]. They also highlight the risks of employees feeding sensitive business data into AI tools like ChatGPT, which could lead to massive leaks of proprietary information [2].
AI can transform marketing and other professional tasks, but it’s crucial to address the cybersecurity challenges that come with it. Adopt strong security measures and use only trusted AI platforms. That way you can enjoy the benefits of AI while keeping your proprietary data safe.
Continuously evaluate your AI usage and cybersecurity strategies to ensure they align with the latest best practices. Investing in secure AI platforms and ongoing employee training will help mitigate risks and maximize the benefits of AI.
Questions about technology, cybersecurity, or Copilot licensing through Microsoft 365?
Bridgehead IT can help. Give our team a call (210) 477-7900 or visit our website here.
References
[1] KnowBe4 Data Usage & Artificial Intelligence – Knowledge Base
[2] Employees Are Feeding Sensitive Biz Data to ChatGPT, Raising … – KnowBe4
