How well do you understand AI and cybersecurity?
Understanding the emerging risks that come with AI
As AI becomes more accessible, cybercriminals are using it too. For businesses, this means AI is creating both opportunities and new risks. Understanding both is essential to protecting people, data and reputation.
Phishing attacks are becoming harder to spot
Suspicious emails once contained obvious warning signs, including poor grammar, unusual wording or inconsistent formatting. AI can now be used to produce messages that are polished, personalised and businesslike.
Employees therefore need to look beyond presentation. Unexpected requests, unusual payment instructions, fake links and attempts to create urgency still require careful checking, even when the message appears credible.
Four AI security risks to understand
1. Data poisoning
Information used to train or improve an AI system is deliberately corrupted, potentially leading to unreliable recommendations or decisions.
2. Prompt manipulation
Carefully worded instructions are used to influence an AI system, bypass safeguards or make it behave in an unintended way.
3. Model theft
An attacker attempts to copy an AI model, extract valuable information or gain access to intellectual property and business logic.
4. Supply chain vulnerabilities
Weaknesses in third-party software, plug-ins, data sources or cloud services create risk within the broader AI environment.
AI should be managed as a business and technology risk, not simply introduced as another productivity tool. A practical governance approach should consider:
- Which AI platforms are approved for business use
- What information can and cannot be entered
- How privacy, confidentiality and security obligations will be addressed
- Who is responsible for reviewing outputs and decisions
- What training employees need
- How usage, incidents and controls will be monitored
Clear governance does not need to stop innovation. It gives people the confidence and boundaries to use AI responsibly.
Balancing innovation with security
AI adoption does not need to come at the expense of security. Appropriate governance, education and controls can support innovation while reducing exposure to emerging risks.
Do you know how AI is affecting your cyber risk profile?
As AI tools become more common, organisations need clear policies, governance frameworks and security controls to protect sensitive information and reduce risk.
Whether you are already using AI or just beginning, we can help you consider the risks, establish practical safeguards and develop an approach that supports both innovation and security.
Contact Andrew Grgic or your trusted Nexia Advisor to discuss how to make the most of AI in your organisation.
Want to learn more about AI?
Explore how AI can support your business, get better results from the tools you use and understand the risks when it comes to your data.
Copilot unpacked webinar
Attend our upcoming webinar to get more from Microsoft Copilot
Held: Thursday, 5 November 2026 | 2:30pm - 3.30pm AEDT
Join Andrew Grgic and business and technology strategist Lee-ann Dias as they unpack what businesses need to know about artificial intelligence (AI) security and explore Microsoft Copilot in action across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Teams.
Whether your business is just starting to explore AI, considering Microsoft Copilot or already using AI tools day to day, this session will provide practical insights to help you understand the security considerations, opportunities and next steps for your business.
