GenAI is the shiny new toy for businesses, with adoption in every discipline. For many organizations, it’s become a faster way of automating the writing and personalization of customer emails as a way to create a deeper relationship.
But this tech isn't all sunshine and rainbows as the convenience can be ticking time bomb of security risks if oversight and management is not AI-centric. Let's talk about the dangers of using GenAI for emails, the lack of oversight, and why you need to take action now.
As with any new technology, there are inherent risks. GenAI is no different. Here are the top three risks associated with using GenAI to create emails that will be shared external to the business.
Data Privacy Concerns: GenAI models are trained on massive datasets, which can include sensitive info. If mishandled, these models can leak confidential data. Remember the Samsung incident in May 2023? Employees used ChatGPT to review internal code and documents, accidentally leaking confidential information. This is a wake-up call—AI-generated content can spill your secrets. Additionally, GenAI can inadvertently include sensitive information in generated emails, such as personal identifiers or confidential business details, leading to potential data breaches. For example, a financial institution could accidentally disclose client account details in an AI-generated email, exposing them to identity theft and financial fraud.
Content Authenticity: GenAI can create realistic but false information, damaging your credibility. Google's Bard AI gave incorrect info during a demo about the James Webb Space Telescope, leading to trust issues. If your AI-generated emails spread inaccurate information, your reputation is on the line. Moreover, AI-generated emails can be manipulated to spread misinformation or phishing attacks. Cybercriminals can exploit GenAI to craft convincing phishing emails that trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. This not only harms the targeted individuals but also tarnishes the organization's reputation.
Regulatory Compliance: Many industries have strict rules on data handling and privacy. Breaking these rules can lead to hefty fines and legal trouble. This can happen to any organization so it’s important to ensure your GenAI solutions comply with these regulations or there will be consequences. For instance, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe imposes heavy penalties for data breaches, and non-compliance can result in fines up to 4% of annual global turnover or €20 million, whichever is greater. Similarly, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the United States mandates strict controls over the handling of protected health information (PHI). Violations can lead to significant fines and legal actions
Despite the risks, many companies are flying blind, with little to no oversight over AI-generated emails. Traditional security tools just aren't built to accurately capture the nuances associated with emails, specifically beyond the content itself. This includes understanding the context of the email, who the content is intended for, and how the content will be used. As a result, these tools often miss privacy gaps or sensitive information that isn't just simple data strings, leading to exposure.
For instance, AI-generated emails can inadvertently include confidential business details or personal identifiers, which traditional tools fail to detect. This lack of supervision can result in significant data breaches and privacy violations. A recent study found that 38% of employees share sensitive work information with AI tools without their employer's permission, highlighting the urgent need for better oversight. Additionally, AI-generated phishing emails have become increasingly sophisticated, making them harder to detect and increasing the risk of successful cyber attacks.
To avoid disaster, companies need to get serious about overseeing AI-generated emails. Here are some best practices:
GenAI is transforming business communications, but it comes with significant risks. Without proper oversight, AI-generated emails can lead to data privacy breaches, spread false information, and violate regulatory compliance. Companies must implement strong security measures, verify content authenticity, and ensure regulatory compliance to mitigate these risks.