Using Open Source AI Platforms and Safeguarding Sensitive Company Information

With the increased use of powerful open AI platfoms is becoming increasingly prevalent in the workplace, it is important to acknowledge these platforms offer immense potential and opportunities, but it is also crucial for organisations to approach them with a security-first mindset. This article addresses the dangers associated with sharing sensitive company information, such as intellectual property (IP), designs, specifications, and how organisations can mitigate these risks by adopting security by design principles. We will also explore the significance of ISO 27001, an international standard for information security management systems, and the role of NDC Certification Services in helping organisations achieve certification and ensure data safety.

The Risks of Sharing Sensitive Company Information:

Sharing sensitive company information on openAI -source platforms can expose organisations to various risks, including:

1. Unauthorised Access: Open platforms may inadvertently grant unauthorised individuals access to confidential data, potentially leading to data breaches, theft, or misuse.
2. Intellectual Property Theft: Publicly sharing IP, designs, or specifications can make it easier for malicious actors to steal and exploit valuable company assets for their own gain.
3. Competitive Disadvantage: Inadvertently sharing proprietary information can undermine a company’s competitive advantage by providing competitors with insights into its operations, strategies, or technological advancements.
4. Legal Consequences: Failure to protect sensitive information can result in legal disputes, intellectual property infringement claims, and damage to a company’s reputation.

Implementing Security by Design:

To mitigate these risks, organisations must adopt a security by design approach when utilising open-source platforms. Here are some key considerations:

1. Information Security Risk Assessments: Conduct thorough risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats associated with sharing sensitive information. This helps organisations understand the level of risk they face and prioritise security measures accordingly.
2. Risk Treatment and Mitigation: Develop and implement robust security controls, policies, and procedures to mitigate identified risks. This includes encryption, access controls, secure coding practices, and regular security audits.
3. ISO 27001: The ISO 27001 standard provides a comprehensive framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). It enables organisations to manage risks and ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their data.
4. NDC Certification Services: NDC Certification Services specialises in helping organisations achieve ISO 27001 certification. They offer valuable services such as conducting gap analyses to identify areas for improvement and mapping out a pathway to certification.
5. Implement strict policies and procedures when using open AI services like ChatGPT, Gemini and other similar tools and educate staff on the dangers of sharing sensitive information to write letters, procedures and contracts.

Conclusion:

As organisations harness the power of AI and open-source platforms, it is vital to prioritise security and protect sensitive company information. By conducting information security risk assessments, implementing security by design principles, and adopting internationally recognised standards like ISO 27001, organisations can confidently leverage the potential of AI while safeguarding their data.

NDC Certification Services plays a crucial role in assisting organisations in achieving ISO 27001 certification and ensuring the highest level of information security. Remember, securing sensitive company information is not only a legal and ethical obligation but also a strategic advantage in today’s digital landscape.