Generative AI in the Crosshairs: Navigating the Security Minefield for Business

Generative AI chatbots have been incredibly useful for all kinds of businesses since their launch, from copywriters looking for inspiration, to web developers looking for code errors.

But since their inception, Generative AI chatbots have been incredibly easy to manipulate. Indirect prompt injection attacks - where bad actors insert lines of code into the large language models that power the application - can manipulate end users into handing over secure data, downloading spyware, or enabling access to their company's wider network.

Many companies have banned their employees from utilising Generative AI apps, stating concern that the language models will hand their information over to competitors as part of another prompt.

There are a few ways to counter the latter issue. Firstly, robust training and policy regarding the use of Generative AI. Secondly, regular vulnerability assessments should be expanded to include the threats posed by LLM applications.

For the former, risk mitigation is currently the best solution. Think about Generative AI as you would any other stranger to your business, and adopt the same cybersecurity posture you would with any other outside user. Another good idea would be to follow the principle of least privilege, and giving LLM systems access to the minimum necessary data, with the fewest possible abilities.

Ultimately, while Generative AI applications are relatively new technology, the security headaches they cause are fundamentally similar to problems we've been solving since our founding 20 years ago.

Mason Infotech is offering free cybersecurity posture assessments to businesses in Nottingham and Newcastle. Whether you're using Generative AI or simply need to understand if you're at risk, we'll provide a detailed report with recommendations for remediation, completely free of charge and obligation.