Local cybersecurity experts are optimistic about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplace applications, seeing it as a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency and security. They believe AI can streamline processes, detect anomalies, and respond to threats faster than traditional methods. However, these experts caution that businesses must approach AI implementation thoughtfully and strategically.

Artificial intelligence in the workplace can be a valuable tool if used correctly, according to area experts.

ChatGPT wrote that above paragraph after being given a prompt to “write a paragraph that says how local cybersecurity experts believe artificial intelligence holds great promise for workplace applications, but businesses have to use the technology wisely to avoid pitfalls.”

Use of AI in the workplace — whether it’s to write, research, or automate — is becoming more common by the day, which means workplaces need to consider when, how, and even if they will adopt the use of the ever-evolving technology.

“In general, AI is going to be part of our daily lives whether we want it or not,” says Javier Figueroa, cybersecurity manager at M.A. Polce IT and Cybersecurity in Rome. The key is to figure out how to incorporate it while still protecting privacy and security.

IBM defines artificial intelligence as “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities.”

Use Cases for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace

The original intended use of AI was as an agent or tool for humans, Patch says, adding it was a tool to take over some of the mundane tasks.

AI has uses ranging from speech recognition for speech-to-text applications to evaluating vast amounts of data in search of anomalies. As consumers, we may be interacting with AI on a company website when we use the chat feature to ask basic questions and chatbots are able to provide answers to them.

“I think doctors will start using it as part of their overall toolkit,” he adds.

Risks and Inabilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Workplace

However, the benefits of AI don’t come without risks, Patch says. First, AI can only analyze the data it’s given. Incomplete data — or data with biases — will come through in the results.

“These are real smart search engines, if you will,” he says of AI technologies, but they can’t completely replace the human element just yet. Users should carefully review any material produced by AI for accuracy, biases, and other potential negatives.

For example, a chatbot can manage a bunch of FAQ chats simultaneously, but a human should be monitoring those chats to make sure the chatbot is giving the correct answers, Patch advises.

Privacy Concerns of Artificial Intelligence in the Workplace

AI also comes with legitimate privacy concerns, Figueroa says. It’s important to ask what happens to your data once you input it into the AI technology. What about copyright? Who owns the material produced? Do you have to openly label any material produced by AI?

Those are all questions that should be addressed in the company’s AI vetting process and policy.

“Unfortunately, on the cybersecurity side, we’re seeing the bad guys use AI,” he adds. Technology like ChatGPT allows those bad guys to write better phishing emails, for example.”

Fortunately, the good guys are also using AI to help them detect — and react — to malicious activity much faster, Figueroa says.

For any business even thinking about adopting AI technology as part of their operation, the first place to start is policy, Figueroa says. Define the acceptable uses of AI within the company, including what information can be input into the technology.

Policy and Research Recommended for Secure Adoption of AI in the Workplace

Patch recommends businesses visit cisa.gov, the website of the federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, for some best-practice tips.

“It’s probably gotten to the point where businesses can leverage these tools without a high cost,” Patch says, which can provide a strong return on investment.   

Cully Patch, Senior Program Manager, Cybersecurity and Intelligence at Quanterion Solutions Incorporated, contributed subject matter expertise to this article. Patch currently  provides technical planning, resource management/coordination, customer outreach, and advisory assistance to cybersecurity-oriented customers.

Cully’s expertise has been incorporated in the development of an end-to-end IoT testing environment to allow for open, cloud-based hosting and testing of IoT devices and systems to fulfill development, testing, and potential STEM and technical competition requirements.

Cully is a prior-enlisted, retired U.S. Air Force officer with experience in aircraft maintenance, intelligence, space and cyber operations, and professional education.

Interested in resolving your organization’s IoT or cybersecurity challenges?

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