If you’re hearing a lot about AI but struggling to find real, actionable ways it can help your organization operate more effectively, you’re not alone. Much of the discussion from Silicon Valley and tech giants is abstract and hard to translate into day-to-day business improvements —especially when it comes to keeping your company secure from growing cyber threats.
This article will serve as a practical resource you can rely on to improve your organization’s operations. It’ll explain why cybersecurity should be a top priority before implementing AI, how strong cybersecurity practices create a foundation for safe and successful AI adoption, essential cybersecurity principles, and clear guidance to leverage AI for data security.
Why Cybersecurity Must Be a Priority Before AI
As businesses explore the potential uses for AI, they must prioritize cybersecurity first and foremost to avoid serious risks. For small and midsize businesses (SMBs), cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue; it’s critical to survival. AI brings more systems, data, and integrations — all of which can become easy targets for cyberattacks if not properly secured.
A ransomware attack or data breach can be devastating, costing businesses tens of thousands of dollars to resolve, disrupting operations for days or weeks, and damaging trust with customers. Before adopting AI, it’s essential organizations invest in strong cybersecurity measures to protect themselves, their data, and their reputation. Without it, the risks far outweigh the rewards.
The Role of Cybersecurity in AI Readiness
AI readiness and cybersecurity go hand in hand. AI systems often rely on sensitive and high-value data. As such, protecting that data becomes mission-critical. A single breach can disrupt operations, expose customer information, and potentially undermine trust between your customers and your organization. Establishing cybersecurity practices early ensures that AI projects can scale securely and sustainably.
Key Cybersecurity Principles for SMBs and Steps to Improve Cybersecurity
When it comes to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity cannot be treated as an afterthought especially for small and midsize businesses (SMBs). A foundational principle is recognizing that cybersecurity is as much a business problem as it is an IT one.
Much like managing legal liability or financial exposure, cybersecurity requires executive-level ownership and oversight. Leaders must treat digital protection as a core responsibility that supports business continuity and the integrity of the entire organization.
To truly safeguard your business, you must center yourself around a cybersecurity standard. Whether it’s a recognized framework like NIST, ISO, or CIS Controls, aligning to a standard provides a clear structure for identifying risks, implementing protections, and measuring progress. It’s not just about compliance—it’s about resilience.
As the cyber landscape continually evolves, consider the following cybersecurity principles and how you use them to stay protected. Grounding your strategy in a standard ensures you’re not just reacting to threats, but proactively defending your business.
1. Implement Strong Password Policies
- Require employees to use complex, unique passwords and update them regularly. Encourage the use of password managers to securely store credentials.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
- Add an extra layer of protection by requiring MFA for access to critical systems and sensitive data, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
3. Regularly Update your Devices
- Ensure your computers and other digital devices are up to date with the latest security patches to address vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.
4. Train your Employees on Cybersecurity
- Many cyberattacks are the result of employees falling for phishing emails, social engineering techniques, and other human error-driven breaches. Equipping your employees with the skills to identify potential threats is a key piece of the puzzle.
5. Develop an Incident Response Plan
- Prepare a clear action plan outlining steps to take in the event of a security breach. Include communication protocols, containment measures, and recovery strategies.
These cybersecurity principles are actionable steps that any small to midsize organization can follow to vastly improve their digital defenses.
Getting Started with AI and Cybersecurity in Your Organization
Stepping into the world of AI and cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming if approached with a structured plan and clear understanding of what you are looking to accomplish with each.
To begin, assess how you currently use technology from top to bottom. Identify what you do well and where gaps exist, both from a cybersecurity and operational standpoint. This will serve as the foundation you build upon when you make changes throughout your organization.
Next, prioritize education and awareness across your organization. It’s important that everyone understands the WHY behind the changes you’re making and how it plays a crucial role in those changes. Provide training to your teams about both the opportunities and risks associated with AI, ensuring everyone understands their role in maintaining security.
Another crucial step is to develop a clear roadmap. Define the goals you aim to achieve with AI, the timelines for implementation, and the controls that will secure your systems during and after deployment.
Finally, don’t hesitate to take a step back and seek guidance from experts. It’s far more effective to take your time and get it right the first time than to waste resources fixing mistakes or reversing decisions later.
By prioritizing cybersecurity, leveraging proven AI principles, and adopting a practical approach, your organization can strengthen its defenses while harnessing the power of AI effectively. With the right strategies, you can protect your systems, avoid costly breaches, and drive innovation without unnecessary risks.