What are the risks of using AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot in business?

The main risks include accidental exposure of sensitive data, lack of role-based access control, and reliance on outdated or inaccurate AI-generated information. These can lead to compliance breaches, reputational damage, and data security issues.

How can SMEs safely use Large Language Models (LLMs) in their operations?

SMEs can use LLMs safely by implementing a protection framework that includes data classification, role-based access, monitoring, user awareness training, and limitations on what data can be shared with AI tools.

What does Lynden Group Cyber offer to protect AI tool usage?

Lynden Group Cyber provides an AI Protection Layer that includes smart data tagging, pre-use warnings, role-aware access control for Copilot and GPT agents, logging of AI activity, and employee training programs tailored for SMEs.

Why is role-based access important when using AI in the workplace?

Role-based access ensures that only authorised users can query sensitive business information through AI assistants. Without it, any employee might access confidential HR, legal, or financial data using AI tools like Copilot or internal GPT agents.

Is AI compliance important under Australian data protection laws?

Yes. Improper handling of personal or sensitive information through AI tools may breach the Australian Privacy Act and other data governance standards. Businesses are required to ensure AI tools do not compromise data security or privacy obligations.

AI in the Workplace: The Hidden Cybersecurity Risks for SMEs

Sunnie Doan
Jun 19
2 min read

Artificial Intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini are transforming productivity across small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia. Employees use these tools to write reports, summarise emails, generate insights, and answer business questions.

However, without proper safeguards, these AI assistants can unintentionally expose sensitive business information—and most companies are unaware of the risks.

Common AI Security Risks: What’s Going Wrong?

Here are real-world examples of how unregulated use of Large Language Models (LLMs) can backfire:

1. Uncontrolled Data Sharing

Employees upload internal documents—contracts, financials, client data—into tools like ChatGPT or Copilot without understanding where the data goes or whether it’s secure. This increases the risk of data leakage, regulatory non-compliance, and unintended third-party exposure.

2. No Role-Based AI Restrictions

Many organisations fail to configure Copilot agents or internal knowledge hubs to respect role-based access controls (RBAC). This means a junior staff member could query sensitive legal, HR, or finance material through AI without authorisation.

3. AI Models Giving Outdated or Inaccurate Information

Some companies train internal AI models using legacy data. Without regular updates, these tools may give incorrect advice or reference old policies—creating reputational and contractual risks.

Why SMEs Need Role-Based Access for AI Assistants

Just like traditional IT systems, AI tools need clear boundaries. Without a security framework, any team member can ask “What’s our severance policy?” or “What are the customer complaints against our COO?”—and get an answer.

To ensure safe adoption of AI, SMEs must enforce:

✅ Data classification and sensitivity awareness
✅ Role-based permissions for AI interactions
✅ Logging and monitoring of AI tool usage
✅ Clear AI usage policies and staff training

This is no longer optional—AI security is now a core part of cyber risk management.

How Lynden Group Cyber Helps SMEs Use AI Safely

At Lynden Group Cyber, we’ve developed a dedicated AI Security and Protection Layer tailored for SMEs. This lightweight, effective solution helps your business embrace AI with confidence, including:

🔒 Data loss prevention (DLP) for uploads to ChatGPT, Copilot, and other AI tools
🔐 Role-aware Copilot and knowledge agent control, ensuring appropriate access
📊 LLM usage tracking and compliance reporting
🎓 User awareness and AI policy guidance

Whether you’re adopting Microsoft Copilot in your M365 tenancy or using GPT-powered knowledge hubs on SharePoint, we help ensure it’s done securely, ethically, and in compliance with Australian privacy laws.