March 23, 2026
Employees in SMBs must be able to use AI to assist them in their day-to-day workflow. The problem is they may be exposing your company's proprietary information. The following is a checklist of things you can do to minimize the security risks for SMBs as employees increasingly turn to AI.
1. Policy + Training (Baseline - Not ideal. But most Companies Missing This)
Define “AI Acceptable Use Policy” No PII, financials, client data, source code, etc.
Train employees on: What counts as sensitive Real examples (this is key)
Make it simple: “If you wouldn’t email it externally, don’t paste it into AI”
2. Enterprise AI Tools (Better Solution: Control the Environment)
Instead of banning AI, redirect its usage to a secure AI platform:
Use: Microsoft Copilot (M365 tenant-bound) ChatGPT Enterprise / Team (no training on your data) Google Gemini for Workspace
Benefits: Data stays within tenant. No model training on inputs Admin controls + audit logs
This is the cleanest strategic move.
3. Technical Controls (Where an MSSP like Hudson Can Help)
A. DNS / Web Filtering
Block or restrict: Public AI tools (ChatGPT free, Claude, etc.)
Allow only approved AI endpoints
B. CASB / SaaS Security (Microsoft Defender, Netskope, etc.)
Detect: Data being uploaded to AI tools
Enforce: Session controls (block copy/paste of sensitive data)
C. DLP (Data Loss Prevention)
Scan for: Financial data Client info IP
Block or alert when: Data is pasted into browser forms / AI tools
D. Endpoint Monitoring
Track: Clipboard activity (in higher security environments)
Flag risky behavior patterns
4. Identity + Access Controls
Restrict who can access: External AI tools API-based integrations
Use: Conditional access policies Device compliance requirements
5. Logging + Visibility (Frequently Overlooked by SMBs)
Who is using AI tools?
What data categories are being shared?
Which departments are highest risk?
6. AI Usage Security Assessment”
A professional review by an MSSP like Hudson can help your organization evaluate a secure pathway for using AI. The review is designed to help SMBs understand:
Where AI tools are being used
What data is being exposed
Risk score by department
Policy + technical recommendations
If you think it's time your organization stepped up its IT or security, book a 15 minute call with a Hudson expert.
