Navigating AI with Data Security in Mind

AI is becoming embedded in everything we do. With 75% of businesses now using artificial intelligence and over 80% of people incorporating it into their everyday lives, organisations face unprecedented security challenges that require immediate attention.

Reece Gohil and Johan Venables join the BCN podcast to navigate the complex landscape of unauthorised AI use in business environments. They reveal why simply blocking AI tools isn't a viable solution and how businesses can instead establish effective guardrails that protect sensitive data while still enabling productivity. Through real-world examples—including one shocking case where an employee searching for their payslip accidentally discovered everyone's annual bonuses—they illustrate why proper data governance must be the foundation of any AI strategy.

The conversation explores Microsoft's approach to supporting businesses through this transition, highlighting how tools like the free Copilot Chat can provide immediate productivity benefits with enterprise-grade security. Listeners will gain practical insights into conducting AI readiness assessments, identifying high-value use cases across departments, and implementing governance frameworks that balance innovation with protection. Particularly valuable is the discussion around Microsoft Purview's capabilities for tracking unauthorised AI use and managing internal data risks—a crucial consideration that many organisations overlook in their AI planning.

Whether your business has already embraced AI or is just beginning this journey, this episode delivers essential guidance on keeping your company data secure without sacrificing the competitive advantages that AI offers