In a recent study conducted by BlackBerry Limited, it was revealed that an increasing number of organizations in the UK are considering or implementing bans on Generative AI applications such as ChatGPT in the workplace. According to the research, 66% of surveyed organizations are either already implementing bans or contemplating doing so. The majority of these bans are intended to be long term or even permanent, with concerns surrounding data security, privacy, and corporate reputation being the driving factors.
The study also found that 78% of respondents expressed worries about the cybersecurity threats posed by unsecured apps within their corporate IT environment. This highlights the importance of maintaining a secure and protected workplace environment, as the potential risks associated with these applications can be detrimental to organizations.
Despite the inclination towards banning Generative AI applications, most organizations also acknowledge the potential benefits that these technologies can bring to the workplace. The majority of respondents see the opportunity for increased efficiency (53%), innovation (44%), and creativity (42%) through the use of Generative AI tools. The study suggests that IT decision makers recognize the significance of staying ahead of cyber threats by utilizing these technologies for cybersecurity defense, as 74% of respondents remain in favor of using Generative AI tools in this context.
Understanding the complex nature of the issue, Shishir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Cybersecurity at BlackBerry, emphasizes the need for organizations to take a cautious yet dynamic approach to the implementation of Generative AI applications in the workplace. Singh suggests that simply banning these applications can result in missed business opportunities. Instead, organizations should focus on implementing the right tools for visibility, monitoring, and management of these applications in order to reap the potential benefits they offer while maintaining security and compliance.
The study also shed light on the perceptions of IT decision makers regarding organizations’ control over the applications used by employees for business purposes. While 76% agree that organizations have the right to exert control over these applications, 66% believe that bans on Generative AI applications can be seen as excessive control over both corporate and employee-owned devices. This implies that finding a balance between cybersecurity and employee autonomy is crucial for organizations looking to navigate this complex landscape.
To address these concerns, unified endpoint management (UEM) is proposed as a solution for CIOs and CISOs. UEM provides the necessary controls over which applications can connect to the corporate environment, ensuring both enterprise security and user privacy by segregating corporate data.
As the use of Generative AI applications becomes more prevalent in workplaces, organizations must carefully weigh the risks and benefits associated with these technologies. While concerns over cybersecurity and data protection are valid, organizations should also consider the potential advantages that Generative AI can bring to their operations. By implementing the appropriate tools and strategies to manage and monitor these applications, organizations can strike a balance between leveraging the benefits of Generative AI and safeguarding their cybersecurity posture.