Why CPA Firms in Metro Atlanta Need Smart AI Policies — Before It’s Too Late
AI is everywhere. From ChatGPT and Google Gemini to Microsoft Copilot, artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses create content, answer emails, summarize meetings, and crunch data.
And while these tools can supercharge productivity, they can also quietly expose your firm to serious cybersecurity risks — especially when misused by well-meaning employees.
Here’s the Problem
The danger isn’t the technology itself. It’s how people use it.
When staff copy and paste client data or internal documents into public AI tools, that information can be stored, analyzed, and even reused to train future AI models. That means sensitive or regulated data — including financials, tax records, or health-related details — could be compromised without anyone realizing it.
Just ask Samsung. In 2023, engineers accidentally leaked proprietary source code into ChatGPT. It triggered such a serious breach of privacy that Samsung had to ban public AI use entirely.
Now imagine someone at your firm doing the same thing with a client's tax return or QuickBooks report.
The New Threat: Prompt Injection
Beyond accidental leaks, hackers are now exploiting a sophisticated tactic called prompt injection. Here’s how it works:
Malicious actors embed hidden instructions inside documents, emails, or transcripts. When an AI tool processes that content, it unknowingly follows those instructions — potentially revealing sensitive information or performing actions it shouldn’t.
In short: the AI helps the hacker, not knowing it’s being manipulated.
Why Small and Mid-Sized CPA Firms Are at Risk
Your employees may already be using AI tools — and chances are, no one’s monitoring how.
That’s because many staff assume AI is “just smarter Google.” They don’t realize that the information they paste could be permanently stored, accessed, or even breached.
And without a clear policy, even well-intentioned use can open a legal or compliance nightmare.
4 Smart Steps to Secure Your Firm’s AI Use
You don’t have to ban AI — just manage it wisely.
- Create a Clear AI Policy
Define which tools are approved, what data is off-limits, and who handles AI-related questions. - Educate Your Team
Train staff on risks like data leakage and prompt injection. They don’t need to be tech experts — just aware. - Stick to Business-Grade AI
Encourage secure platforms like Microsoft Copilot, which offer better controls for privacy and compliance. - Monitor and Manage AI Usage
Track which tools are in use and consider blocking public AI tools on company devices if needed.
Final Thoughts
AI isn’t going away — and that’s a good thing. Firms that harness it smartly will gain a competitive edge. But ignoring the risks? That’s a recipe for compliance violations, client distrust, and serious financial exposure.
At Custom Technologies, Inc., we help CPA firms in Metro Atlanta build safe, flexible AI policies — and secure every step of your workflow.
📞 Let’s talk about your AI risk before it becomes a liability. Book your FREE DISCOVERY CALL.
Custom Technologies, Inc.
Let us manage your network so you can manage your business!
