AI is transforming the business world at breakneck speed. From writing emails to running customer support and automating internal operations, these tools promise massive gains in efficiency and productivity.

But here’s what no one’s telling you: those same tools are opening the floodgates to a new breed of cyberattacks. Attacks that are faster, more dangerous, and harder to detect.

If you thought the cybersecurity threats of the '90s were bad, buckle up. What we’re facing now makes those years look like a warm-up act.

AI Doesn’t Just Make Work Easier. It Makes Attacks Smarter.

Most companies are rushing to adopt AI without asking a critical question: What are the security implications?

The risks go far beyond pasting sensitive data into a chatbot. Today’s AI agents-- digital employees that can send emails, access files, and even run code-- are being manipulated in ways that let attackers maintain long-term control inside your systems.

These tools aren’t just responding to prompts. They’re making decisions. And cybercriminals are already taking advantage of that.

At Black Hat and DEFCON, the two most prestigious cybersecurity conferences in the world, researchers revealed a disturbing truth: nearly every major AI tool tested-- including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Salesforce-- was easily manipulated. They leaked data, ignored restrictions, and performed actions they should have blocked. In some cases, attackers used tactics as simple as Morse code to trick the systems. And they worked.

This isn’t a minor glitch. It’s a sign that the very foundation of these tools is vulnerable.

What’s at Stake? Everything.

Your data. Your client records. Your operations. Your financials. All are at risk from AI-powered threats that most cybersecurity programs aren’t equipped to handle.

We’ve already seen examples of AI tools acting as digital informants; quietly feeding new data records to attackers as they’re created. That’s not just a leak. It’s grounds for a lawsuit.

The Harsh Truth: Your MSP Can’t Carry This Alone

If you work with a Managed Service Provider (MSP), you’ve probably trusted them to “handle security.” But in today’s environment, that’s not enough.

Security isn’t a checkbox. It’s a shared responsibility. And ultimately, you own the business risk.

What happens if a breach exposes sensitive data? Who’s liable when operations come to a halt? Who must answer when insurers or regulators come knocking?

If you don’t have evidence-- clear documentation that you made informed security decisions-- you could be the one holding the bag.

Key Questions to Start a Smarter Conversation with Your MSP

As AI becomes more integrated into daily operations, now is the time to align with your MSP on security, responsibility, and readiness. These questions can help open that dialogue:

  • Are we on the same page about how AI is being used across the business, and have we addressed the risks?
  • Do we have clear policies in place governing the use of AI tools by staff and vendors?
  • If an AI-related breach occurs, is there a documented incident response plan ready to activate?
  • Can we demonstrate to regulators or insurers that we’ve taken reasonable steps to secure our systems?
  • Are we collecting the right documentation to protect the business from compliance penalties or legal liability?

These aren’t just technical questions. They’re business continuity questions. And answering them before a crisis hits could make all the difference.

AI Is Here. The Risk Is Real. The Liability Is Yours.

Ignoring AI risks today is like ignoring ransomware five years ago. Businesses that delay action won’t just suffer outages — they’ll face lawsuits, lost contracts, and long-term damage.

The businesses that will survive and thrive are the ones treating cybersecurity as a leadership issue. That means working closely with your MSP, asking the right questions, and documenting every decision.

Your MSP should be more than a service provider. They should be your liability shield.