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How to Protect Yourself When Using AI Databases

AI databases

As data and data analysis become more important for businesses, they are increasingly turning to AI databases over traditional database solutions. This database approach incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) to build a better, more efficient database. These databases take in data, explore and analyze that data, and can even offer data visualization at high speeds. They’re incredibly useful, especially for businesses that want to execute advanced data analytics, but there is a concern — security.

When you use an AI database, it’s important to take measures to protect yourself and your business from potential security issues. The first step is understanding the information that these databases collect and the ways they use them. 

What Information Do AI Databases Collect?

AI databases and other AI data collection applications can collect more information than you might think. You have to be careful about what access you grant to these applications and databases and always closely read the permissions you agree to when you start using them. No one enjoys reading terms and conditions, but in this case, it’s a vital security measure to ensure you know what data is being collected and how it can be used. 

Only allow the database to collect information that you need it to use. Any extra data access is just an unnecessary liability that could potentially be exploited or misused in the future. You’re still responsible for controlling your data and keeping it safe with data security measures appropriate for your business. 

How Do AI Databases Use That Data?

The primary way that AI databases use the data they have access to is by storing it and making it searchable for businesses. They’re equipped with text analytics capabilities and allow for full-text search, an improvement over traditional databases. AI databases also connect with your other applications so you can run meaningful analytics on very large datasets in real-time or close to real-time.  

You should review your service agreement to ensure the AI databases are using your data in ways that benefit your business. This agreement and other terms from the AI database provider will provide more information on the ways the database uses your data. This may be a sticking point for companies focused on achieving the highest possible level of data security. If you see anything in the terms and conditions that doesn’t fit with your business’s cybersecurity approach, you may want to look for database solutions from other providers. 

How Some AI Databases Collect Data?

In recent years, as new AI-based tools have risen in popularity, there have been some concerns about the ways these tools use the data they collect or gain access to. Users aren’t always aware of the ways that these tools collect and use their data behind the scenes. 

Take voice recognition tools, for example, which apply AI to better understand and respond to voice requests. Though the “main” service these tools provide is to users, they’re also building significant databases full of data related to those users such as their likes and dislikes, interests, and career. Users might be alarmed to learn how much information these tools actually collect about them and how they use it. The companies behind such voice recognition tools can use the information to further train the AI (which most people probably don’t mind), but they can also use it to provide targeted ads or services. If more people were aware of that, would they still be comfortable using these tools the same way? 

How Can Users Protect Their Data?

After learning about the ways their applications and databases use their data, many users wonder — how can I better protect my data? Businesses are no different. When you run a business, you want to protect your data to avoid costly data breaches and other security concerns. Here are some steps to take:

Only work with service providers you trust 

This may seem obvious, but when you’re shopping for any AI-powered data solution, make sure to select a reliable, trustworthy provider. You’re going to have to grant this provider access to at least some of your data, so you need to be able to trust them with that access. If you don’t already have a provider in mind, do some research online into each company you’re considering and look for any red flags. Avoid companies that have had data use scandals or other concerning data security issues in the past.    

Be aware of what data your database has access to

You don’t want any unpleasant surprises down the line, learning that your AI database had access to more data than you thought. Review all the documents you receive and carefully decide what data you want to store in the AI database. Does the database collect any information that you don’t want your provider to have access to? You can find that out by keeping track of all the access you grant the database. It’s easy to just go through and grant access to all your data, but that’s likely not the best move for your business’s long-term data security. 

Ask about your provider’s data security measures

Even if your provider is trustworthy, you still need to make sure that they have strong data security measures in place to protect your data from outside cyber-attacks. Ask about their defenses against cyber attacks and the methods they use to mitigate damage. You want to know that your provider will do everything they can to protect your data on their end, just like you do on your end. 

Improve Your Business’s Safety and Security with Live Earth

There will always be potential for cyber security threats that can seriously harm your business, and the right tools will help you address those threats. Protect your business and your data with Live Earth.

Live Earth is a real-time data analytics platform that leverages AI technology to provide unique insights and risk mitigation. The real-time alert system within the platform helps you better monitor internal and external risks and protect your enterprise. Contact us today to visit with one of our consultants and see the platform in action.

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