At Leap Managed IT, one of the most rewarding parts of our work is leading workshops for organizations just like yours. Whether we’re diving into productivity tools, Salesforce best practices, or overall tech efficiency, one topic always comes up: cybersecurity.
Why? Because cybersecurity touches everything. And with the rise of Artificial Intelligence, there’s now a whole new layer of opportunity and risk.
A Quick Primer: What Kind of A.I. Are We Talking About?
Before we dive into strategy, let’s get on the same page. Not all A.I. is the same. Here are the key types of A.I. systems you might encounter:
- Reactive A.I.
Responds to specific inputs without learning from the past.
Example: Spam filters, automated rules. - Limited Memory A.I.
Learns from historical data to make predictions.
Example: Chatbots, sales forecasting tools. - Generative A.I.
Creates new content—text, images, code, and more.
Example: ChatGPT, Canva Magic, GitHub Copilot. - Autonomous A.I. (Emerging)
Makes decisions without ongoing human input.
Example: Self-driving cars, robotic process systems.
Knowing the type of A.I. you’re dealing with shapes how you implement, manage, and govern it.
The Hidden Risk of A.I. in the Workplace
During our client workshops, we often ask leadership if they’re using A.I. The answer is usually “No.” Then we ask employees the same question—and many hands go up.
That’s a disconnect that creates cybersecurity blind spots. Unsupervised A.I. use, especially with public tools, can expose sensitive data like trade secrets, client records, and HR files to unknown systems.
Your A.I. Oversight Checklist
Every business, nonprofit, or government agency should start with these essentials:
- Identify what A.I. tools are in use
- Approve and document which tools are allowed
- Train staff on safe and effective A.I. use
- Define who is authorized to access A.I. systems
- Monitor how data is shared, stored, and secured
- Establish clear policy guidelines and safeguards
Need help getting started? We’ve attached a Getting Started Guide:
LEAP Guide – AI and Automation
What We’ve Learned on Our A.I. Journey
We’re two years into using A.I. and automation at Leap Managed IT, and we’ve seen measurable results. One of our most effective tools? Using A.I. to summarize long technician ticket notes into a 1–2 paragraph abstract. It’s helped improve efficiency and morale—and we now see a 27% increase in time savings across key processes.
Getting Started with A.I.: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Define the Problem
Know what you’re trying to fix or improve. - Build an Advisory Panel
Include internal leaders and external partners. - Budget for Secure, Scalable Tools
Avoid free tools that come with security risks. - Identify the Risks
Know where your data lives and how it’s protected. - Make A.I. a Continuous Process
Review results, make adjustments, and keep learning.
Take the Next Step
We created a Getting Started with A.I. Guide to help business and government leaders build smarter, safer strategies. Download the guide attached below and use it as a foundation for your internal conversations.
Have questions? Contact us here.
