BlackBerry Limited has unveiled new research findings that shed light on the growing apprehensions and potential benefits associated with the use of Generative AI applications in workplaces worldwide.
The research reveals that a significant 75% of organizations globally are either in the process of implementing or contemplating bans on Generative AI applications like ChatGPT within their workplaces. A majority of 61% of those considering or implementing bans perceive these measures as long-term or permanent actions. The driving forces behind these decisions are concerns related to data security, privacy, and the safeguarding of corporate reputation.
A striking 83% of the surveyed organizations also express concerns about the potential cybersecurity threats posed by unsecured apps in their corporate IT environments. This highlights the growing recognition of the critical need for securing sensitive data and information.
Interestingly, despite the inclination towards outright bans, a majority of organizations acknowledge the positive potential of Generative AI applications. Approximately 55% believe that such applications can enhance efficiency, 52% see the potential for fostering innovation, and 51% recognize the ability of these tools to boost creativity within the workplace.
The research underscores the critical role that Generative AI applications can play in cybersecurity defense. An overwhelming 81% of respondents favor the use of Generative AI tools for bolstering their cybersecurity efforts, suggesting a desire among IT decision makers to stay ahead of cyber threats.
Shishir Singh, Chief Technology Officer, Cybersecurity, at BlackBerry, advocates for a balanced approach to incorporating Generative AI applications within workplaces. He emphasizes the potential business benefits that can arise from the technology, while also highlighting the importance of ensuring security and regulatory compliance.
Singh stated, “Banning Generative AI applications in the workplace can mean a wealth of potential business benefits are quashed.” He emphasized the value of enterprise-grade Generative AI and the caution that needs to be exercised with unsecured consumer tools. As platforms mature and regulations evolve, flexibility could be introduced into organizational policies to harness the technology effectively.
The research also explores the concept of organizational control over application usage. While 80% of IT decision makers acknowledge an organization’s right to regulate employee application use for business purposes, 74% view bans on such applications as a sign of “excessive control” over both corporate and Bring Your Own (BYO) devices.
For organizations seeking to balance security and user privacy, unified endpoint management (UEM) solutions are highlighted as essential. These solutions offer the necessary controls to manage applications that connect to corporate environments, ensuring data security and user privacy.
In a landscape where unsecured Generative AI applications and similar unregulated tools pose risks, enterprise-grade UEM solutions, like BlackBerry UEM, are positioned as crucial components for organizations aiming to optimize productivity and security.
The research findings underscore the delicate balance that organizations must strike between reaping the benefits of innovative technology and ensuring the protection of sensitive data and information in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.
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