09/26/2025

009. AI Security Mastery: Configuring and Using A Tools safely in Your Business in the Quantum Age

Instructor: Mike Foster

Level of Complexity: Intermediate/Advanced
1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Organizations are discovering that AI risks extend beyond data breaches to include AI-generated misinformation that could damage supplier and customer relationships, unauthorized access to existing business systems, and employees inadvertently exporting sensitive operational data through AI interfaces. As wholesale distribution businesses embrace AI tools like OpenAI ChatGPT, Anthropic Claude, Microsoft Copilot EDP, Microsoft Copilot 365, Google Gemini, Grok, and Perplexity to stay competitive, they face serious risks, ranging from data breaches to compliance failures. Distribution leaders are asking critical questions: How do we secure AI systems? What safeguards are needed to protect vendor information, pricing data, and sensitive operational details? How do we balance innovation with security in our fast-paced industry? In this timely session, Mike Foster bridges the gap between AI innovation and cybersecurity. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, Mike provides clear, practical advice on how to adopt AI securely and responsibly. This is not a doom-and-gloom presentation. Instead, it's a straightforward guide to help distribution organizations manage AI risks while unlocking its potential. AI risks are real and growing, but manageable with the right approach and strategies. Mike's engaging style simplifies complex topics, making them accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences. Alongside strategies for managing AI risks, he also shares a few of the latest features from leading AI tools, providing attendees with practical tips they can use immediately. Customization for Your Audience: Every presentation is tailored to meet the unique needs of your group. Through a pre-session survey, Mike ensures the content addresses your organization's specific challenges and priorities. Whether your focus is on cybersecurity, AI, or both, Mike adapts the presentation to deliver maximum impact. Value to Participants Key Takeaways: Participants will gain the tools and knowledge to:

• Stop Unauthorized Data Exports: Establish controls to prevent employees from extracting sensitive business information through AI tools

• Prevent AI Misinformation Risks: Implement validation processes to catch AI hallucinations before they reach customers, suppliers, or stakeholders

• Navigate Copyright and Legal Compliance: Understand how AI tools may inadvertently use protected content and establish safeguards

• Control AI System Integration: Prevent unauthorized AI access to existing business systems like ERP, email, and databases

• Protect Sensitive Data: Secure AI workflows to prevent leaks, misuse, or exposure of vendor information, pricing details, and operational data

• Foster Ethical AI Use: Build trust with suppliers and customers through responsible AI practices

• Meet AI Compliance Requirements: Understand key regulations and avoid costly violations

• Safeguard Intellectual Property: Prevent AI tools from unintentionally exposing trade secrets and proprietary processes

• Create Governance Frameworks: Establish clear policies that balance innovation and security

• Train Employees on Safe AI Usage: Reduce human error risks when using AI in daily operations • Implement Essential AI Security Controls: Practical steps to help protect AI systems from cyber attacks

• Configure AI Tools Securely: Best practices for setting up ChatGPT, Copilot, and other business AI tools

• Develop a Thorough AI Usage Policy: Establish specific guidelines for safe and appropriate AI use across your distribution organization

• Build an AI Incident Response Plan: Prepare for AI-related crises, including data leaks, AI errors, bias issues, and employee misuse

• Understand Essential Data Protection Concepts: Key principles of data sensitivity labeling, data loss prevention (DLP), and retention policies for AI environments

• Key Considerations: Educate workers so they know to check not only for hallucinations, but also for scheming and alignment A Bonus Spark: While the session focuses on AI security and governance, Mike also shares a few exciting and practical features from today's leading AI tools. These tips add a spark of inspiration, showing how AI can help save time and improve workflows in everyday business operations.