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Perilous prompts: How generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is leaking companies’ secrets

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8 months ago

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Perilous

Seemingly benign details can be stitched into detailed profiles by cybercriminals or data brokers – fuelling targeted phishing, identity theft, and sophisticated social engineering

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, June 2, 2025/APO Group/ –Beneath the surface of GenAI’s outputs lies a massive, mostly unregulated engine powered by data – your data. And whether it’s through innocent prompts or habitual oversharing, users are feeding these machines with information that, in the wrong hands, becomes a security time bomb.

A recent Harmonic report (https://apo-opa.co/3Sw1K4N) found that 8.5% of employee prompts to generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot included sensitive data – most notably customer billing and authentication information – raising serious security, compliance, and privacy risks.

Since ChatGPT’s 2022 debut, generative AI has exploded in popularity and value – surpassing $25 billion in 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/3Z7wOf2) – but its rapid rise brings risks many users and organisations still overlook.

“One of the privacy risks when using AI platforms is unintentional data leakage,” warns Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “Many people don’t realise just how much sensitive information they’re inputting.”

Your data is the new prompt

It’s not just names or email addresses that get hoovered up. When an employee asks a GenAI assistant to “rewrite this proposal for client X” or “suggest improvements to our internal performance plan,” they may be sharing proprietary data, customer records, or even internal forecasts. If done via platforms with vague privacy policies or poor security controls, that data may be stored, processed, or – worst-case scenario – exposed.

And the risk doesn’t end there. “Because GenAI feels casual and friendly, people let their guard down,” says Collard. “They might reveal far more than they would in a traditional work setting –      interests, frustrations, company tools, even team dynamics.”

In aggregate, these seemingly benign details can be stitched into detailed profiles by cybercriminals or data brokers – fuelling targeted phishing, identity theft, and sophisticated social engineering.

A surge of niche platforms, a bunch of new risks

Adding fuel to the fire is the rapid proliferation of niche AI platforms. Tools for generating product mock-ups, social posts, songs, resumes, or legalese are sprouting up at speed – many of them developed by small teams using open-source foundation models. While these platforms may be brilliant at what they do, they may not offer the hardened security architecture of enterprise-grade tools. “Smaller apps are less likely to have been tested for edge-case privacy violations or undergone rigorous penetration tests and security audits,” says Collard. “And many have opaque or permissive data usage policies.”

Even if an app’s creators have no malicious intent, weak oversight can lead to major leaks. Collard warns that user data could end up in:

●        Third-party data broker databases

Smaller apps are less likely to have been tested for edge-case privacy violations or undergone rigorous penetration tests and security audits

●        AI training sets without consent

●        Cybercriminal marketplaces following a breach

In some cases, the apps might themselves be fronts for data-harvesting operations.

From individual oversights to corporate exposure

The consequences of oversharing aren’t limited to the person typing the prompt. “When employees feed confidential information into public GenAI tools, they can inadvertently expose their entire company,” (https://apo-opa.co/3Hked9o) explains Collard. “That includes client data, internal operations, product strategies – things that competitors, attackers, or regulators would care deeply about.”

While unauthorised shadow AI remains a major concern, the rise of semi-shadow AI – paid tools adopted by business units without IT oversight – is increasingly risky, with free-tier generative AI apps like ChatGPT responsible for 54% of sensitive data leaks due to permissive licensing and lack of controls, according to the Harmonic report.

So, what’s the solution?

Responsible adoption starts with understanding the risk – and reining in the hype. “Businesses must train their employees on which tools are ok to use, and what’s safe to input and what isn’t,” says Collard. “And they should implement real safeguards – not just policies on paper.

“Cyber hygiene now includes AI hygiene.”

“This should include restricting access to generative AI tools without oversight or only allowing those approved by the company.”

“Organisations need to adopt a privacy-by-design approach (https://apo-opa.co/3Ze1hbj) when it comes to AI adoption,” she says. “This includes only using AI platforms with enterprise-level data controls and deploying browser extensions that detect and block sensitive data from being entered.”

As a further safeguard, she believes internal compliance programmes should align AI use with both data protection laws and ethical standards. “I would strongly recommend companies adopt ISO/IEC 42001 (https://apo-opa.co/3HmoD8l), an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS),” she urges.

Ultimately, by balancing productivity gains with the need for data privacy and maintaining customer trust, companies can succeed in adopting AI responsibly.

As businesses race to adopt these tools to drive productivity, that balance – between ‘wow’ and ‘whoa’ – has never been more crucial.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of KnowBe4.

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As global power structures shift, Invest Africa convenes The Africa Debate 2026 to redefine partnership in a changing world

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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Debate

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation

LONDON, United Kingdom, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –As African economies assert greater agency in a rapidly evolving global order, Invest Africa (www.InvestAfrica.com) is delighted to announce The Africa Debate 2026, its flagship investment forum, taking place at the historic Guildhall in London on 3 June 2026.

Now in its 12th year, The Africa Debate has established itself as London’s premier platform for African investment dialogue since launching in 2014, convening over 800 global decision-makers annually to shape the future of trade, finance, investment, and development across the continent.

Under the theme “Redefining Partnership: Navigating a World in Transition”, this year’s forum will focus on Africa’s response to global economic realignment with greater agency, ambition and economic sovereignty.

The Africa Debate puts Africa’s priorities at the centre of the conversation, moving beyond traditional narratives to focus on ownership, resilience and long-term value creation.

“Volatility is not new to Africa. What is changing is the opportunity to respond with greater agency and ambition,” says Invest Africa CEO Chantelé Carrington.

“This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy — so African economies can take greater ownership of their growth. Success will be defined by how effectively we turn disruption into leverage and partnership into shared value.”

The Africa Debate 2026 will provide a platform for this essential, era-defining discussion, convening leaders to explore how Africa and its partners can build more balanced, resilient and sustainable models of cooperation.

Key challenges driving the debate

Core focus areas for this year’s edition of The Africa Debate include:

This year’s edition of The Africa Debate asks how we strengthen economic sovereignty — from access to capital and investment to financial and industrial policy

Global Realignment & New Partnerships

How shifting geopolitical and economic power structures are reshaping Africa’s global partnerships, trade dynamics and investment landscape.

Financing Africa’s Future

The growing need to reform the global financial architecture, new approaches to development finance, as well as the strengthening of market access and financial resilience of African economies in a changing global system.

Strategic Value Chains

Moving beyond primary exports to build local value chains in critical minerals for the green economy. Also addressing Africa’s energy access gap and mobilising investment in renewable and transitional energy systems.

Digital Transformation & Technology

Unlocking growth in fintech, AI and digital infrastructure to drive productivity, inclusion, and the next phase of Africa’s economic transformation.

The Africa Debate 2026 offers a unique platform for high-level dialogue, deal-making, and strategic engagement. Attendees will gain actionable insights from leading policymakers, investors and business leaders shaping Africa’s economic future, while building strategic partnerships that define the continent’s next growth phase.

Registration is now open (http://apo-opa.co/46b19gj).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Invest Africa.

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Zion Adeoye terminated as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CLG due to serious personal and professional conduct violations

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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CLG

After a thorough internal and external investigation, along with a disciplinary hearing chaired by Sbongiseni Dube, CLG (https://CLGglobal.com) has made the decision to terminate Zion Adeoye due to serious personal and professional conduct violations. This process adhered to the Code of Good Practice of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with South African law.

Mr. Adeoye has been held accountable for several serious offenses, including:

  • Making malicious and defamatory statements against colleagues
  • Extortion
  • Intimidation
  • Fraud
  • Misuse of company funds
  • Theft and misappropriation of funds
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Mismanagement

His actions are in direct contradiction to our firm’s core values. We do not approve of attorneys spending time in a Gentleman’s Club. CLG deeply regrets the impact this situation has had on our colleagues and continues to provide full support to those affected.

We want to express our gratitude to those who spoke up and to reassure everyone at the firm of our unwavering commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace. Misconduct of any kind is unacceptable and will be addressed decisively.

We recognize the seriousness of this matter and have referred it to the appropriate law enforcement, regulatory, and legal authorities in Nigeria, Mauritius, and South Africa. We kindly ask that the privacy of the third party involved be respected.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

 

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) Strengthens Partnership with the Republic of Djibouti through US$35 Million Financing Facility

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2 days ago

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February 6, 2026

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ITFC

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties

JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, February 5, 2026/APO Group/ –The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) (https://www.ITFC-IDB.org), a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, has signed a US$35 million sovereign financing facility with the Republic of Djibouti to support the development of the country’s bunkering services sector and strengthen its position as a strategic regional maritime and trade hub.

The facility was signed at the ITFC Headquarters in Jeddah by Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, Chief Executive Officer of ITFC, and H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti.

The financing facility is expected to contribute to Djibouti’s economic growth and revenue diversification by reinforcing the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Djibouti Port as a “one-stop port” offering comprehensive vessel-related services. With Red Sea Bunkering (RSB) as the Executing Agency, the facility will support the procurement of refined petroleum products, thus boosting RSB’s bunkering operations, enhancing revenue diversification, and consolidating Djibouti’s role as a key logistics and trading hub in the Horn of Africa and the wider region.

We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth

Commenting on the signing, Eng. Adeeb Yousuf Al-Aama, CEO of ITFC, stated:

“This financing reflects ITFC’s continued commitment to supporting Djibouti’s strategic development priorities, particularly in strengthening energy security, port competitiveness, and trade facilitation. We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Republic of Djibouti and contribute to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.”

H.E. Ilyas Moussa Dawaleh, Minister of Economy and Finance in charge of Industry of the Republic of Djibouti, commented: “Today’s signing marks an important milestone in the development of Djibouti’s bunkering services and reflects our strong and valued partnership with ITFC, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This collaboration supports our ambition to position Djibouti as a regional hub for integrated maritime and logistics services. We look forward to deepening this partnership, creating new opportunities, and leveraging collaborative programs to advance key sectors and drive sustainable economic growth.”

This facility forms part of the US$600 million, three-year Framework Agreement signed in May 2023 between ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti, reflecting the strong and growing partnership between both parties.

Since its inception in 2008, ITFC and the Republic of Djibouti have maintained a strong partnership, with a total of US$1.8 billion approved primarily supporting the country’s energy sector and trade development objectives.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC).

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