In today’s fast-moving digital landscape, AI chatbots like ChatGPT are transforming how businesses access information and automate tasks. With one 2024 study indicating that ChatGPT was believed to be used in 76% of offices worldwide.

But behind the convenience lies a serious risk: data privacy and confidentiality.

If you’re a company owner, manager, or team member dealing with sensitive data, you need to know the difference between public Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT and enterprise-grade solutions like Microsoft 365 Copilot.

The Hidden Risks of Public LLMs (Like ChatGPT)

ChatGPT and other public AI chatbots operate on open, cloud-based platforms. While these tools are powerful and user-friendly, they come with one major caveat – your conversations and data may be saved and used to improve the model as “training data”.

It’s still a risk no business can afford when dealing with intellectual property, client data, financials, or legal documents. Especially when a 2023 report revealed 11% of data employees had pasted into ChatGPT was confidential.

Many companies have learned the hard way that the mishandling of client data can lead to compliance issues or reputational damage. The terms of use for public LLMs make it clear: your data is not entirely private.

Why Microsoft 365 Copilot is Built for Business

Microsoft 365 Copilot, by contrast, is designed specifically for enterprise use. Built to operate within Microsoft 365, and powered by Azure’s secure infrastructure, Microsoft 365 Copilot gives businesses a private, compliant AI assistant with significant advantages over public LLMs.

Three Methods Microsoft 365 Copilot Uses to Protect Your Business:

• Data is not used for training: Unlike public LLMs, your chats and prompts within Microsoft 365 Copilot are not saved or used to train the underlying AI model.
• Permission-based access: Microsoft 365 Copilot can query your organisation’s data—emails, documents, calendars, and more—but it only accesses content the user already has permission to see.
• Enterprise-grade security: Integrated with Microsoft’s existing compliance, governance, and identity controls, Microsoft 365 Copilot meets the strict security needs of modern organisations.

With Microsoft 365 Copilot, your team gains the benefits of AI without compromising your data integrity.

Make the Smart Move for Your Business

If you’re using or considering AI tools in your company, take a moment to consider the consequences of exposing sensitive data to public systems. Microsoft 365 Copilot offers a smarter, safer way to leverage AI without putting your business at risk.

Take control of your AI strategy today. Altitude Innovations helps businesses to being implementing Microsoft 365 Copilot and other secure AI solutions tailored to your needs into their ecosystems. Protect your data, empower your teams, and unlock new productivity.

Contact us today to schedule a demo or security consultation.