Some Inland Northwest companies are facing security concerns and public perception issues as they integrate artificial intelligence tools into their operations. A new program at Gonzaga University, however, could help businesses address some of those challenges.

Gonzaga has launched its Organizational AI Transformation Program, a collaboration between the school’s Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology and several AI-focused educators this month. The program offers a collaborative, 18-month learning experience for between five and 10 mid-market, Inland Northwest organizations that will discuss and develop best practices for AI adoption.

The initiative comes as employers in the region show strong enthusiasm for AI technology alongside a growing need for clear operational guidance. 

In a survey conducted by Coeur d’Alene-based information technology company Newmax LLC, which does business as Intermax Networks LLC, about three-quarters of 124 North Idaho businesses interviewed say they’re piloting or currently using AI tools, and 61% report feeling positive about AI adoption.

Even so, concerns about trust, accuracy, data privacy, and integration with existing systems are top of mind for many area employers, says Drew Meyer, Intermax chief marketing officer.

“That’s what these people in the survey are referring to: They love the idea, but they’re not really sure they’re ready, and they’re not confident saying they are ready,” Meyer says.

The biggest concerns companies are reporting regarding AI usage involves data privacy and security, Meyer says. Information shared with an AI chatbot, or large language model, should be secured the same way a company secures employee emails, he says. If AI tools are used to put together a report, or write an email with sensitive or important information, the business should know where and how that data is stored.

“Small businesses are busy trying to get customers and serve customers and get new revenue, not ensure that all their security is in order,” Meyer says. “That leakage, that softness is the fundamental problem businesses run into.”

Some security measures include employee policies that only allow certain kinds of information to be used with AI tools or physical measures like air-gapped, secured servers, he says. Air-gapped servers are physically and digitally disconnected from public internet or other unsecured networks and are only connected to secure company internet. The physical disconnect provides air-gapped servers with more security than serves connected to outside internet.

Employees who use personal accounts to access systems like ChatGPT, that aren't overseen by an IT department, could pose a danger to their employer. These accounts could create a security risk if employees input private company information into the tool, which isn’t protected by either employee data usage policies or physical and digital security measures, such as an air-gapped private server, Meyer explains.

Businesses concerned about the unauthorized technology employees can access when company-sanctioned tools aren’t available should set up rules regarding its usage before it becomes a problem, he says.

“You have to have a stable, reliable, secure, connected environment before you start layering AI, burdening it with additional traffic and transportation on the network, plus security, plus integrations, plus connections, et cetera,” Meyer says. “If you don’t have that baseline layer really well under control and secured, then dumping AI on top of it is a recipe for disaster.”

Educators and partners behind a new program at Gonzaga agree. Alex Stanton, founder of Spokane-based AI strategic advisory firm ThinkPurple LLC and a partner in Gonzaga’s Organizational AI Transformation Program, along with Jay Yang, Reisenauer Family Director of Gonzaga’s Institute for Informatics and Applied Technology, both say that a regulatory and digital security framework is a must to protect information that companies feed to AI tools.

Along with program lead Gena Hoxha, Stanton and Yang launched an 18-month cohort experience in September, bringing together company leaders from  construction, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, education, aerospace, and other industries to form a shared-learning research initiative, Stanton says.

“This program will give a framework to the work ... so that organizations aren’t stumbling around in the dark and experimenting,” Stanton says.

The researchers are expecting the experience to lead companies to develop an AI usage policy tailored to their needs, says Stanton. The program framework includes guidelines for AI usage and cybersecurity.

The program also addresses public perception of the technology and whether adopting AI tools will negatively impact the business, Yang says. As with other technology, AI tools can be highly valuable depending on how they’re used. But, it’s up to companies to show the public the tools are worthwhile, he says.

“We don’t have a formula to say that if you use this (AI tool), you bring this much value to the community, to society, to the organization, and this is what it costs,” Yang says. “This is similar to anything else. (You might) say a light bulb is wasting energy, but there's a value proposition of why it’s important to us."

The program costs $25,000 per organization to participate and includes monthly meetings. Interested participants can request sign-up details with program leaders, according to the program website.

For some companies, the large number of AI tools and digital products including AI-assisted features can be overwhelming and can discourage adoption of the technology, says Meyer.

“There is a big variety, and it’s everywhere. None of (the tools) know about each other or talk to each other. Who knows if they’re all secured properly or not? Who knows who’s paying for them? It is completely the Wild West.”

Stanton suggests employers interested in using AI should experiment with different tools, but only after thoroughly considering the ramifications, including how data shared with those tools might be used and stored. The Gonzaga AI program aims to give employers a place to learn from each other about what works and what doesn’t.

“Don't work from fear but work from intentionality,” Stanton says. "Train your team. Give them the tools. Understand the terms and conditions. Understand what you're giving up and what can be done with your data."