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* Securing the Future by Pr...

# Securing the Future by Protecting Sensitive Data in AI Systems

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By [Christopher Martin](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/author/christopher-martin/?ts=markdown "Posts by Christopher Martin") and [Sandy Mathews](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/author/sandy-matthews/?ts=markdown "Posts by Sandy Mathews")  
Sep 16, 2025  
3 minutes  
[AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown)  
[AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/ai-security-2/?ts=markdown)  
[Deploy Bravely](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/deploy-bravely/?ts=markdown)  
[Prisma AIRS](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/prisma-airs/?ts=markdown)  
[Secure AI](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/tag/secure-ai/?ts=markdown)

It's a fact: ​​AI can unintentionally [expose sensitive data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/engage/prisma-airs-webinar/45q2bec). From customer engagement to back-office automation, intelligent systems are being deployed at such a rate that it's not a matter of "*if* my data is exposed," but "*when*."

In recent conversations with practitioners, it's clear that security has shifted from an afterthought to a board-level priority. Organizations are standing up AI governance boards, drafting usage policies, and in some cases even blocking applications altogether to prevent potential data leakage.

### **The Reality of AI Data Leaks**

AI is only as intelligent as the data it ingests. Models are trained on vast amounts of information, and their strength comes from recognizing patterns across that data. But intelligence also carries risk.

Modern AI systems don't just rely on their training data --- they can also learn from new conversations and user input. This creates the possibility that an AI system "learns" information it shouldn't have access to. Once absorbed, that information can be surfaced in future responses in ways that are unpredictable and potentially harmful.

This exposure can happen through human interaction --- for example, an employee unintentionally pasting confidential material into a chat with an AI assistant. It can also occur through API integrations with business systems, where models gain access to sensitive files, records, or applications. In both cases, malicious actors can exploit this dynamic with [carefully crafted prompts](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-a-prompt-injection-attack) designed to convince an LLM to reveal data it should not disclose.

Most open-source and commercial AI systems include baseline guardrails --- filters that block obvious misuse, such as prompts related to illegal activity or harmful language. While important, these protections only address *generic risks.*

The greater threat lies in company-specific data. Every enterprise has sensitive information that goes far beyond common knowledge: business strategies, customer records, financial projections, intellectual property, etc. Without tailored safeguards, AI systems can inadvertently expose this data.

### **Protecting Data in the Age of AI**

**Effective protection against AI data leakage starts with visibility.** Organizations need the ability to inspect both the prompts entering an AI system and the responses coming back, so that sensitive information can be detected and stopped in real time before it leaves the enterprise.

**Additionally, security leaders should build processes for model scanning and** [**adversarial testing**](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-ai-red-teaming), ensuring that AI applications are stress-tested against the same kinds of manipulation techniques attackers use in the wild. This proactive approach uncovers weaknesses early and reduces the risk of an unexpected data exposure.

This is where [Prisma® AIRS™](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/prisma/prisma-ai-runtime-security) comes in, providing real-time inspection, proactive testing, and enterprise-grade safeguards, giving organizations the confidence to scale AI securely.

​​AI is transforming business, but without the right protections it can also put your most valuable data at risk. Palo Alto Networks can help ensure your AI applications are secure, compliant, and trustworthy. Connect with your account team today to learn how we can protect your AI apps from exposing sensitive data.

Safeguard your data. [Deploy Bravely](https://www.deploybravely.com/).

*** ** * ** ***

## Related Blogs

### [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown)

[#### Red Teaming Your AI Before Attackers Do](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/network-security/red-teaming-your-ai-before-attackers-do/)

### [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown)

[#### Beyond the Guardrail Trap: Securing Your AI Transformation](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/network-security/beyond-the-guardrail-trap-securing-your-ai-transformation/)

### [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown)

[#### Prevent Your AI from Becoming a Brand Liability](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/network-security/prevent-your-ai-from-becoming-a-brand-liability/)

### [AI Application Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/network-security/category/ai-application-security/?ts=markdown), [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown)

[#### Can Your AI Be Manipulated Into Generating Malware?](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/network-security/can-your-ai-be-manipulated-into-generating-malware/)

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[#### Winning the AI Race Starts with the Right Security Platform](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/2025/12/winning-ai-race-starts-with-right-security-platform/)

### [AI Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/ai-security/?ts=markdown), [Partners](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/category/partners/?ts=markdown)

[#### Securing the AI Frontier: Prisma AIRS \& Claude Code](https://www2.paloaltonetworks.com/blog/network-security/securing-the-ai-frontier-prisma-airs-claude-code/)

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