The rapid adoption of generative AI (GenAI) tools has not only unlocked unprecedented productivity gains but has also introduced critical vulnerabilities for organizations safeguarding intellectual property (IP) and sensitive data. As CIOs, CISOs, and ERP end users grapple with balancing innovation and security, the emergence of DeepSeek—a cost-efficient, high-performance GenAI tool from China—demands urgent attention. Mimecast’s latest enhancement to its Incydr platform, designed to detect and mitigate risks tied to DeepSeek, offers a blueprint for securing the GenAI era.
The DeepSeek Disruption: Why It Matters
DeepSeek has quickly risen to prominence by offering capabilities rivaling established tools like ChatGPT at a fraction of the operational cost. Its affordability and accessibility, evidenced by top rankings on platforms like Apple’s App Store, make it appealing to employees seeking productivity boosts. However, its unsanctioned use poses significant risks. A 2024 Data Exposure Report reveals that 86% of security leaders fear employees are inadvertently leaking sensitive data—such as product roadmaps or financial details—through GenAI prompts. For instance, an employee refining a product launch email via DeepSeek could expose confidential IP to third-party servers, potentially accessible to competitors.
For CISOs, DeepSeek’s rapid adoption underscores the need for proactive measures. Unlike sanctioned tools with enterprise-grade data controls, DeepSeek’s protocols for data retention and usage remain opaque, heightening compliance and breach risks. ERP systems, which house mission-critical data, are particularly vulnerable if users upload or paste sensitive information into unsanctioned AI platforms.
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Mimecast Incydr: Precision Protection for GenAI Risks
Mimecast Incydr’s new DeepSeek detection capability addresses these challenges head-on, integrating with its existing GenAI security framework to deliver:
- Comprehensive visibility and control: Incydr extends its coverage to DeepSeek, joining safeguards for ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and others. By monitoring data flows across web and desktop applications, it identifies high-risk interactions, such as file uploads or copy/paste actions into DeepSeek’s interface. Granular controls enable organizations to block such activities preemptively, reducing exposure without stifling productivity.
- Risk prioritization with PRISM: Incydr’s PRISM system analyzes context—such as data sensitivity, user roles, and file types—to score and prioritize incidents. This allows security teams to focus on critical threats, like an R&D engineer sharing proprietary code via DeepSeek, while minimizing noise from low-risk interactions.
- Microtraining for human-centric security: Recognizing that human error drives most leaks, Incydr deploys real-time nudges to educate employees. For example, if a user attempts to paste ERP-generated financial data into DeepSeek, a microtraining prompt explains policy violations and redirects them to approved tools. This fosters a culture of awareness while correcting risky behaviors.
In an era where innovation outpaces regulation, the time to act is now. The cost of inaction could be irreplaceable intellectual property—and competitive advantage—lost to the void of unsanctioned AI.
Why this means for ERP Insiders
Securing against risks from Gen AI offers strategic advantage. As AI tools like DeepSeek redefine workflows, security leaders must adopt solutions that align with both technological evolution and risk management. Incydr’s capabilities represent a strategic advantage. By prioritizing tools like Incydr, organizations can harness AI’s potential while keeping their most valuable asset—their data—under lock and key.
Foster innovation with a better security approach. Many senior business leaders still regard security strategies as impediments to building corporate cultures of innovation. This is clearly false. Leaders can enable safe GenAI adoption and foster cultures of innovation by steering users toward vetted tools and giving them the means to secure adoption and proper utilization.
Mitigate compliance risks while empowering employees. Entering restricted data into GenAI apps risks regulatory penalties tied to cross-border data transfers. Mitigation will help CIOs, CISOs, and senior business leaders protect their ERP’s integrity while ensuring sensitive operational data remains within secure environments.
