Myriad’s CTO, Leigh White, was featured in a Financial Planning article discussing one of the most pressing issues facing firms today: how to prevent data breaches in an increasingly AI-powered environment. As AI tools become more embedded in day-to-day workflows, the conversation is shifting from whether advisors should use them to how they can be used safely and responsibly without exposing sensitive client data.
A major theme throughout the discussion is that AI itself isn’t the core risk, it’s how it’s being used. In many firms, employees are experimenting with AI tools outside of approved systems, often unknowingly creating “shadow AI” environments where client information, internal documents, or personally identifiable data can be exposed without proper safeguards. The result is a growing gap between innovation and governance that firms can no longer afford to ignore.
To address this, the focus needs to be on building a structure around adoption, not restricting it entirely. That includes clearly defined usage policies, limiting access to unapproved tools, and implementing strong data protection measures like role-based access controls, encryption standards, and data loss prevention systems. Equally important is ensuring ongoing oversight through audits and employee education, since technology alone can’t eliminate human-driven risk.
Ultimately, the takeaway is straightforward: firms that succeed with AI won’t be the ones moving the fastest, they’ll be the ones building the strongest foundation. When governance, education, and technology are aligned, AI becomes a powerful advantage rather than a liability.
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