C2S Cyber & Tech Focus with Optimising IT

On Thursday 10th September 2026, Optimising IT Joined C2S members at C2S HQ in Cheltenham for am AI and Cyber Focus Session exploring the risks behind unapproved AI use. Todd Gifford led the discussion on The Dark Side of AI, focusing on how shadow AI can create security, compliance and reputational risks when businesses to not have clear oversight. Thank you to Todd for sharing his insight and to everyone who joined us for a morning of practical discussion, networking and shared learning.  

What we covered  

The session was designed to help organisations understand where AI is already being used, what risks may be hidden from view, and how practical governance can support safer adoption. 

Do you know where your data goes when employees use free AI tools? One of the key discussion points was the lack of visibility many organisations have over where business data is stored, processed or reused when AI tools are used without approval. We also discussed how small mistakes, which might be picked up quickly by a person, can become more serious when AI-generated outputs are not reviewed or governed properly. if they are not flagged up quickly. Todd also covered several wider risks linked to the Dark Side of AI, including:  

• Bias – inequality and reputation risk 
• Data misuse – potential for regulatory action 
• AI-driven cybercrime – existing attacks accelerated and scaled up 
• Shadow AI – the unapproved use of AI in your business 
• Ethics – is AI ethical? 

In discussion, we explored where AI regulation currently stands, what changes are coming, and which AI use cases should be strictly avoided. Todd covered key vulnerabilities including hallucinations, prompt poisoning and emerging security issues, helping us understand how to manage AI safely and effectively within business.
Many attended the session looking to embrace AI while protecting their organisation; this session provided practical insight into how to move forward with confidence. 

What the attendees thought  

The session involved a mixture of networking and open discussions, rather than following the format of traditional presentations. Attendees told us they valued the chance to hear different perspectives on AI, compare how it is being used across different organisations, and reflect on how to make adoption more effective and secure. also highlighted the value of testing their own understanding of AI in a room with people bringing different experiences and viewpoints. 

Here is what some of the attendees had to say: 

“We’re trying to use AI to make us more productive and see how we can kind of integrate it into our systems, but in a safe way.” – Lee Bessell, Lilian Faithful Care  

“I did enjoy how interactive the session was. It wasn’t just two hours of somebody speaking to us. Everyone got involved, everyone had their say. At least now I know, you know, just be extra careful, make sure obviously that my work has the correct security for AI before I use it.” – Muazin Asad, Cass Stephens 

“Just hearing other people’s points of view, it’s good to be in a room of human beings just hearing their perspectives because obviously I’ve got my perspective. It doesn’t mean the same mine as the right perspective. And obviously you’ve got a lot of experts in the room as well. This is not my area of expertise, so I’m really glad I’ve come.” – Dave Morris, Zentano 

Working with C2S 

We had the privilege of working with the C2S Growth Consultancy team to facilitate this fantastic event. We were pleased to work with the C2S Growth Consultancy team again for another practical session with local businesses. Our September AI & Cyber Focus Session followed on from the Business Leaders Breakfast at Manor by the Lake in June, hosted alongside C2S Growth Consultancy, Manor by the Lake, Pocket Angel and Optimising IT. That morning brought local business owners and leaders together for breakfast networking, business growth conversations and insight into how AI can support organisations safely, responsibly and effectively. This latest session built on those conversations, giving attendees another opportunity to explore the opportunities AI can create, while also understanding the risks that come with unapproved or unmanaged use. It was a valuable morning of learning, connection and practical discussion.

By hosting the AI & Cyber Focus Session event with C2S last week, we got to learn, connect, and pick up even more practical ideas about the use of AI in businesses, in addition to uncovering its dangerous sides.  

How shadow AI is affecting your business 

Your employees are using AI, licenced or not. Shadow AI is the unauthorised use of AI tools and features by employees without visibility or approval. This is a risk that stems from employees using public AI tools without oversight or guidance and can lead to serious security risks and breaches. Shadow AI was a central point of the Focus Session and our attendees enjoyed listening in on some shocking statistics: 

• 75% of employees use their own personal AI accounts for work 

• 97% of AI-caused breaches had no guardrails and lacked proper AI access controls 

• 20% of organisations suffered a breach due to shadow AI 

Interested in implementing AI into your business? 

If your organisation is starting to use AI, or you suspect employees may already be using tools without clear guidance, our AI Audit can help you gain visibility and control. Over the course of 14 days, we will audit your businesses AI tools to identify governance and security gaps, support the adoption of AI tools and provide practical recommendations to support safer, more compliant adoption. 

The audit reveals: 

• Every AI tool being used – Whether you know about it or not, every AI tool across your organisation will be revealed and examples of shadow AI and non-compliance in your workforce will be discovered. 

• AI governance gaps – The policies and controls that are missing across your business will be assessed, exposing opportunities to improve AI governance in accordance with UK and EU-specific AI regulations. 

• Microsoft Copilot adoption – After identifying unused licences and missed opportunities, we will provide you with practical recommendations to improve adoption of AI tools and get the most out of your investment. 

• Security and compliance risks – Security and compliance risks of your AI usage will be identified, and you will receive practical recommendations to strengthen your AI security. 

If you’re looking to get the use of AI under control, uncover where shadow AI may already exist, and reduce the risk before they become a bigger problem, book your AI Audit today.