Safeguarding AI adoption - four steps for protection

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become one of the most transformative forces shaping business today. From banks rolling out Al-driven fraud detection, to retailers using algorithms for personalised recommendations and hospitals adopting diagnostic tools, AI is now woven into the fabric of the economy. But with these gains come new risks.

- Boland Lithebe | Security Lead | Accenture in Africa | [e-mail] |

The same systems that promise efficiency and innovation also open doors to cyber threats, model manipulation and data breaches. For South African businesses, securing AI is not only about safeguarding operations, but also about protecting customer trust, meeting regulatory requirements, and ensuring competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.

Four actions stand out as critical for organisations looking to build confidence in AI while mitigating its risks.

Action 1 - governance frameworks

The first action is to develop and deploy a fit-for-purpose security governance framework and operating model that accounts for the realities of an AI-disrupted world.

Too often, AI adoption in South Africa is happening faster than the frameworks designed to govern it. While regulations such as the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) set guardrails around data usage, they were not built with generative AI and large-scale machine learning in mind.

A modern governance model must bridge this gap, establishing clear accountability across boards, executives, and technology leaders. For instance, if an AI credit-scoring model unintentionally discriminates or is manipulated, who is responsible - the Chief Information Officer (CIO), the data science team or the board? Defining these lines of accountability ensures risks are not overlooked.

Governance should also align AI security with business objectives, recognising that secure, trustworthy AI is not only a compliance issue but also a competitive differentiator. In South Africa’s highly regulated industries like financial services and healthcare, organisations that can demonstrate strong AI governance will build trust faster with customers, regulators and investors alike.

Action 2 - digital core design