Recent reports from Politico (https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/27/cisa-madhu-gottumukkala-chatgpt-00749361) concerning the interim head of a major US national cyber defence agency have highlighted a significant security concern for modern organisations. It is alleged that sensitive government documents, marked for official use only, were uploaded into a public version of ChatGPT. This incident triggered internal security warnings and a department-level assessment to determine the extent of the potential exposure. This situation serves as a stark reminder that even those responsible for national security can inadvertently create risks when standard protocols are bypassed for convenience.
The Inherent Risks of Public Artificial Intelligence
While Artificial Intelligence tools offer remarkable productivity gains, the public versions of these platforms are not designed for sensitive or proprietary data. Information entered into a public AI model is typically processed and stored to improve future responses. This means that any data uploaded effectively leaves the control of the organisation and could potentially be retrieved or reconstructed by the platform provider or other users.
In professional environments, the default posture should be to block access to public AI tools unless a secure, private instance has been established. In this instance, the official reportedly requested a special exemption from existing security controls. This highlights the “executive exemption” trap, where senior leaders may feel that their requirements justify bypassing the very protections they are tasked with upholding.
Why Special Exemptions Compromise Security
A robust cyber security posture relies on consistency across all levels of an organisation. When exceptions are made for senior leadership, it creates several vulnerabilities:
- Weakening of Security Culture: If staff observe leadership bypassing rules, the overall commitment to security protocols within the organisation can diminish.
- Elevated Risk Profiles: Senior executives often handle the most sensitive information. Granting them exemptions from security monitoring increases the likelihood of a high-impact data leak.
- Circumventing Automated Defences: Security sensors are designed to detect and block the movement of sensitive data. Providing an exemption effectively silences these early warning systems, allowing potential errors to go unnoticed for longer periods.
The Importance of Vetting Security Leadership
This incident underscores that the effectiveness of a cyber security strategy is heavily dependent on the discipline of the people implementing it. When choosing individuals to lead your internal security or selecting an external partner, their commitment to following established protocols is just as important as their technical expertise.
A trusted security leader should champion a “lead by example” approach. This includes:
- Strict Adherence to Protocols: Ensuring that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the security policies of the organisation.
- Regular Policy Audits: Reviewing any granted exceptions to ensure they are still necessary and that the associated risks are being managed.
- Prioritising Secure Alternatives: Instead of seeking exemptions for public tools, leaders should focus on implementing secure, enterprise-grade versions of technology that protect company data.
Strengthening Your Security Posture
To protect your organisation from similar incidents, consider implementing a unified security policy that accounts for the use of emerging technologies like AI. Clear guidance on data handling and the use of third-party platforms is essential for maintaining control over your information.
If you are concerned about how AI tools are being used within your organisation or if you need to review your current security leadership strategies, the team at Vertex is available to provide expert guidance. We offer comprehensive assessments and strategic advice to ensure your security measures are robust, consistent, and followed at every level of your business.
For tailored solutions or further information on how to secure your digital environment, please contact Vertex.