Preparing Businesses for Up-and-Coming Technologies
Park City, Kan. — (August 27, 2025) — Do you ever feel like technology is evolving faster than your business can keep up? Between artificial intelligence, new cybersecurity threats, and the constant release of new hardware and software, it can feel overwhelming to stay ahead.
That’s why organizations like the Park City Chamber of Commerce host regular lunch-and-learn events to give local business leaders a chance to step back, learn, and prepare for what’s next.
On August 27, 2025, High Touch Technologies’ Director of Information Security, Jason Fenoglio, had the honor of leading one of these sessions. Speaking to a room full of Park City–area business leaders, Jason presented on AI readiness, offering both a structured presentation and an open Q&A. Together, attendees explored one of today’s most pressing questions: Is my business ready for AI?
AI is more than just a buzzword—it’s a rapidly evolving, transformational tool already reshaping how businesses of all sizes operate. While it offers enormous opportunities to increase efficiency and drive growth, it also introduces serious concerns about data security and cyberthreats. Jason emphasized that actual readiness means preparing your people, policies, and technology so AI becomes an advantage rather than a liability.
What Is AI Readiness?
One of Jason’s most powerful insights during the session was this: AI isn’t some abstract concept on the horizon—it’s already here.
If your team is using Microsoft Copilot, Zoom’s AI assistant, or even everyday cloud-based applications with built-in intelligence, then you’re already relying on AI. For small and mid-sized businesses, AI is no longer optional. Companies embracing AI are already seeing measurable gains in:
- Efficiency. Automating repetitive tasks frees employees for higher-value work.
- Decision-Making. AI can analyze customer trends and financial data to help you efficiently understand new outcomes.
- Workflow Improvement. From back-office processes to customer service, AI can help smooth out common bottlenecks.
Think of AI like electricity in the early 20th century. At first, it was a curiosity, but before long, it powered every factory, office, and home. Businesses that hesitated were left in the dark. Today, AI is a similar kind of utility, and readiness is about ensuring your infrastructure is prepared for it.
Key Takeaways: Park City Chamber Lunch and Learn
Jason began the presentation by grounding the audience in a clear, practical definition of AI—it’s software that can learn patterns, make predictions, and analyze information without needing step-by-step instructions.
Stripped of the hype, it helps business leaders understand how accessible and common AI already is. Some additional examples include:
- Automation. Scheduling software that predicts optimal meeting times.
- Customer Service. Chatbots answering frequently asked questions in real-time.
- Marketing. Tools that analyze open rates and help optimize advertising spending.
Cybersecurity Concerns With AI
When it comes to implementing AI, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t just see the files you want it to—it sees everything. In his presentation, Jason reminded attendees that just as they wouldn’t hand over the keys to their office to a stranger, they shouldn’t hand over uncontrolled access to AI tools.
When implementing AI, businesses should be concerned with:
- Expanded Attack Surface. AI tools connect to your data sources. The more connections, the more potential entry points for hackers.
- Shadow AI. Employees using unapproved tools without IT’s knowledge can expose sensitive data.
- Forgotten Files. AI can resurface old or hidden files you thought were buried, making forgotten vulnerabilities suddenly visible again.
Steps Toward AI Readiness
During his presentation, Jason underscored how becoming AI-ready isn’t about flipping a switch; it’s about following a roadmap.
Step 1 – Map Your Data and Workflows
You can’t protect what you don’t know exists. Start by inventorying your data, including cloud drives, databases, SaaS apps, and local servers.
Document how information moves between systems and departments. This process creates your baseline for AI readiness and highlights gaps you may not realize are there.
Step 2 – Assess Your Current Access Controls
Review your security posture and ask yourself the following question: Is your organization enforcing least privilege (only giving employees access to what they need), or does everyone have access to everything?
Remember, AI inherits whatever access your environment allows—if your permissions are too broad, AI will be too.
Step 3 – Establish AI Use Policies
Without clear policies, employees will make their own rules about which AI tools to use, which poses a considerable risk for businesses. Policies create guardrails that help protect your business by defining which AI platforms are approved, what types of data can be input into AI systems, and what information must remain confidential.
Step 4 – Train and Prepare Your Team
As Jason noted during his presentation, “People are a huge part of readiness. Even the best tools fail without awareness and buy-in.”
Training should cover both opportunities and risks. When employees understand why policies are in place, they’re more likely to make safer choices.
Step 5 – Perform an AI Readiness Audit
Consider partnering with a managed services provider (MSP) to conduct an AI-focused risk assessment. This assessment should include simulated breaches, policy reviews, and control checks.
An audit can help uncover weaknesses before they become real threats, which demonstrates to leadership and customers that your business takes AI seriously.
Get In Touch – We Make Things Easier.
At High Touch, our vision is to bring the human touch to technology. Whether it’s adopting AI, strengthening cybersecurity, or helping modernize your IT infrastructure, our goal is to help businesses in Park City, Wichita, and beyond to embrace technology safely and strategically.
AI readiness isn’t just about the tools—it’s about people, policies, and preparation. If your organization is ready to take the next step, our team is prepared to help guide you through the process. From managed IT services to cybersecurity solutions and consulting, we can help make technology easier for your business.
Get in touch with our team today, and let’s start equipping your business for an AI-powered future.