What’s Happening?
A free artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and workforce workshop will be held for Townsville small businesses, hosted by ACS Queensland.
The session will give owners and employees practical advice about using public artificial intelligence tools safely at work. It will also cover online protection and free business support that many operators may not know is available.
Why It Matters
Banning workplace AI may push employee use underground, leaving businesses with less oversight. Sensitive data could then be exposed when staff use public tools without clear rules.
Small businesses also face increasingly convincing phishing scams generated with AI. Clear guidance can help teams use these tools responsibly while reducing the risks to business information.
Local Impact
Townsville business owners can apply the workshop advice to daily work, staff policies and data handling.
The session will cover practical prompts for emails, marketing and customer follow-ups. It will also direct businesses towards free government-funded AI and cyber security resources.
By the Numbers
- Organisers say nine in 10 employees already use public AI tools, highlighting the need for clear workplace guidance.
- The workshop will run for two and a half hours, from 12:30 pm until 3:00 pm.
- The session will be held on Tuesday, 8 September at Rydges Southbank in Townsville.
Zoom In
The workshop will address Shadow AI and help employers set boundaries without driving workplace use out of sight.
Attendees will learn which sensitive information should never be entered into public AI tools. Practical prompting will show how AI can support emails, marketing and follow-ups while saving time.
The session will also examine modern phishing scams and increasingly convincing attacks created through AI. ACS will share free tools and support funded through government programs.
Together, these topics will show where AI can help, where risks sit and what action businesses can take now.
Zoom Out
Public AI tools are already part of many workplaces, even when employers have not formally approved them.
This makes staff education, clear boundaries and sound data practices central to managing the risks. For small businesses, informed use can protect sensitive information while supporting useful everyday work.
What To Look For Next?
Places are limited, and Townsville business owners can register online.
