Lessons Learned: What SMEs Can Do Now

The 2024 Disney Slack breach stands as a cautionary tale of how even one seemingly harmless action - installing an AI art generator - can lead to catastrophic consequences. For Disney, the cost was over a terabyte of exfiltrated data, widespread reputational damage, and a costly class-action lawsuit. But for small and midsize enterprises (SMEs), the implications are more existential. Few can survive such a blow.

So what can SMEs learn from this breach, and what should they do immediately to reduce their risk?

Practical Lessons SMEs Can Learn from Disney’s Incident

1. Shadow IT is Inevitable: Plan for It! Just like at Disney, employees in SMEs often turn to unauthorized tools to boost productivity. These actions aren't always malicious - just misinformed. The takeaway? SMEs shouldn’t wait until Shadow IT becomes a problem. They must assume it's already happening and implement visibility and control mechanisms proactively.

2. Convenience Can Cost You. The employee at Disney likely installed the AI tool to save time or experiment with new functionality. The incident shows how the quest for convenience, when unchecked, can override security protocols. SMEs must communicate that every digital decision has potential risk - and reward responsible tool adoption with safer, sanctioned alternatives.

3. Data Access Must Be Earned, Not Assumed. If a single endpoint had access to 1.1 terabytes of sensitive data, that’s a failure in data segmentation. SMEs should enforce the principle of least privilege - only giving employees access to the specific data they need to perform their roles.

4. The Bigger the Breach, the Smaller the Excuse. Large organizations like Disney might absorb the blow of a breach. SMEs rarely get the same luxury. A smaller security team doesn’t excuse inadequate controls. In fact, it makes them even more essential.

Immediate Recommendations to Prevent Similar Scenarios

1. Inventory Your Shadow IT. Start by identifying what’s already in use. Use endpoint detection, network monitoring, and staff surveys to uncover unsanctioned tools and applications. Visibility is step one.

2. Establish and Enforce an Acceptable Use Policy. Create a clear policy that outlines which tools are approved - and what actions are not. Be specific. “Don’t install unapproved software” is not as helpful as “Do not download or use AI tools, browser extensions, or SaaS platforms without written IT approval.”

3. Provide Safe Alternatives. If employees are turning to unapproved tools, ask why. Provide vetted alternatives that meet their needs, or consider approving commonly used shadow tools after risk evaluation and sandbox testing.

4. Lock Down Admin Privileges. Limit installation rights on work devices. Ensure that only IT administrators have the ability to install or run third-party software on company-owned endpoints.

5. Implement Endpoint Protection & Monitoring. SMEs should deploy EDR solutions that provide real-time visibility, detect unauthorized activity, and alert on suspicious behavior—enabling quick response without disrupting operations.

6. Segment Data Access. Divide sensitive data by business function and limit access accordingly. A marketing intern should not be able to reach financial records. A contractor should not be able to access product development files.

7. Train Continuously, Not Just Once. Security awareness is not a one-time event. Regular training sessions, phishing simulations, and microlearning modules help keep security top of mind for all employees.

8. Prepare for the Worst. Develop a breach response plan now. Identify who’s responsible for what, how stakeholders will be notified, and how damage can be contained quickly. Practice it like a fire drill.

Final Thought: Security is a Business Decision

Disney’s mistake may have stemmed from a single unauthorized tool, but the root cause was systemic: a lack of visibility, insufficient access control, and underestimation of employee-driven risk. For SMEs, the lesson is clear. Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it’s a business imperative.

*The best time to act was yesterday. The second-best time is right now.