CONTACT:
Brian Suerth
Technology Assurance Group
(858) 946-2112
brian@tagnational.com
Rocky Dunkman, Owner/CEO
Computer Consultants & Merchants Inc (CC&M)
407-908-1427
rd@ccm2.com
NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Computer Consultants & Merchants Inc (CC&M) Helps Businesses Harness AI Without Exposing Sensitive Data
Leading MTSP Explains New Secure AI Platform for SMBs
GREENWOOD & GREENVILLE SOUTH CAROLINA – June 23, 2026 – Computer Consultants & Merchants Inc (CC&M), a leading managed technology services provider (MTSP), announced today, that the company has is providing small to mid-sized business and non-profits artificial intelligence tools without exposing their organizations to the common security risks posed by the most popular platforms. As organizations have adopted AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, and Copilot, their employees are unknowingly creating a major security risk: exposing sensitive information to public AI technologies. CC&M now provides an all-encompassing AI solution that combines all of the popular tools with the highest level of security.
In January 2026, BlackFog found that 86% of workers use AI at least weekly for work tasks and 49% of workers admit using AI tools at work without employer approval. Whether workers are using these tools to conduct searches, create documents or enter organization information they are doing it in a risky manner because none of the tools are secure. Most organizations have invested in cybersecurity. They have implemented firewalls, endpoint protection, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), email security, backup systems, and network monitoring. However, most are now unknowingly bypassing all of those protections the moment workers begin interacting with an unsecured public AI tool.
In other words, organizations may spend years fortifying the front door of their IT network, only to have workers unintentionally “hand the keys” to sensitive information directly to public AI platforms, exposing the organization to liability, security issues and hackers.
“Organizations have worked incredibly hard to secure their networks and protect their data like financial, employee, and customer information,” said Rocky Dunkman, Owner/CEO of CC&M. “The challenge now is that workers are using AI tools independently, often without realizing the potential consequences of where that data is going.”
“The majority of your staff are already utilizing AI in some form, whether employers officially approve it or not. That means that even if they’re using AI to summarize documents, write emails, analyze spreadsheets, generate reports, troubleshoot problems, and automate workflows, they need to be aware of the liabilities they can inadvertently expose the business to,” added Mr. Dunkman.
The reality is simple: employees are already getting AI assistance from somewhere.
Which means businesses need to become actively involved in how AI is being used inside their organizations. Sensitive customer information, financial records, legal documents, internal communications, proprietary processes, source code, pricing models, and confidential business strategies can all unintentionally become exposed when entered into unsecured public AI systems.
“Most businesses know they need to start leveraging AI to stay competitive,” Dunkman commented. “But they also need guardrails. Companies want the productivity benefits of AI, but we step in and lock down these tools, so they are safe and secure.”
CC&M secures AI tools helping organizations establish guardrails around how AI is used, allowing workers to benefit from automation and intelligence while maintaining oversight, compliance, and human review. “AI has quickly become the most powerful productivity tool ever created,” Dunkman said. “But the organizations that win long-term won’t necessarily be the ones using the most AI. They’ll be the ones using it securely, responsibly, and strategically.”
ABOUT Computer Consultants & Merchants Inc (CC&M)
In 1992, Computer Consultants & Merchants was founded to bring technology services and equipment to businesses in the Orlando, Florida area. In 2001 they expanded their footprint by adding offices in Greenwood and later Greenville covering the Upstate of South Carolina. CC&M streamlined the way companies do business, and the Company became successful for its expertise and service. Providing consulting, business acumen, and of course maintenance services that have always included parts and labor for clients.
Computer Consultants has evolved to meet the changing needs of businesses, providing clients with exemplary technology consultation, Business phone Systems, Access Control with Video surveillance, Cyber Security, Managed Print, integration and Managed services are still the core of everything we provide.
Thirty years later CC&M is still doing what it does best, providing its clients with advanced technology solutions and stellar service!
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