PURPOSE Automation can save time, but poorly designed automation can expose or mishandle data. BEFORE AUTOMATING Identify what data the automation accesses, where it sends data, who can see results, and what happens if it fails. LIMIT ACCESS Use the minimum permissions needed and avoid broad access to sensitive folders or accounts. TEST SAFELY Test with sample or anonymized data before using real information. BEST PRACTICE Automate boring work, not bad decisions at machine speed.