The State of Shadow AI - Trends, Insights & StatisticsThe State of Shadow AI
One platform to monitor, manage, and reduce risk.
The use of unapproved AI applications, also known as Shadow AI, is rapidly increasing within workplaces. Organisations are aware of the threat, but the traditional security playbook is proving inadequate, leaving leaders uncertain about how to address the problem.
Our definitive report built on survey responses from 500 security leaders and 1,000 employees across the globe, reveals the human nature driving this invisible, systemic threat:
- Usage is widespread: 81% of employees and 88% of security leaders report using unapproved AI tools, indicating that the issue is systemic across the enterprise.
- Blocking fails: 45% of workers find workarounds to access blocked applications, showing that the restriction only compromises visibility.
- Knowledge increases risk: Even with 40% of employees recalling AI training, 40% still use unapproved tools on a daily basis. Our study found that training fails to prevent high-frequency risks and may instead be fueling overconfidence in AI, leading to an increase in employees sidestepping controls.
- Trust is eroding: 24% of employees trust AI tools more than their managers or colleagues, indicating a shift in trust from human relationships to technology.
Our data highlights the necessity for a new approach focused on visibility, strategic guardrails, and user empowerment. Read the report to understand why your current security playbook is failing and what strategic imperatives must guide your shift.
See it. Guide it. Secure it.
User Risk is our AI-powered Human Risk Management platform. It empowers you with the capabilities required to manage the rise of unauthorised tools and govern your human attack surface. User Risk provides the visibility you need to identify hidden risks, such as shadow AI. At the same time, the in-built AI Analyst enables you to prioritise threats and govern at scale with real-time, in-workflow coaching.
Take a free product tour of User Risk now, and secure your workforce.