Shadow AI
Employees using AI tools that the organisation has not approved and cannot see.
Shadow AI is the AI version of shadow IT, and it is nearly universal because the tools are free and the productivity gain is immediate. The risks are data leaving the perimeter and unreviewed output entering work products. Blocking tools reliably fails; providing sanctioned ones plus training works better.
In practice: Client contracts pasted into a free consumer chatbot to get a summary.
Where this comes up
- AI Governance Course in 2026: What Leaders, Managers, and Teams Should Learn
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- Will AI Replace Cybersecurity Jobs? What Actually Changes for Security Careers in 2026