What Is Shadow AI? Risks of Unapproved AI Use
Shadow AI is the AI form of Shadow IT. An employee pastes text, code or a customer list into a public AI tool. That data leaves company control, and the security team usually does not see it.
AI tools that employees use without IT or security approval, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and browser extensions.
Why Does It Matter?
Data sent to an AI provider can be stored on its servers. If it contains personal data, this is a cross-border transfer under GDPR and KVKK. If source code or a proposal leaks, you lose trade secrets.
Core Principles & How It Works
What Threats Arise from Inadequate Protection?
- ✕Customer data sent to an AI provider inside a prompt.
- ✕Unapproved browser extensions that read page content.
- ✕Company data kept in a personal AI account.
How Does Moftgate Solve This Challenge?
The Moftgate AI Governance module lists AI use on each endpoint. DLP policies block sensitive data from being pasted into prompts. Logs stay on your own servers.
Related Guides and Articles
- How to Detect and Control Shadow AI: A 5-Step Guide →
Your employees most likely use unapproved AI tools. We explain a 5-step method to make this use visible and safe without banning it.
- SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) & Shadow IT Governance: Enterprise Architecture Guide →
With 82% of SaaS security breaches stemming from misconfigurations and rogue OAuth permissions, conventional firewalls are blind. Master automated posture governance for Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, and shadow cloud applications.
Other Cybersecurity Terms
Full Glossary →Applications, services and devices that employees use without the approval or knowledge of the IT department.
Security technology that detects and blocks unauthorized exfiltration of sensitive data across email, USB, web, and cloud channels.
Law No. 6698, which regulates personal data processing in Turkey. It sets disclosure, security and notification duties for data controllers.
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