A startling trend is emerging in 2026: The very people responsible for your company’s security are often the ones bypassing it.

According to latest data from Centralink and recent industry surveys, nearly 90% of security practitioners have used AI tools, yet only 32% of organizations have formal controls in place. This has created a massive “Security Blind Spot.”

When security teams use unapproved AI for tasks like writing detection rules or debugging code, they aren’t just being “efficient”—they are inadvertently creating new attack surfaces.

Why “Shadow AI” is more than just a tech trend:

1. The Visibility Gap: You cannot secure what you cannot see. If IT isn’t aware of an AI integration, they cannot monitor for data leakage or model drift.

2. The “Copyright Debt” Risk: Uploading proprietary code into public models doesn’t just leak secrets; it complicates your IP ownership.

3. Bypassing Firewalls: Many GenAI tools operate as SaaS or browser extensions, easily slipping past traditional corporate firewalls and Identity Providers (IDPs).

3 Steps to Turn the Blind Spot into a Moat:

• Establish a “Golden Path”: Don’t just block tools. Provide sanctioned, enterprise-grade AI assistants that meet your security standards so employees don’t feel the need to go rogue.

• Implement “Human-on-the-Loop” Audits: Move away from manual checks toward automated verification planes that flag when sensitive data is being moved to an unvetted API.

• Define an “AI Acceptable Use Policy” (AUP): Clear, scenario-based guidelines (e.g., “Do not paste customer data into public LLMs”) are more effective than vague bans.

In 2026, AI Governance is not a “No” department. It is the department that ensures innovation doesn’t come at the cost of your company’s “License to Operate.”

Is your security team leading your AI adoption, or are they working in the shadows?
Let’s discuss the balance between speed and safety below.

Arrange your free consulting session now.
Simply via info@centralink.nl

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