What is Shadow AI?
AI tools employees use without IT approval.
Short answer
Shadow AI is the use of artificial intelligence tools by employees without the knowledge or approval of IT and security teams. It is the AI era version of shadow IT, and it is the biggest blind spot in modern data protection because every unmanaged AI session is a potential data leak channel.
In depth
When an employee pastes customer data into ChatGPT, uploads a contract to Claude, or lets a coding agent read source files, that data leaves your control plane. Shadow AI turns personal tool preferences into real data exposure because the employee sees no security boundary and the security team sees nothing at all.
LeakSnitch was built specifically to shrink shadow AI. Instead of trying to block the tools, which employees always find a way around, LeakSnitch makes the tools safe by detecting and blocking sensitive data before it reaches any of 25+ AI platforms, directly on the employee device.
Frequently asked questions
How do companies detect shadow AI?
Start with browser and extension monitoring of AI domains, review of SaaS logs, and security awareness. LeakSnitch adds a different layer: it does not just see shadow AI usage, it stops the data leak inside it regardless of which tool is used.
Related terms
Stop AI leaks on the device, not in the cloud.
Install LeakSnitch in under 30 seconds and protect every prompt sent to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and 25+ AI tools. Free for individuals.