What is Shadow IT?
Technology used without IT approval.
Short answer
Shadow IT is any technology used inside an organization without IT or security approval. Shadow AI is the generative AI subset of shadow IT, and it matters more because every AI tool is a potential channel for sensitive data to leave the organization.
In depth
Shadow IT has always existed, from personal laptops to unsanctioned SaaS. IT tried to block it and employees found workarounds. The AI era makes blocking the wrong strategy, because the tools are genuinely useful and personal AI assistants are everywhere.
LeakSnitch takes a pragmatic path: do not fight the tool, protect the data. Let employees use any of the 25+ supported AI platforms, and let the detection engine silently ensure nothing sensitive goes with them.
Frequently asked questions
Should companies block all unapproved AI tools?
Blocking creates workarounds and hides the problem. A better approach is to protect data regardless of the tool, which is exactly what client side detection does, and use dashboards to understand real usage rather than imaginary policy compliance.
Related terms
Stop AI leaks on the device, not in the cloud.
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