Featured: Unveiling Shadow AI

The Problem with Shadow IT

In today's dynamic and ever-evolving digital landscape, the tools employees use can be as varied and numerous as the tasks they perform. While companies often have official tools and platforms, the phenomenon known as "Shadow IT" lurks behind the scenes. Shadow IT refers to the use of software, applications, and systems within a company without official authorization or oversight. This can include everything from unauthorized file-sharing platforms to unsanctioned communication apps and, of course, also AI-powered tools.

WalkMe is a Digital Adoption Platform that allows companies to guide their employees on how to leverage existing software applications to the fullest. Their new Shadow AI discovery feature detected 8,608 AI tools used by employees within their enterprise customers. Many of them represent penetration points where sensitive customer information, code, contracts, or personal data could be accidentally exposed. With 75% of data breaches caused by unintentional human errors, the dangers of Shadow AI are significant and cannot be overlooked.

WalkMe's Solution: Turning AI Policy into Action

WalkMe's browser extension does more than just detect the tools in use; it actively assists in managing and communicating a company's AI policy. When an employee uses a tool that is not permitted or is restricted in its use, the extension can immediately display a pop-up notification. These alerts not only notify the user about potential non-compliance, they can also remind employees on how to use these tools, provide safer alternatives or direct options to contact relevant colleagues to start the process of evaluating and potentially authorizing these tools.

By transforming the AI policy from a static document into an actionable helper within employees' workflows, WalkMe ensures that compliance is a living, breathing aspect of the daily work process. It's not just about blocking technological change; it's about keeping an eye on a quickly evolving landscape and encouraging employees to take part. The goal is to reap the benefits AI can offer while promoting safe use and risk consciousness.

Secure Deployment with WalkMe

Enterprises that are serious about ensuring data security might consider avoiding third-party hosted services like chatGPT altogether. But that doesn't mean they need to turn their back on the powerful technology of Large Language Models (LLMs). Through Microsoft Azure, GPT4, the model powering chatGPT can now be deployed in a private cloud.

WalkMe offers the setup of this additional layer of protection to their enterprise customers. This ensures that sensitive data remains within the company's control and can't leak to to third parties, adding an extra layer of safety to the use of powerful AI tools.

WalkMe's comprehensive solution integrates with your company's existing workflow and policies, making AI compliance practical, intuitive, and seamless.