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The rise of generative AI has created a new era of productivity, automation, and innovation across virtually every industry. But beneath the surface of this technological revolution lies a growing concern: the unintended security risks it brings, particularly within the SaaS ecosystem.
It’s a double-edged sword.
On one hand, GenAI apps that integrate with your workspace drive new levels of efficiency, level the playing field for smaller teams, eliminate manual errors, and free up time for higher-impact work. On the other hand, they are rapidly expanding the attack surface – often through invisible, unmanaged vectors like Shadow AI applications.
For many teams, AI remains a black box. So the question becomes: how do we bring it into the light?
What are the Risks of Generative AI Applications Integrating with Your Environment?
It’s tempting to think of GenAI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot as isolated platforms. In reality, many of these tools are increasingly integrating directly with enterprise SaaS applications – often via OAuth or browser extensions.
These integrations allow AI tools to "connect" with core business systems – like Google Workspace and Slack – accessing sensitive data, reading user content, and performing actions on behalf of employees.
This introduces a new class of shadow apps: AI-powered tools and applications that are installed without IT or security approval and operate outside traditional governance models.
Employees may grant these tools broad access – such as permission to read emails, manage calendars, or coordinate meetings – all with little understanding of what they’re authorizing.
This use of AI creates a brand new class of third-party risk – one with way too many permissions and absolutely zero visibility.
What are Real-World Security Examples of AI Tools Posing Risks?
Let’s look at how these challenges manifest in real-world scenarios:
AI Tools Accessing Your Data via OAuth
A BDR connects a GenAI-powered scheduling assistant to their work email. During setup, the app requests access to their full calendar and Gmail account. The rep agrees without reading the fine print.
This GenAI agent / assistant now has access to confidential sales notes, pipeline forecasts, and customer emails, none of which are governed or logged by the security team.
Malicious or Compromised Extensions
Extensions can be dangerous, especially if they get hacked or compromised – which, in recent high profile breaches, is a very big entry way for hackers.
Lets say an engineer installs a Chrome extension that promises AI-generated bug reports. The extension gains access to browser sessions and scrapes content from Jira, GitHub, and other web apps. Since this wasn’t vetted by security teams, the AI tool silently exfiltrates data to an unknown server. Even worse, if this extension gets compromised, your company data is exposed.
Regulatory and Compliance Risks from AI App Integrations
Even if employees are well-intentioned, they can still open the door to data leakage and compliance mishaps. For example, lets say a healthcare administrator connects a GenAI writing assistant to their work email to help craft patient communications. The AI app is not HIPAA-compliant, yet it now has access to PHI through OAuth scopes, creating a direct compliance violation.
These examples illustrate the real and growing threats that come from unmanaged GenAI integrations, especially those enabled through OAuth or browser-based tools.
Why is Security Against AI Applications So Important?
The pace of AI adoption is only accelerating. But without visibility, control, and governance, organizations are flying blind. Here’s why leaders need to act:
- AI tools are becoming deeply integrated into SaaS workflows now more than ever before
- Negligent employees are acting without intent to harm, but there’s still real consequences
- Malicious employees or hackers are beginning to exploit OAuth and browser extension vulnerabilities
- Regulators are increasing scrutiny around data usage and privacy and the industry is buzzing about it
Security leaders can no longer afford to treat GenAI as a side issue. It’s now a central pillar of SaaS security.
How DoControl Secures Shadow AI Applications
At DoControl, we’ve expanded our Shadow Apps module and product capability to directly address the rise of Shadow AI. Our new Artificial Intelligence category empowers organizations to:
- Detect and monitor GenAI tools being used across the organization
- Identify who installed them, when, and what OAuth scopes were granted
- Track usage activity and understand how data is flowing into AI tools
- Receive tailored risk recommendations based on access level and usage patterns
- Classify, remove, or restrict apps that pose security or compliance risks
- Automate workflows to prevent future installation of risky apps
This capability gives security and IT teams the visibility and control they need to mitigate AI-related risk, without blocking innovation or employee productivity.
3 Things Security Leaders Can Do Today
1. Discover and Monitor Shadow AI Usage
Start by identifying where GenAI tools are in use, especially unsanctioned OAuth apps, browser extensions, and third-party integrations.
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2. Implement Clear AI Usage Policies & Educate Employees
Establish company-wide guidelines around:
- What data can (and can’t) be input into GenAI tools (including LLMS)
- Which platforms are approved
- How integrations should be vetted
- Educate employees on privacy, compliance, and data handling best practices.
3. Adopt Enterprise-Ready Gen AI Tools
Choose AI platforms with enterprise-grade features like encryption, audit logging, and data governance controls. This isn’t always possible for smaller teams or orgs with limited budgets, but if you have the power to do so – it's the way to go.
Summary
GenAI is the most disruptive wave of workplace technology in decades. But like every major shift, it comes with risk. Organizations that move quickly to secure Shadow AI and Shadow SaaS will be better positioned to innovate safely, meet regulatory obligations, and build trust with customers and employees alike.
DoControl gives you the tools to do just that, starting with visibility, followed by granular controls, and finishing with automation at scale.
Ready to uncover and control Shadow AI in your environment? Request a demo to see how it works!
Want to Learn More?
- See a demo - click here
- Get a FREE Google Workspace Risk Assessment - click here
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