Shadow IT vs Shadow AI: Key Differences and Risks

Shadow IT and shadow AI represent significant challenges for enterprise security, with shadow IT referring to unauthorized software and services and shadow AI involving unapproved use of AI tools, models, and APIs. While both pose risks, shadow AI introduces additional complexities such as data exposure, compliance issues, and accuracy concerns due to its ability to learn from and generate content based on sensitive data. The proliferation of these technologies often occurs because employees seek faster, more efficient solutions than what IT departments can provide. To mitigate these risks, companies are encouraged to employ comprehensive governance strategies, including visibility controls, policy implementation, and AI-specific guardrails. Superblocks offers a centralized platform that addresses these challenges by providing flexible development modalities, context-aware AI app generation, and centralized governance, thereby preventing the unauthorized proliferation of IT and AI tools while ensuring compliance and data security.