How to Eliminate 'Shadow AI' in Software Development

With a security-first culture fully in play, developers will view the protected deployment of AI as a marketable skill, and respond accordingly.

The Rise of Shadow AI

In a recent GitHub survey, 92 percent of U.S.-based developers reported using AI coding tools both in and outside of work. Many are participating in “shadow AI” - leveraging AI technology without their organization’s IT department or CISO’s approval or knowledge.

This trend mirrors previous patterns seen with shadow IT and shadow SaaS, where motivated employees seek technologies that maximize their productivity and reduce repetitive tasks. However, good intentions in circumventing company policies can introduce significant risks.

Key Risks of Unauthorized AI Usage

The unauthorized use of AI tools presents several critical risks:

• Security blind spots where CISOs cannot assess or manage unknown tools
• Introduction of vulnerable code leading to data exposure
• Compliance violations due to misalignment with regulatory requirements
• Decreased long-term productivity from fixing vulnerability issues retroactively

A Three-Point Plan for Managing AI Implementation

1. Identify AI Implementations

CISOs and security teams should:

• Map AI deployment throughout the software development lifecycle
• Identify who introduces these tools
• Assess security skill sets of users
• Evaluate risk mitigation steps
• Implement targeted training programs

2. Cultivate a Security-First Culture

Organizations must emphasize that proactive protection:

• Saves time by preventing retroactive fixes
• Requires careful evaluation of AI output
• Promotes transparent communication about tool adoption
• Enables informed decision-making about AI deployment

3. Incentivize Secure Practices

Success requires:

• Rewarding developers who properly manage AI tools
• Establishing security skill benchmarks
• Creating advancement opportunities for security-conscious developers
• Recognizing protected AI deployment as a valuable skill

The Path Forward

Through proper oversight and a security-first approach, organizations can harness AI’s benefits while maintaining robust security. This collaborative approach between coding and security teams ensures software production that is better, faster, and more secure.

The key lies not in suppressing AI usage but in establishing reasonable guardrails and raising security awareness among development teams. By bringing AI out of the shadows, organizations can maximize productivity benefits while minimizing security risks.