Managing shadow AI in your organisation
Understand why staff use unapproved AI tools and build a response that works better than a ban
A taste of a lesson
Our security team wants to block all AI websites. Is that a good idea?
It can reduce some risk briefly, but on its own it usually backfires. People switch to phones and personal laptops, you lose visibility, and frustration grows. A stronger approach: find out what tasks people use AI for, provide an approved tool with suitable data terms that covers those tasks, set simple rules about restricted data, and block only categories that are clearly risky. Pair any blocking with a better alternative on day one. What are the top three tasks your staff seem to use AI for?
Written by the teacher as an example. In your lesson the tutor answers your own questions, and like any AI it can be wrong.
What you will be able to do
- Explain why shadow AI happens and identify its main risks
- Discover current AI use without creating a culture of fear
- Design an approved tool set, fast approval path and simple rules
- Apply proportionate technical controls and track progress with clear metrics
Lesson plan
- 1 Why shadow AI happens Understand the causes behind unapproved AI use. Start
- 2 The real risks Identify which risks matter most. Start
- 3 Discovery without fear Find out what is being used and why. Start
- 4 Better than a ban Provide approved options and a fast approval path. Start
- 5 Controls and a 90 day plan Add proportionate controls and plan rollout. Start
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About this tutor
For managers, IT, security, data protection and operations leads dealing with staff using AI tools the organisation has not approved. You learn why shadow AI happens, what the real risks are (data leakage, compliance breaches, inconsistent quality, unvetted browser extensions and integrations), and why outright bans often push use further underground. You then build a practical response: discovery without witch hunts, a quick approval path, approved alternatives that meet real needs, clear simple rules, training, and monitoring proportionate to risk. You finish with a 90 day plan adapted to your organisation's size and sector.
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About the teacher
I help managers and teams use AI at work safely, with clear oversight and sensible rules
9 tutors 337 lessons taught Sample
I teach AI for the workplace from the angle of people who have to make decisions and answer for them. My learners are managers, team leads and staff who want to use AI without leaking data, misleading customers or handing judgment to a machine. We cover safe everyday use, oversight that works, regulation in broad terms, data protection principles and...
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