The adoption of AI tools is revolutionizing organizational operations, providing numerous advantages such as increased productivity and better decision-making. OpenAI's ChatGPT, along with other generative AI tools like DALL·E and Bard, has gained significant popularity, attracting approximately 100 million users worldwide. The generative AI market is projected to surpass $22 billion by 2025, highlighting the growing reliance on AI technologies.
However, as AI adoption accelerates, security professionals in organizations have valid concerns regarding the usage and permissions of AI applications within their infrastructure. They raise important questions about the identity of users and their purposes, access to company data, shared information, and compliance implications.
Understanding the usage and access of AI applications is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it helps assess potential risks and enables organizations to protect against threats effectively. Without knowing which applications are in use, security teams cannot evaluate and address potential vulnerabilities. Each AI tool represents a potential attack surface that needs to be considered, as malicious actors can exploit AI applications for lateral movement within the organization. Basic application discovery is an essential step towards securing AI usage and can be facilitated using free SSPM tools.
Additionally, knowing which AI applications are legitimate helps prevent the inadvertent use of fake or malicious applications. Threat actors often create counterfeit versions of popular AI tools to deceive employees and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data. Educating employees about legitimate AI applications minimizes the risks associated with these fraudulent imitations.
Secondly, identifying the permissions granted to AI applications allows organizations to implement robust security measures. Different AI tools may have varying security requirements and risks. By understanding the permissions granted and assessing associated risks, security professionals can tailor security protocols accordingly. This ensures the protection of sensitive data and prevents excessive permissions.
Lastly, understanding AI application usage helps organizations effectively manage their SaaS ecosystem. It provides insights into employee behavior, identifies potential security gaps, and enables proactive measures to mitigate risks. Monitoring for unusual AI onboarding, inconsistent usage, and revoking access to unauthorized AI applications are security steps that can be taken using available tools. Effective management of the SaaS ecosystem also ensures compliance with data privacy regulations and the adequate protection of shared data.
In conclusion, while AI applications offer significant benefits, they also introduce security challenges that must be addressed. Security professionals should leverage existing SaaS discovery capabilities and SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) solutions to answer fundamental questions about AI usage, users, and permissions. By utilizing these tools, organizations can save valuable time and ensure secure AI implementation.
