Employees Are Building Their Own Apps With AI Tools

Employees at companies are increasingly using AI tools to build their own automations, applications, and agents without going through official IT departments. This practice, often called shadow IT or code sprawl, happens when workers use tools their company has not officially approved or secured. Security leaders are now working to manage these unofficial projects. This trend primarily affects workplaces rather than home users.

If you use AI tools at work to build shortcuts, automate tasks, or create simple programs, your company may start implementing new policies. The security concern is that these homemade tools may not follow proper security practices and could create vulnerabilities.

If you have created work tools using AI without IT approval, take these steps now.

1. Document what you have built and what data it accesses.
2. Contact your IT or security team to disclose these tools.
3. Ask for guidance on which AI tools are approved for use at your company.
4. Do not connect unofficial tools to company databases or systems containing sensitive information. At home, remember that AI tools you use for personal projects may also have security implications. Avoid uploading sensitive family information, financial data, or private photos to AI tools unless you understand their privacy policies. Stick to well-known, reputable AI services and review what data they collect before using them.