- Senior managers are twice as likely to use unapproved shadow AI tools as other employees
- Execs often bypass security protocols to prioritize personal productivity over corporate compliance
- The double standard in AI use creates significant governance and security risks
Amid ongoing top-down efforts to strengthen security as companies more widely deploy AI, new research from TrustedTech reveals that the boardroom may be to blame for some of the most common security failures.
The report found that three in five (62%) senior managers admitted to using shadow AI – exactly double the number of non-decision-making employees (31%).
With C-suite executives pushing AI security measures on their employees, including listing approved AI tools, TrustedTech’s research suggests their behavior may not be random – as the report indicates they are fully aware of governance risks and are deliberately bypassing controls in favor of productivity over compliance.
Senior executives use AI to a double standard
More than a quarter (28%) of senior decision makers even admitted that they would continue to use AI tools even if their employer banned them or disciplinary action was taken. Again, a number that is higher than all employees combined (22%).
Although the use of shadow AI at the senior level is high, half (51%) say they are concerned about employees doing the same. TrustedTech argues that this imposes double standards and management inconsistencies that ultimately make workers less likely to comply.
“When that behavior is modeled at the top of an organization, it becomes significantly more difficult to enforce governance elsewhere in the company,” wrote Chief Visionary Officer Julian Hamood.
Workers want AI, but the current setup is holding them back
But governance and security may not be the primary roadblocks to compliance—workers are consistently unhappy with the tools they’re given. The report blames productivity pressures and access restrictions. One in four (24%) say employer-approved AI tools are too limited, and 21% agree unofficial tools are more effective.
The report also reveals slow adoption among non-decision-making employees due to organizational and cultural concerns – 28% worry employers monitor the use of tools, 23% reduce their use due to perception concerns, and 21% admit they judge colleagues negatively for relying heavily on AI.
In addition, one in five said they were concerned that the use of artificial intelligence could negatively affect their career prospects.
Conversely, the group that uses shadow AI the most – senior managers – has a disproportionately high risk surface. This is due to their access to sensitive data across financial systems, HR and payroll information, customer data, legal and regulatory material and more.
With seven in 10 believing AI positively impacts team performance, 54% saving at least three hours per week and 27% saving five or more hours per week, it’s clear that workers have an appetite for AI.
TrustedTech criticized companies for not being clear enough, with many still lacking formal AI policies, approved tool lists and adequate training initiatives.
“The findings highlight an urgent need for organizations to rethink how they approach AI governance, focusing on management accountability, clearer usage policies and improved education around safe and responsible AI adoption,” Hamood added.
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