The rise of shadow AI and what It means for UK organisations
- Delta 365
- Jan 6
- 2 min read
AI is everywhere, but so are hidden risks
AI is transforming the workplace - helping us draft emails faster, generate reports, and even streamline everyday tasks. But did you know that 71% of UK employees have used AI tools at work that aren’t approved by their IT teams, and 51% do it every week? That’s what Microsoft’s latest research found.
This trend, known as Shadow AI, can boost productivity - employees save an estimated 7.75 hours per week - but it also comes with real risks for privacy, security, and compliance.
The good news? You don’t have to block AI to stay safe. Businesses can adopt AI responsibly, protect sensitive data, and still let teams work smarter.
Why employees turn to shadow AI
Employees often use Shadow AI because:
It’s easy and familiar from personal life.
The company hasn’t provided a secure, approved alternative.
It saves time on repetitive tasks.
But here’s the problem: most of these tools aren’t designed for enterprise security. This means company data could be exposed, and your business could face compliance issues - even if no one intends harm.
The risks you can’t ignore
Shadow AI isn’t just a buzzword - it creates real challenges:
Data Privacy Vulnerabilities - sensitive documents could be processed in unsafe environments.
Compliance Issues - GDPR and industry regulations require controlled data handling.
Security Gaps -consumer AI tools often lack enterprise-grade protections like multi-factor authentication, encryption, and central monitoring.
The solution: Secure AI adoption
You don’t have to stop AI at your office door. The key is to replace risky tools with secure, managed alternatives. That’s where Microsoft 365 Copilot Business comes in:
Built for teams up to 300 users, it integrates with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Teams.
Provides enterprise-level security and compliance.
Helps employees work smarter, not riskier, by automating repetitive tasks and improving collaboration.
Comes in affordable SMB bundles, so businesses can adopt AI without breaking the budget.
Practical steps to tame shadow AI
Here’s how businesses can act now:
Provide Approved Tools – Give teams secure alternatives like Microsoft 365 Copilot Business.
Educate Employees – Explain why using unapproved AI tools can be risky.
Integrate With Governance – Include AI in your IT security and compliance frameworks.
Monitor Usage – Keep an eye on how AI is being used and adjust policies as needed.
How Delta 365 Can Help
At Delta 365, we help UK businesses harness the power of AI safely. We can:
Review your current AI and productivity tools.
Recommend the best Microsoft 365 Copilot bundles for your team.
Guide your AI rollout while keeping data secure and compliant.
Ready to make AI work for your business — safely? Get in touch with Delta 365 today for a consultation.
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