Shadow AI in the Browser: The Next Enterprise Blind Spot
Dec 01, 2025
Data Protection / Browser Security
Employees are increasingly using personal AI tools, AI-powered extensions, and emerging agentic browsers to accelerate their work. But unlike sanctioned AI platforms, these tools operate inside the browser runtime, where neither CASBs, SWGs, EDRs, nor DLP solutions have visibility. This has quietly turned the browser into an unmanaged AI execution environment, giving way to a new threat known as shadow AI. Shadow AI isn't just the latest buzzword; it's a serious risk that leaves organizations vulnerable to data loss, cyberattacks, compliance violations, and more. What is Shadow AI? Shadow AI refers to GenAI-powered tools, browser extensions, and browsers that workers use on their own, without any company vetting or guidance. Different from shadow IT, where unsanctioned apps or devices slip through the cracks, shadow AI lives directly in the browser. For example, employees might use their personal Claude accounts to work with sensitive company data or work on important pr...
