Software AG Study Finds Half of Employees Use Shadow AI, Urging Businesses to Strengthen AI Strategies

(IN BRIEF) A new study by Software AG reveals that 50% of employees are using Shadow AI—personal AI tools not provided by their companies—with 46% unwilling to stop using them even if banned. With 75% of knowledge workers already utilizing AI for tasks, the study highlights the growing importance of AI in the workplace, but also raises concerns about cybersecurity risks and data governance. The research underscores the need for businesses to develop comprehensive AI strategies and provide better training to mitigate these risks.

(PRESS RELEASE) DARMSTADT, 22-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A recent study by Software AG has revealed that half of all employees are using Shadow AI—AI tools not provided by their companies—to perform their work. The study, which surveyed 6,000 knowledge workers, also found that 46% of employees would refuse to stop using these personal AI tools, even if their organization banned them. This demonstrates the critical role AI is playing in daily tasks, making it clear that businesses need more comprehensive AI strategies to mitigate risks like cyber threats and data breaches.

Steve Ponting, Director at Software AG, noted that 2024 will be the year when AI tools become deeply embedded in workplaces, with usage expected to rise from 75% to 90%. While AI helps employees save time and improve productivity, it also raises concerns around security and regulatory compliance. The study highlights that nearly half of workers believe AI tools will accelerate their career growth by making them more efficient.

Despite recognizing risks such as cybersecurity vulnerabilities, only a small portion of workers take precautionary measures, with only 27% running security scans and 29% reviewing data usage policies. J-M Erlendson, Global Evangelist at Software AG, emphasized the need for businesses to implement rigorous training and create transparent AI frameworks to ensure safe and effective AI usage.

About Software AG
Software AG is a Software GmbH brand that helps companies to manage and optimize their operations, infrastructure and technology with products that simplify complexity, increase transparency and prepare organizations for change.

Trusted by the world’s best brands for more than 50 years, Software AG’s AI-enabled process intelligence, application development, high-performance database, enterprise architecture and strategic portfolio management solutions are used by banks, retailers, manufacturers, governments and more.

Software AG is owned by Silver Lake, the global technology investment firm. For more information, visit www.softwareag.com, and follow on LinkedIn and X.

Bärbel Strothmann
Director, Corporate Communications
E: baerbel.strothmann@softwareag.com
T: +49 6151 92 1502

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First published in this link of EuropaWIRE.