In a major announcement at the RSA Conference 2024 held in San Francisco, Adaptive Shield unveiled its latest AI Security Suite aimed at tackling the emerging security risks associated with the widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in enterprise applications. The launch comes at a crucial time when businesses are increasingly relying on AI technologies such as ChatGPT, Google Gimni, GitHub Copilot, Salesforce Einstein, and Microsoft 365 Copilot to boost operational efficiency and innovation. While these AI-driven tools significantly enhance productivity, they also introduce new security vulnerabilities, including data leaks, expanded attack surfaces, and compliance challenges with varying governmental regulations. The newly introduced suite of features within Adaptive Shield’s SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) platform strives to address these concerns by empowering organizations, especially Chief AI Officers, and security teams to manage and mitigate these risks effectively.
Comprehensive Security Posture for AI Applications
One of the standout features of Adaptive Shield’s new suite is its capability to scrutinize the security posture of AI applications in great detail. By doing so, it provides organizations with a security score and identifies configuration drifts, which can serve as early indicators of potential vulnerabilities. This in-depth analysis allows companies to take proactive measures in fortifying their software infrastructure. The objective is not merely to detect existing security flaws but also to anticipate and prevent future threats. This feature is especially critical given the rapid evolution of AI technologies and the corresponding increase in the number of cyber threats targeting these systems.
Additionally, the suite encompasses advanced settings for managing AI configurations within SaaS applications. This allows for heightened control over security settings to prevent data leakage and manage permissions effectively. By controlling user access to various AI features, organizations can ensure that sensitive information remains protected. These comprehensive measures are designed to support a robust security framework that not only identifies potential risks but also provides actionable solutions to mitigate them. Such features are integral for maintaining a strong security posture in an environment where AI applications are becoming increasingly sophisticated and ubiquitous.
Discovery and Management of AI Shadow Apps
Another essential component of Adaptive Shield’s latest offering is its ability to identify and manage AI Shadow Apps. These are applications that operate outside the purview of central IT departments, often installed by employees without formal approval. While these apps can sometimes improve productivity, they also pose significant security risks as they can be exploited by malicious actors. Adaptive Shield’s suite can discover these shadow apps and assess their associated risks. Based on this assessment, it can revoke access to potentially dangerous applications, thereby reducing the threat landscape.
Moreover, the suite includes tools for managing third-party long-tail AI-sanctioned apps. With the growing number of interconnected Generative AI (GenAI) applications, there is an increasing need for organizations to oversee and manage these tools effectively. Adaptive Shield allows for comprehensive oversight, thereby ensuring that only secure and approved applications are used within the enterprise environment. This not only helps in maintaining a secure digital infrastructure but also ensures compliance with various regulatory requirements. By offering such detailed control and oversight, Adaptive Shield’s suite addresses one of the most pressing challenges faced by contemporary enterprises—managing the sprawling ecosystem of AI applications securely.
Securing Homegrown AI-Driven Applications
Alongside managing third-party applications, Adaptive Shield’s suite also offers robust features for securing homegrown AI-driven applications. These applications, often tailored to meet specific organizational needs, can be particularly vulnerable if not properly secured. Adaptive Shield provides tools to manage access and ensure secure configurations, thereby safeguarding these bespoke solutions. This is critical for organizations that are increasingly developing their own AI-driven applications to maintain a competitive edge. By securing these applications, Adaptive Shield helps organizations focus on innovation without compromising on security.
In addition to securing applications, the suite offers extensive data management capabilities to maintain data silos. AI’s ability to analyze and correlate data from multiple sources poses unique security challenges, particularly concerning data leakage. Adaptive Shield implements stringent policies to govern security controls, ensuring that sensitive data remains protected. This is particularly important in industries where data privacy is paramount, such as healthcare and finance. By providing robust data management features, Adaptive Shield helps organizations comply with stringent data protection laws and regulations, thereby minimizing legal and financial risks.
Addressing the Future of AI Security
A crucial feature of Adaptive Shield’s latest offering is its capability to identify and manage AI Shadow Apps. These are applications that operate without the approval of central IT departments, often installed by employees. While they can enhance productivity, they also represent substantial security risks, as malicious actors can exploit them. Adaptive Shield’s suite can detect these shadow apps, evaluate their risks, and revoke access to dangerous ones, thus minimizing the security threat.
Additionally, the suite provides tools for managing third-party, long-tail AI-sanctioned applications. With the rise of interconnected Generative AI (GenAI) apps, organizations increasingly need to oversee these tools. Adaptive Shield offers comprehensive oversight, ensuring that only secure and approved applications are used in the enterprise environment. This not only helps in maintaining a secure digital infrastructure but also ensures adherence to regulatory requirements. By providing detailed control and oversight, Adaptive Shield’s suite tackles one of the most critical challenges faced by modern enterprises—securely managing the extensive ecosystem of AI applications.
