Workers at almost a third of businesses in Ireland are using unapproved AI tools on a daily basis.
A new survey reveals that Irish businesses are walking a major data and cybersecurity tightrope as workers freely use unapproved artificial intelligence apps and tools.
While the majority of Irish businesses (84%) are using AI tools in their day-to-day operations, a survey of 200 IT decision-makers commissioned by Datapac and carried out by Censuswide, found that nearly a third of employees in Irish businesses are independently sourcing and using unapproved AI tools.
“In the rush to capitalise on AI’s potential, organisations must not overlook best-practice due diligence”
The prevalence of unapproved AI usage is raising alarm amongst IT leaders whose organisations regularly use AI tools and applications.
Robust governance needed on AI
As these unapproved tools have not been subject to due diligence, many are concerned about the impact of such practices, with 39% highlighting worries over the quality and integrity of data produced.
Additionally, more than a third (36%) of IT leaders expressed fears that such tools could disrupt established workflows by reducing operational efficiency, while 40% pointed to the lack of formal processes as a critical issue hindering consistent and reliable AI use.
Despite these challenges, AI adoption remains a top priority for Irish organisations, with 89% planning to invest in AI tools and applications over the next year.
However, as businesses look to harness AI’s potential, the intersection of AI and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly significant.
While nearly a quarter (23%) of IT decision-makers believe the internal use of unapproved AI tools poses security risks, a broader threat remains. Some 62% believe that AI will increase the volume of cybersecurity attacks over the next year, while 67% believe that it will heighten the severity of these attacks.
“AI represents one of the most exciting technological advancements in decades—arguably since the widespread adoption of the internet,” said Kevin Hall, senior systems engineer at Datapac.
“It’s no surprise that forward-thinking innovators are experimenting with AI to improve efficiency and quality in their work. However, in the rush to capitalise on AI’s potential, organisations must not overlook best-practice due diligence. We strongly encourage businesses to adopt AI-powered tools from trusted, reputable providers—such as Microsoft Co-Pilot—that seamlessly integrate into existing technology ecosystems.
“Even with reputable providers, it’s vitally important that organisations are prepared for AI integration to help mitigate potential cybersecurity and compliance risks. If an organisation lacks the capacity to thoroughly assess their own performance, partnering with an expert IT provider can offer strategic support and guidance.
“As AI adoption accelerates, our survey underscores the importance of balancing innovation with robust governance. By addressing the risks associated with unapproved AI usage, Irish organisations can unlock the full potential of AI while safeguarding data integrity, operational efficiency, and cybersecurity.”
Main image at top: Kevin Hall, senior systems engineer at Datapac
-
Bank of Ireland is welcoming new customers every day – funding investments, working capital and expansions across multiple sectors. To learn more, click here
-
Listen to the ThinkBusiness Podcast for business insights and inspiration. All episodes are here. You can also listen to the Podcast on:
-
Spotify
-
SoundCloud
-
Apple
