Could your CEO be the weakest link when it comes to AI security? New study warns execs are 'knowingly bypassing safeguards because the perceived
benefits outweigh the risks'

Date:
Fri, 22 May 2026 11:35:00 +0000

Description:
New research finds 62% of senior leaders use unapproved shadow AI (but only 31% of other workers), prioritizing productivity over compliance.

FULL STORY ======================================================================Copy link Facebook X Whatsapp Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Threads Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Senior leaders are twice as likely as other employees to use unapproved shadow AI tools Execs often
bypass security protocols to prioritize personal productivity over corporate compliance The double standard in AI usage creates significant governance and security risks Amid ongoing top-down efforts to bolster security as companies deploy AI more widely, new research from TrustedTech reveals its the
boardroom which could be to blame for some of the most common security blunders.

The report found three in five (62%) senior leaders admitted to using shadow AI exactly double the number of non-decision-making employees (31%). With C-suite execs pushing AI security measures on their workers, including
listing approved AI tools, TrustedTechs research suggests their behavior
might not be accidental - as the report indicates theyre fully aware of the governance risks and are deliberately bypassing controls in favor of productivity over compliance. Latest Videos From You may like CEOs could be
at risk if they mess up AI deployment More and more businesses are struggling to deal with 'uncontrolled' AI Many firms don't know what their workers are sharing with AI tools Senior leaders are using AI to a double standard More than a quarter (28%) of senior decision-makers even admitted theyd continue using AI tools, even if their employer banned them or disciplinary action was induced. Again, a figure thats higher than all employees overall (22%).

Even though senior-level shadow AI usage is high, half (51%) say they are concerned about employees doing the same thing. TrustedTech argues this imposes double standards and governance inconsistencies that ultimately make workers less likely to adhere to the rules.

When that behaviour is modelled at the top of an organisation, it becomes significantly harder to enforce governance elsewhere in the business, Chief Visionary Officer Julian Hamood wrote. Workers want AI, but the current setup is holding them back However, governance and security might not be the
primary blockers to adherence workers are consistently disgruntled with the tools theyre being given. The report blames productivity pressure and access limitations. One in four (24%) say employer-approved AI tools are too
limited, and 21% agree non-official tools are more efficient. Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get
all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting
your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

The report also reveals slow adoption among non-decision-making workers due
to organizational and cultural concerns 28% worry employers monitor tool usage, 23% reduce their usage because of perception concerns and 21% admit to judging colleagues negatively for relying heavily on AI.

Additionally, one in five said they were concerned that AI usage might negatively impact their career progression opportunities.

Conversely, the group that uses shadow AI the most senior leaders has a disproportionately high risk surface. This is because of their access to sensitive data across financial systems, HR and payroll information, customer data, legal and regulatory material and more. What to read next These are the biggest risks businesses see around using AI - including the most 'extreme' threats Shadow AI and agents like OpenClaw are hijacking corporate data too easily Your employees are using AI, whether you like it or not - but are they using AI securely?

With seven in 10 believing that AI positively impacts team performance, 54% saving at least three hours per week, and 27% saving five or more hours per week, its clear that workers have an appetite for AI.

TrustedTech criticized companies for not being clear enough, with many still lacking formal AI policies, approved tool lists and sufficient training initiatives.

The findings highlight an urgent need for organisations to rethink how they approach AI governance, with a focus on leadership accountability, clearer usage policies, and improved education around secure and responsible AI adoption, Hamood added. Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/pro/security/could-your-ceo-be-the-weakest-link-when -it-comes-to-ai-security-new-study-warns-execs-are-knowingly-bypassing-safegua rds-because-the-perceived-benefits-outweigh-the-risks


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