The Rise of BYOAI: How Shadow AI is Reshaping the Workplace and the Security Risks You Can’t Ignore

The Tech Show 2025, held on March 12-13, was a testament to the rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across various vendors. A significant number of companies showcased their latest AI advancements, underscoring the technology’s pivotal role in shaping the future.​ 

From startups to established tech giants, exhibitors demonstrated AI’s transformative potential. Innovations ranged from AI-driven customer service solutions to advanced data analytics platforms, highlighting AI’s versatility and its critical role in driving business growth.​ 

In fact, beyond the exhibition halls, AI’s influence is evident in the workplace. Employees are increasingly integrating AI tools into their daily tasks, enhancing efficiency and productivity. This organic adoption signifies AI’s practicality and its ability to augment human capabilities in real-world scenarios.​ 

The Emergence of ‘Bring Your Own AI’ (BYOAI) 

This widespread adoption has led to a new trend: Bring Your Own AI (BYOAI). Similar to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) movement, BYOAI involves employees utilizing personal AI tools without formal approval from their organizations. While this can lead to increased productivity, it also introduces potential risks, such as data security vulnerabilities and compliance issues. ​  

The rise of unsanctioned AI tools, often referred to as ‘Shadow AI’, presents significant challenges for cybersecurity teams. Without proper oversight, these tools can expose organizations to data breaches and other security threats. It’s imperative for IT departments to establish robust governance frameworks to monitor and manage the use of AI applications within their networks. ​ 

Teneo’s AI TRiSM Model: Ensuring Secure AI Integration 

At Teneo, we recognize the importance of securely integrating AI into business processes. Our AI TRiSM (Trust, Risk, and Security Management) model is designed to address the challenges posed by BYOAI and Shadow AI. By focusing on trustworthiness, risk mitigation, and security, AI TRiSM ensures that AI tools are aligned with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, enabling businesses to harness AI’s benefits without compromising security.​ 

The Tech Show 2025 highlighted AI’s growing prominence in both product innovation and workplace integration. As AI continues to evolve, it’s crucial for organizations to balance the advantages of AI adoption with the necessity of maintaining robust security protocols. Teneo’s AI TRiSM model offers a comprehensive approach to achieving this balance, ensuring that AI advancements contribute positively to business objectives while safeguarding critical assets. 

To learn how Teneo’s AI TRiSM model can help your organization securely embrace AI while mitigating risk, schedule a consultation with our experts. 

Author: 

Brett Ayres, CTO, Teneo