In this article, I will cover the Best Shadow AI Discovery Tools. As more organizations integrate AI into their businesses, they face threats from Shadow AI that resides beyond their control and governance.
Discovery solutions provide wide-spectrum visibility across various endpoints, SaaS and Cloud environments. Innovation and safety of the business are aligned with identity-related policies and automated remediation. These solutions enable organizations to transform their businesses while safeguarding their safety, security and integrity.
Benefits Of Shadow AI Discovery Tools to Use
Improved Awareness: With Shadow AI Discovery Tools, organizations can determine where AI is being utilized across the organization, both on‑prem and on the cloud.
Data Loss Prevention: Shadow AI Discovery Tools can prevent the accidental/unauthorized disclosure of organization’s source code, PII, and/or other sensitive financial data, by preventing the data from being loaded to AI systems.
Identity Awareness: The tools help determine the nature of the AI activity (personal vs. business) based on the identity of the user (i.e. Reco and Rezonate).
Compliance: The tools help the organization stay compliant by automatic generation of logs and by adhering to the policies and guidelines set by the organization.
Response Speed: The Endpoint solutions can instantly (in real-time) prevent AI systems from taking certain actions (AI prompts) and/or prevent AI systems from uploading/downloading certain data.
Risk Handling and Response: Torq, and other similar tools, utilize AI to assist in automating and minimizing the exposure of organizational risks.
Flexibility and Scalability: Proxy-based solutions, like Zscaler and Netskope, are easy to utilize and implement at a large organizational scale.
Collaboration: Other solutions easily integrate with various security solutions.
Overall Benefit: Shadow AI tools help minimize risk exposure for the organization, including potential data breaches and misuse.
Key Points
| Tool | Strengths | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| dope.security | Endpoint agent with TLS inspection, detects AI in browsers, CLI, and desktop apps; Dopamine DLP blocks sensitive data leaks. | Requires endpoint deployment; enterprise rollout complexity. |
| Zscaler | Cloud proxy visibility, AI prompt/file inspection with add-ons. | Limited detection for cert-pinned apps; add-on licensing needed. |
| Netskope | CASB + proxy, SaaS AI discovery, data protection modules. | Limited visibility into thick clients. |
| Microsoft Purview | Native Microsoft SaaS governance, identity-aware AI detection. | Restricted to Microsoft ecosystem. |
| Palo Alto Networks | Firewall/SASE AI detection, subscription-based prompt inspection. | Limited coverage outside supported apps. |
| Cisco Umbrella | DNS-layer AI detection, SWG add-on for deeper inspection. | Base tier only detects domains, no prompt/file inspection. |
| Reco | Identity-centric SaaS AI discovery, maps AI activity to users and OAuth apps. | Focused on SaaS; less endpoint visibility. |
| Torq | Security automation, integrates AI signals into workflows, automates remediation. | Not a dedicated AI discovery tool; indirect visibility. |
| Rezonate | Identity risk detection, maps permissions and AI-enabled integrations. | Limited direct AI prompt inspection. |
| Teramind | Endpoint monitoring, full prompt logging, real-time intervention, OCR-based DLP. | Requires agent deployment; heavier compliance overhead. |
1. dopesecurity
dopesecurity specializes in discovering shadow AI solutions by working at the endpoint. Currently, dopesecurity can operate in browsers, the command line interface (CLI) and on desktop operating systems. dopesecurity deploys an agent on users’ devices to be able to discover thick clients and unmanaged devices.
Thwarting unauthorized interations with AI is governed by policy. Dopesecurity’s method of discovery involves TLS interception and Dopamine DLP. Usage of SaaS and other AI based applications are governed by policy to block or allow AIs.
Usage of AI is monitored and detailed audit logs are generated. The solution is designed to prevent AIs from being used to process sensitive data and thus aids in ensuring compliance.
What it Discovers: AI usage in Browsers, on the Command Line Interface (CLI), and in Desktop applications.
Integrations: SIEM and SOAR tools.
Limits: Requires an Agent to be deployed to the endpoint.
Potential Customers: Customers who want to comply with strict regulations and need Endpoint level visibility.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Endpoint agent-based rollout |
| Visibility | Browsers, CLI, desktop apps |
| Discovery Method | TLS inspection + Dopamine DLP |
| Integrations | SIEM, SOAR, IAM systems |
| Governance | Real-time blocking of prompts/files |
| Action Capabilities | Prevents data leaks instantly |
| Compliance | Audit-ready logs, GDPR/HIPAA support |
| Strength | Full endpoint coverage |
| Limitation | Requires agent deployment |
2. Zscaler
Zscaler offers a cloud-based proxy solution powered by SASE and fully integrated with an organization’s cloud and on-premises environment. Thus, Zscaler is agentless. Zscaler, however, inspects and discovers prompts and files used with AIs.
Discovery is limited to Certificate Pinning. Zscaler uses DPI to discover shadow AIs. To govern the use of shadow AIs, Zscaler, in combination with SIEM and SOAR solutions, uses policy automation to block or give access to AIs. Zscaler generates audit logs and prevents shadow AIs from processing sensitive data.
What it Discovers: Traffic, Prompts, and File uploads using SaaS AI.
Integrations: SIEM and SOAR tools.
Limits: Cannot decrypt TLS and cannot inspect local AI apps.
Potential Customers: Customers who use a lot of SaaS apps and want to see AI use cases across proxies.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Cloud proxy/SASE model |
| Visibility | SaaS traffic, browser sessions |
| Discovery Method | Deep packet inspection, domain categorization |
| Integrations | SIEM, SOAR, identity providers |
| Governance | Policy enforcement, compliance reporting |
| Action Capabilities | Automated alerts, blocking risky AI |
| Compliance | Enterprise-grade frameworks |
| Strength | Scalable cloud-first visibility |
| Limitation | Limited cert-pinned/local AI detection |
3. Netskope
Netskope uses a cloud proxy and CASB models to provide visibility into the AI tools an organization uses, both sanctioned and unsanctioned. It uses various methods to discover AI tool usage, including traffic analysis, and APIs in SaaS solutions.
It can modify access based on context and can dynamically protect data in different formats. It can prevent users from accessing unauthorized AI tools and protect data from being sent to AI tools. It helps organizations enforce their AI tool policies and generate reports to demonstrate compliance.
The solution provides integrations to a variety of identity and access management and SIEM solutions. Netskope is a strong solution to protect and secure SaaS solutions, but lacks protection for on-premises and local AI solutions. Therefore, it is a great choice for cloud-first organizations.
What it Discovers: AI usage in SaaS apps and Shadow SaaS integrations.
Integrations: CASB, SIEM and SOAR tools.
Limits: Cannot decrypt TLS.
Potential Customers: Customers who want to limit AI usage and Shadow SaaS integrations.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | CASB + proxy |
| Visibility | SaaS AI activity, shadow integrations |
| Discovery Method | Traffic analysis, API monitoring |
| Integrations | IAM, SIEM, SOAR |
| Governance | Adaptive access controls |
| Action Capabilities | Restricts uploads, blocks sensitive prompts |
| Compliance | Logs for audits |
| Strength | Strong SaaS visibility |
| Limitation | Weak thick-client coverage |
4. Microsoft Purview
Microsoft Purview, being part of Microsoft’s infrastructure, offers out-of-the-box integration with various Microsoft solutions. Because of this, Purview can quickly extend AI and machine learning capabilities to customers using Microsoft solutions. Purview is similar to Netskope in AI usage visibility; Purview can identify where in Microsoft solutions AI is used.
Netskope and Purview have similar capabalities to protect and govern AI usage. Purview can classify and protect data and provide audit-ready reports. Purview can block AI from accessing protected data. Purview is limited to the Microsoft solution ecosystem.
What it Discovers: AI usage in SaaS apps and Shadow SaaS integrations.
Integrations: CASB, SIEM and SOAR tools.
Limits: Cannot decrypt TLS.
Potential Customers: Customers who want to limit AI usage and Shadow SaaS integrations.o
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Native Microsoft SaaS integration |
| Visibility | Microsoft 365, Azure AI usage |
| Discovery Method | API monitoring, identity mapping |
| Integrations | Microsoft ecosystem, compliance frameworks |
| Governance | Automated classification, DLP |
| Action Capabilities | Role-based blocking, reporting |
| Compliance | GDPR, HIPAA, enterprise standards |
| Strength | Seamless Microsoft-native governance |
| Limitation | Limited outside Microsoft stack |
5. Palo Alto Networks
Palo Alto Networks offers AI governance with its firewalls and SASE suite via subscription. Users can gain visibility into AI usage across their organization by inspecting network traffic. Further, Palo Alto Networks offers discovery of AI via prompts and SaaS applications. However, prompt and SaaS discovery are available only for applications supported by Palo Alto Networks.
Customers can implement governance policies to block certain AI applications, and the solution provides integration with SIEM/SOAR solutions. Palo Alto Networks provides endpoint governance of AI applications, and offers discovery and action features at the network layer. For full enterprise governance of AI, customers will need to look outside Palo Alto Networks solutions.
What it Discovers: AI usage in SaaS apps, along with AI usage in communication tools.
Integrations: SASE and Firewall tools.
Limits: Cannot decrypt TLS and is limited to supported apps.
Potential Customers: Customers who use Palo Alto’s SASE and Firewall products and want to govern AI usage.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Firewall/SASE subscription modules |
| Visibility | Network traffic, SaaS AI activity |
| Discovery Method | Prompt inspection, traffic categorization |
| Integrations | SIEM, SOAR, Palo Alto stack |
| Governance | Policy enforcement, blocking unauthorized AI |
| Action Capabilities | Alerts, compliance logs |
| Compliance | Enterprise frameworks |
| Strength | Strong network-level visibility |
| Limitation | Limited endpoint coverage |
6. Cisco Umbrella
Cisco Umbrella provides security solutions at the DNS layer with additional SWG features. Like Palo Alto Networks, Cisco Umbrella provides AI governance at the network level. Cisco Umbrella’s AI discovery is DNS based. For AI governance, Cisco Umbrella allows customers to block DNS categories.
Cisco Umbrella’s actions features include reporting and policy based control. Overall, for AI governance, Cisco Umbrella provides discovery and actions features at the network level. For enterprise AI governance, Cisco Umbrella may require integration with other Cisco security offerings.
What it discovers: AI domains and traffic at DNS layer, with SWG add‑ons for deeper inspection.
Enterprise integrations: Cisco security ecosystem, SIEM/SOAR platforms.
Potential limitation: Base tier only detects domains, lacks prompt/file inspection.
Best‑fit organization: Enterprises needing high‑level AI discovery with Cisco integration.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | DNS-layer security, SWG add-ons |
| Visibility | AI domains, traffic categorization |
| Discovery Method | DNS-based detection |
| Integrations | Cisco ecosystem, SIEM/SOAR |
| Governance | Domain blocking, compliance enforcement |
| Action Capabilities | Alerts, reporting |
| Compliance | Enterprise-ready |
| Strength | High-level AI discovery |
| Limitation | Base tier lacks prompt/file inspection |
7. Reco
Reco provides identity-centric deployment for SaaS apps, and maps AI usage to end users and OAuth apps. It provides organizations the capability to differentiate between personal and business AI accounts. Reco utilizes API and SaaS integrations to determine and represent shadow AI.
It enforces governance rules by allowing organizations to define and automate policies for AI use. Action rules allow organizations to automatically block OAuth connections and integrate with organizational controls to govern the use of AI. Reco is a strong AI governance and risk management solution for SaaS environments; however, it does not protect against non-SaaS AI.
What it discovers: Identity‑linked AI usage, OAuth connections, SaaS integrations.
Enterprise integrations: IAM systems, SaaS APIs, compliance frameworks.
Potential limitation: Limited endpoint visibility.
Best‑fit organization: Identity‑driven enterprises needing SaaS AI governance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | SaaS identity-centric |
| Visibility | User-linked AI usage, OAuth apps |
| Discovery Method | API monitoring, identity analytics |
| Integrations | IAM, SaaS APIs |
| Governance | Role-based policies, OAuth restrictions |
| Action Capabilities | Alerts, blocking risky connections |
| Compliance | Audit-ready logs |
| Strength | Strong identity-driven governance |
| Limitation | Limited endpoint visibility |
8. Torq
Torq specializes in automating AI control and governance within the enterprise. It focuses on integrating with security orchestration, automation, response and integration (SIE-SOAR) tools. It provides indirect visibility to AI usage by leveraging other tools to uncover shadow AI.
Like other tools, it provides the ability to define and enforce AI-related policies. The differentiator for Torq is the automation of remediation policies. While Torq is not designed as an AI risk management tool, it offers value to enterprises by helping to automate remediation.
What it discovers: AI signals integrated into automation workflows.
Enterprise integrations: SIEM, SOAR, identity providers, orchestration pipelines.
Potential limitation: Not a dedicated AI discovery tool; relies on external signals.
Best‑fit organization: Enterprises with complex workflows needing automated AI risk remediation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | SaaS automation platform |
| Visibility | Indirect via signals from other tools |
| Discovery Method | Workflow orchestration |
| Integrations | SIEM, SOAR, IAM |
| Governance | Automated remediation |
| Action Capabilities | Real-time workflow responses |
| Compliance | Supports enterprise frameworks |
| Strength | Enhances automation |
| Limitation | Not a dedicated AI discovery tool |
9. Rezonate
Rezonate functions as a SaaS application and integrates via a customer’s IdM environment. From their dashboard, customers can view risks associated with identities and permissions. Rezonate uses identity analytics to discover how users in the organization engage with AI.
Through its risk governance and management capabilities, Rezonate can help set least privilege access for users and automatically revoke risky permissions.
The solution is best for customers interested in exploring how their employees engage with AI within the organization for governance and risk management purposes. It may, however, be limited in assisting customers with inspecting endpoints and/or prompts engagement.
What it discovers: Identity risks, permissions, and AI‑enabled SaaS integrations.
Enterprise integrations: IAM systems, SaaS APIs, compliance frameworks.
Potential limitation: Limited prompt‑level inspection.
Best‑fit organization: Enterprises prioritizing identity governance and least‑privilege enforcement.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | SaaS identity governance |
| Visibility | Permissions, AI-enabled integrations |
| Discovery Method | Identity analytics, OAuth monitoring |
| Integrations | IAM, SaaS APIs |
| Governance | Least-privilege enforcement |
| Action Capabilities | Alerts, remediation of risky permissions |
| Compliance | Audit-ready reports |
| Strength | Strong identity risk detection |
| Limitation | Limited prompt-level inspection |
10. Teramind
Teramind offers a solution for observing all user activity across the endpoint, which includes users’ interaction with AI prompts and other interactions with AI. Teramind offers activity-based DLP and real-time data loss prevention to help enterprises manage their employees’ shadow AI.
Teramind’s governance features include policy controls to help block or manage users’ interactions with AI. The solution also offers capability to intercept and block data from being transmitted to AI. From a risk governance and management perspective, the solution offers features to automate controls to block at-risk user activities.
Alignment with the customer’s governance requirements is achieved via integrations with other solutions (SIEM, SOAR, etc.). Teramind offers a robust solution for endpoint visibility and governance, although deployment may pose challenges due to the use of endpoint agents across the enterprise.
What it Identifies: AI prompts, OCR DLP, and user activity at endpoints.
Integrations: Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) and Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR).
Restriction: Adds burden of compliance due to agent-based deployment.
Best-fit Organization: Large organizations requiring strict control over endpoint user activity and data governance.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Deployment | Endpoint agent-based |
| Visibility | AI prompts, OCR-based DLP |
| Discovery Method | Activity monitoring, real-time intervention |
| Integrations | SIEM, SOAR, compliance frameworks |
| Governance | Policy enforcement, blocking unauthorized AI |
| Action Capabilities | Real-time prevention of data leaks |
| Compliance | Detailed audit logs |
| Strength | Granular endpoint monitoring |
| Limitation | Heavy compliance overhead |
Conclusion
Shadow AI discovery tools have become important for organizations to see, control and manage AI usage in the organization. Endpoint tools like dope.security and Teramind, proxy-based AI Discovery tools like Zscaler, Netskope and Cisco Umbrella, are also effective. For governing AI usage in SaaS applications, solutions like Rezonate and Reco are options.
Also, Microsoft Purview offers AI/ML compliance for applications in the Microsoft Cloud. For automating governance and compliance of AI in the organization, Torq is a good option. Ultimately, organizations can use the various tools to achieve governance of AI in the organization, while still allowing employees use cutting-edge tools to improve productivity.
FAQ
What is Shadow AI?
Shadow AI refers to the use of AI tools and models within organizations without official approval or governance. Employees may use tools like ChatGPT or local LLMs, creating risks around data leakage, compliance, and identity misuse.
Why do enterprises need Shadow AI discovery tools?
These tools help organizations detect unauthorized AI usage, prevent sensitive data from being exposed, enforce compliance policies, and maintain governance across SaaS, endpoints, and cloud environments.
Which tool is best for endpoint visibility?
dope.security and Teramind excel at endpoint-level monitoring, offering TLS inspection, OCR-based DLP, and real-time intervention to block sensitive prompts before they leave the device.
Which tools work best in cloud-first environments?
Zscaler, Netskope, and Cisco Umbrella are strong in proxy-based discovery, monitoring SaaS traffic and categorizing AI domains. They integrate seamlessly into cloud security stacks.
What about identity-driven AI governance?
Reco and Rezonate specialize in mapping AI usage to user identities and OAuth applications, ensuring enterprises can distinguish between personal and corporate AI accounts.
