Cloud networking company Cato Networks Ltd. today introduced generative artificial intelligence security controls for Cato Cloud Access Security Broker, including a shadow AI dashboard and policy engine.

The new shadow AI dashboard allows enterprises to detect, analyze and gain insights into the use of generative AI, while the policy engine gives enterprises the power to take control of user activity in generative AI applications. Combined, the new offerings allow security and information technology teams to balance innovation with risk management.

The rise of generative AI needs little introduction, as Sam Altman from OpenAI only last week disclosed that the company has hit 800 million to 1 billion users. For all the positives in terms of productivity and automation that generative AI is delivering, Cato Networks argues that the adoption has also led to a growing shadow AI problem, where employees use generative AI applications without IT supervision. Added to the mix is a Gartner study that found that by 2027, more than 40% of AI-related data breaches will be caused by the improper use of generative AI.

The increasing trend of shadow AI is said by Cato Networks to expose enterprises to security, compliance and operational risks. Sensitive company data may be unknowingly shared with generative AI applications, regulatory requirements may be violated, and misinformation or biased outputs could impact business decisions.

The new generative AI security tools introduced for Cato CASB today allow security and IT teams to uncover shadow AI use by identifying and classifying generative AI applications across the organization. The service offers a catalog of over 950 generative AI apps, allowing teams to distinguish between sanctioned and unsanctioned tools in use.

The new controls also enable granular access management, allowing organizations to define what generative AI applications users can access and what actions, such as uploading or downloading, are permitted. Being able to do so ensures responsible use of generative AI tools in line with corporate policies.

Cato CASB now offers real-time protection against data exposure by preventing sensitive information from being uploaded to large language models. It also supports governance and compliance with full visibility into user activity, aligning generative AI use with regulatory standards.

“Enterprises need smart ways to govern generative AI,” explained Ofir Agasi, vice president of product management at Cato Networks. “With our enhancements to Cato CASB, we are harnessing AI within the Cato SASE Cloud Platform to discover, classify and secure how generative AI applications are used across the enterprise.”

Shlomo Kramer, founder and chief executive officer of Cato Networks, spoke with theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio, in March, when he discussed how the company is adopting a platform approach to reshaping network security:

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