Best 10 GenAI Security Solutions For Enterprise (2026)

We reviewed the leading GenAI security platforms on the breadth of AI tool coverage, DLP enforcement for AI-generated and AI-submitted content, and how well each gives security teams the visibility they need to govern AI use across the organization.

Last updated on Jul 2, 2026
Joel Witts Written by Joel Witts
Laura Iannini Technical Review by Laura Iannini
Best 10 GenAI Security Solutions For Enterprise (2026)

GenAI security solutions provide visibility and control over how employees use AI tools, preventing sensitive data from being submitted to unauthorized AI services and ensuring AI adoption occurs within policy boundaries. Generative AI tools move data outside the organization’s security perimeter in ways that most existing DLP policies were not written to address. We reviewed the top platforms and found Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange and Proofpoint DLP Transform to be the strongest on AI tool coverage breadth and DLP enforcement for AI-submitted content.

GenAI security feels like it appeared overnight, except you’ve been dealing with the risks all along. Employees are pasting source code into ChatGPT, uploading customer data to Gemini, and training third-party AI models on your proprietary information. You need visibility into this activity and the ability to enforce policies without crushing productivity.

Where teams struggle is GenAI governance isn’t monolithic. You may need browser-level controls to stop data exfiltration, endpoint DLP to catch what users copy from files, behavioral monitoring to spot anomalies, or security testing if you’re building custom AI applications. Most organizations need multiple layers working together.

What is AI Security?

GenAI security is the set of tools and policies that control how employees use generative AI services like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot at work. These platforms show security teams which AI services are in use across the organization, stop sensitive information such as customer records or source code from being pasted or uploaded into them, and help teams adopt AI within clear policy boundaries. The goal isn't to ban AI; it's to let your team use it productively without leaking data the business can't get back.

GenAI security platforms combine four capabilities. Discovery identifies sanctioned and shadow AI usage across web traffic, endpoints, and browser sessions, with leading platforms tracking hundreds or thousands of AI applications. Data protection applies DLP inspection to prompts, file uploads, and clipboard actions, classifying content such as source code, PII, and trade secrets before it reaches an external model. Policy enforcement operates at several layers: network controls through SSE or firewall infrastructure, browser extensions that restrict paste and upload actions per application, and endpoint agents that monitor data in use. Governance features map AI activity to frameworks like the NIST AI RMF and the EU AI Act. Organizations building their own AI applications add a further layer of adversarial testing and runtime guardrails to address prompt injection and model-specific threats.

GenAI Security Solutions Compared

Here is how the 10 GenAI security solutions we reviewed compare on type and core capabilities.

Product Best For Type Shadow AI Visibility GenAI DLP Browser Controls Custom AI App Security
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange
Unified zero trust and DLP
SSE / Zero Trust
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Proofpoint DLP Transform
Behavior-based GenAI DLP
Enterprise DLP
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security
Existing PANW customers
SASE add-on
Yes
Yes
No
No
Next DLP
Fast-deploy ML-based DLP
Endpoint DLP
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
LayerX
Browser-based GenAI control
Browser extension
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Harmonic Security
Purpose-built GenAI data protection
GenAI DLP
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
HackerOne AI Red Teaming
Teams building custom AI
Red teaming service
No
No
No
Yes
Forcepoint One
SSE with DLP and ZTNA
SSE
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform
Behavioral detection plus governance
AI security platform
Yes
No
No
Yes
Cisco Secure Access
Cisco-invested organizations
SSE
Yes
Yes
No
Yes

How We Tested

Expert Insights is an independent editorial team, and we do not accept payment for favorable reviews. We assessed 10 GenAI security tools across browser controls, DLP platforms, zero trust solutions, and red teaming services, examining application coverage, policy enforcement granularity, integration depth, and ease of deployment. This guide was written by Joel Witts and technically reviewed by Laura Iannini. Read our full methodology

1.

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange Logo
Zscaler

Best for Large enterprises unifying GenAI governance with zero trust

Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange is an enterprise-grade zero trust platform covering users, workloads, IoT, and partner access. GenAI governance is one piece of a much larger security stack here, and it integrates naturally into the broader policy framework. We think it’s best suited for large organizations that need AI controls as part of a unified zero trust architecture rather than a standalone tool.

  • Block AI sites outright, trigger user warnings, or apply ChatGPT-specific restrictions
  • Browser isolation lets users type prompts while blocking paste and upload actions
  • Cloud DLP extends across all web applications, not just AI tools
  • Detailed logging shows which teams are using AI and what data is flowing through
  • Supports alignment with NIST AI RMF and EU AI Act frameworks, with CXO-level reporting on GenAI usage

Customers highlight the centralized management as a major win. Security teams can handle VPN policies, firewall insights, and web traffic from one console. Day-to-day usability gets praised as lightweight once everything is running. Something to be aware of is that initial deployment is complex and often requires consultant support, and some users note that automation options during setup are limited.

We were impressed with the depth of integration across the platform. If you already run Zscaler infrastructure, the GenAI controls slot in without adding another vendor or console. If you need a standalone GenAI tool, this is overkill. But for enterprises building AI governance into broader network security, it delivers the visibility and policy enforcement your team needs.

Strengths
Centralized policy management covers VPN, firewall, web, and AI controls in one console
Browser isolation blocks paste and upload while still allowing prompt interaction
Cloud DLP extends protection beyond GenAI to all web applications
Supports NIST AI RMF and EU AI Act compliance frameworks
Cautions
Customers note that initial deployment is complex and often requires consultant support
Users report that setup automation options are limited compared to day-to-day management
2.

Proofpoint DLP Transform

Proofpoint DLP Transform Logo
Proofpoint

Best for Behavior-based GenAI DLP across email, endpoint, and cloud

Proofpoint DLP Transform is an enterprise data loss prevention platform spanning endpoint, cloud, and email channels. It combines content inspection with user behavior analysis, and GenAI governance fits naturally into the broader DLP framework. We think it’s a strong option if you already run Proofpoint for email security, since the integration advantages are real.

  • Allow or block access to ChatGPT and Gemini based on what users are actually doing, not just blanket policies
  • Blocks source code uploads and corporate data pasting before they reach AI chatbots
  • Data classifiers identify sensitive content across email, endpoint, cloud, and GenAI channels using the same detection logic
  • DeepSeek recently added to the list of protected GenAI sites

Customers consistently praise the visibility into user behavior. Security teams flag the intel as invaluable for investigations, especially when tracking sensitive outbound data. Deployment specialists get strong marks for being responsive and knowledgeable.

We were impressed by the cross-channel consistency. The same classifiers working across email, endpoint, cloud, and GenAI applications means you aren’t maintaining separate rule sets for each channel. If you need standalone GenAI controls without broader DLP requirements, lighter tools exist. But for unified data protection, Proofpoint DLP Transform is well worth considering.

Strengths
Behavior-based GenAI controls go beyond URL blocking to content-aware policies
Same data classifiers work across email, endpoint, cloud, and AI channels
User behavior analytics provide actionable intel for SOC investigations
Responsive deployment specialists during rollout
Cautions
Reviews flag that initial policy tuning requires significant effort before detection is accurate
Insider risk configuration needs iterative refinement according to customer feedback
3.

Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security

Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security Logo
Palo Alto Networks

Best for Existing PANW customers running NGFW or Prisma Access

Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security is a cloud-based platform focused on GenAI monitoring and risk management. It extends PANW’s enterprise data security stack, requiring either NGFW or Prisma Access as the foundation. If you already run Palo Alto infrastructure, this slots in as a purpose-built GenAI governance layer with strong app coverage and granular user-level controls.

  • Risk assessments cover over 600 GenAI applications with compliance checks for a real picture of shadow AI usage
  • User risk scores enforce policies at a granular level based on individual behavior patterns
  • OpenAI API integration scans data at rest in ChatGPT Enterprise, including custom GPTs
  • End-user notifications through Slack, Teams, and email catch policy violations before they escalate
  • Protect AI acquisition and announced intent to acquire Portkey expand the platform’s AI security capabilities

Customers praise the visibility and threat mapping capabilities. Security teams highlight the AI-specific threat detection as a differentiator from general-purpose tools. The direct integration with existing PANW infrastructure gets positive marks for reducing deployment friction. Some users flag false positives as an issue that requires manual review to filter incorrect flags.

We think this fits best if you already run Palo Alto firewalls or Prisma Access. The integration advantages are significant, and the 600+ app coverage gives you real visibility into shadow AI. Standalone buyers face a higher barrier since PANW infrastructure is a prerequisite. For existing customers wanting dedicated GenAI controls, it delivers strong visibility and granular policy enforcement.

Strengths
Covers 600+ GenAI applications with compliance-based risk assessments
API integration with ChatGPT Enterprise scans data at rest including custom GPTs
User risk scoring enables granular policy enforcement based on individual behavior
End-user notifications via Slack, Teams, and email catch violations in real time
Cautions
Requires existing PANW NGFW or Prisma Access infrastructure to deploy
Users report that false positive rates require manual review to filter incorrect flags
4.

Next DLP

Next DLP Logo
Fortinet

Best for Fast-deploy ML-based DLP without policy complexity

Next DLP’s Reveal Platform is an enterprise DLP solution covering endpoints, mobile devices, and cloud applications. It uses machine learning to classify data as it’s used rather than requiring upfront policy configuration, which cuts down on one of the biggest pain points with traditional DLP. The platform was acquired by Fortinet in 2024 and is now available as FortiDLP, with integration into Fortinet’s SASE stack underway.

  • Identifies sensitive data through machine learning and anomaly detection rather than relying entirely on admin-defined rules
  • GenAI templates come preconfigured for ChatGPT, Gemini, Dall.E, and other popular tools
  • Detects sensitive content like internal project names flowing into AI conversations
  • Clipboard controls block copy/paste of sensitive data in the browser
  • Incident-based training turns violations into teachable moments for employees

Customers consistently highlight ease of use. The console gets strong marks for being straightforward to manage without sacrificing control. Security teams appreciate getting visibility without disrupting end users. Cross-platform support covering Windows, Linux, and macOS gets positive mentions. Something to be aware of is that the Fortinet acquisition is now complete, and the product is transitioning to FortiDLP branding, which may affect future product direction.

We think Next DLP fits organizations that want DLP capabilities without the typical policy complexity. The ML-based classification means you can deploy and get value faster than with traditional DLP tools that require extensive policy building upfront. If you need heavy customization, look elsewhere. But for teams prioritizing usability and faster time to value on GenAI controls, it’s a good option to consider.

Strengths
ML-based classification reduces the need for complex admin-defined policies
Preconfigured GenAI templates cover ChatGPT, Gemini, and other popular AI tools
Cross-platform agent supports Windows, Linux, and macOS endpoints
Incident-based training turns policy violations into employee learning moments
Cautions
Fortinet acquisition complete; product transitioning to FortiDLP branding
Customers note less customization depth compared to traditional enterprise DLP platforms
5.

LayerX

LayerX Logo
LayerX

Best for Browser-level GenAI control without endpoint agents

LayerX is a browser security platform focused on GenAI governance and shadow AI visibility. It deploys as an extension across Chrome, Edge, and other major browsers, giving security teams granular control over web-based activity without requiring endpoint agents. We think it’s one of the strongest options for organizations where browser-based data leakage is the primary concern. Akamai announced its intent to acquire LayerX in May 2026, with the deal expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.

  • Maps sensitive data categories like source code, business plans, and customer records, then enforces policies specifically for AI applications
  • Pop-up warnings, full blocks, or selective restrictions are all configurable per app
  • Extension risk scoring identifies malicious browser add-ons that slip past traditional security tools
  • Agentic browser protection distinguishes AI agent actions from human user actions in real time

Customers consistently praise the visibility into browser activity and the extension risk scoring. One security team identified risky Workday-related extensions that would have gone undetected with traditional tools. Day-to-day management gets good marks for being straightforward once deployed. Something to be aware of is that initial deployment through MDM can require custom scripting and technical effort upfront, depending on the environment.

We were impressed by the granularity of the GenAI controls. If your primary risk is employees pasting sensitive data into ChatGPT or similar tools, LayerX delivers strong policy enforcement with minimal user disruption. It isn’t a full endpoint DLP replacement, but for browser-focused visibility and control, it’s well worth considering.

Strengths
Extension-based deployment works across all major browsers with minimal friction
Granular per-app GenAI controls for blocking, warning, or restricting actions
Strong extension risk scoring for catching malicious browser add-ons
Straightforward day-to-day policy management after initial setup
Cautions
Reviews mention that MDM deployment requires custom scripting in some environments
Not a full DLP replacement for endpoint-level data protection
Pending Akamai acquisition, expected to close in Q3 2026, may affect product direction
6.

Harmonic Security

Harmonic Security Logo
Harmonic Security

Best for Purpose-built GenAI data protection without enterprise DLP overhead

Harmonic Security is a startup built specifically for GenAI data protection. The platform uses pre-trained LLMs to let you define sensitive data in natural language rather than building traditional policies. If you want GenAI governance without the complexity of enterprise DLP, this is worth a look. The company was founded in 2023 by the team behind Digital Shadows and has raised $26M to date.

  • Describe what sensitive data looks like in plain English, and the LLMs handle classification
  • No regex patterns, no data labeling projects, no policy trees to maintain
  • Visibility covers over 6,000 AI applications, plus shadow IT tracking
  • Monitors third parties using your data for AI training
  • End-user nudging engages directly with users through context-specific interventions to guide safe AI usage

Customer feedback is limited given the 2023 launch. Early adopters note that the range of features can feel overwhelming initially. The platform packs a lot into its interface, which creates a learning curve despite the natural language approach to policies. The founding team brings credibility from the Digital Shadows acquisition, and industry recognition signals validation. But this is still a young product without the deployment track record of established DLP vendors.

We think Harmonic fits organizations that want dedicated GenAI controls without layering onto existing DLP infrastructure. The natural language policy definition removes the traditional barriers to deployment that make most DLP projects slow and painful. If you need broader data protection beyond AI apps, look at full DLP platforms. But for speed to value on GenAI governance specifically, it’s well worth considering.

Strengths
Natural language policy definition eliminates complex configuration and data labeling
Tracks 6,000+ AI applications plus shadow IT and third-party AI training usage
End-user nudging guides safe AI usage with context-specific interventions
Purpose-built for GenAI rather than adapted from traditional DLP
Cautions
Young startup without an extensive enterprise deployment track record
Reviews mention that feature density can feel overwhelming during initial onboarding
7.

HackerOne AI Red Teaming

HackerOne AI Red Teaming Logo
HackerOne

Best for Teams building or deploying custom AI models and applications

HackerOne AI Red Teaming is a service that puts your AI systems through adversarial testing using a global community of security researchers. Rather than automated scanning, you get human testers probing for vulnerabilities, unintended behaviors, and exploitable weaknesses. If you build or deploy AI models, this helps validate security before problems hit production.

  • Global researcher community discovers creative attack paths that automated tools miss
  • Define threat models, prioritize specific attack scenarios, and execute targeted testing against your AI systems
  • Supports classification against OWASP Top 10 for LLM Applications (2025) and OWASP Top 10 for Agentic Applications (2026)
  • Reports can be mapped to NIST AI RMF, SOC 2, ISO 42001, and GDPR frameworks

Customers praise the quality and depth of findings. Security teams consistently note that researchers uncover issues that standard penetration tests miss. The platform builds trust between organizations and the hacker community through transparent engagement models. Something to be aware of is that triage response times can be slow. The platform also requires internal commitment to manage effectively.

We think HackerOne AI Red Teaming fits organizations building AI applications that need rigorous security validation. If you just use third-party AI tools, governance platforms make more sense. For teams developing models or deploying custom AI systems, the human-driven adversarial testing catches what automated tools miss, which is a meaningful advantage.

Strengths
Global researcher community finds creative vulnerabilities automated tools miss
Supports OWASP Top 10 for LLMs and Agentic Applications classification
Reports map to NIST AI RMF, SOC 2, ISO 42001, and GDPR frameworks
Flexible engagement models from private programs to public disclosure
Cautions
Users report that triage response times can slow researcher compensation workflows
Requires internal commitment and program maturity to maximize value
8.

Forcepoint One

Forcepoint One Logo
Forcepoint

Best for Organizations evaluating SSE platforms that also need GenAI controls

Forcepoint One is a cloud-based Security Service Edge platform combining CASB, DLP, and Zero Trust Network Access in a single stack. GenAI governance is one use case within a broader enterprise security suite. If you need both access controls and data protection for AI applications, the integrated approach avoids stitching together separate tools. Forcepoint has recently rebranded the platform as Forcepoint Data Security Cloud, reflecting its evolution toward an AI-native data protection model.

  • Combined DLP and ZTNA controls limit which users and devices access AI applications while controlling what data flows into them
  • Over 1,700 data classifiers provide granular detection
  • Copy/paste controls block sensitive content at the browser level
  • Data security posture management shows where sensitive data lives and how it moves into GenAI applications
  • ZTNA policies restrict access to approved AI tools based on user groups, device posture, or application risk

Customers highlight the unified interface as a major advantage. Managing multiple security services from one console reduces operational overhead. The platform gets strong marks for ease of initial setup and modern design. Advanced data search can run slow during complex queries, and integration options with third-party tools are more limited compared to some point solutions.

We think Forcepoint One fits organizations evaluating SSE platforms who also need GenAI controls. The 1,700+ data classifiers and integrated ZTNA give you both access and data protection in one platform, which is good to see. If you only need AI governance, standalone tools cost less. But if SSE is already on your roadmap, the integrated capabilities handle GenAI without adding another vendor.

Strengths
Integrated DLP and ZTNA controls manage data protection and access in one platform
Over 1,700 data classifiers for fine-grained sensitive data detection
Unified console reduces operational complexity across security services
Modern interface and straightforward setup lower the learning curve
Cautions
Reviews mention that advanced data search performance can lag during complex queries
Customers note that third-party integration options are more limited than some point solutions
9.

Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform

Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform Logo
Darktrace

Best for Behavioral threat detection alongside GenAI governance

Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform uses self-learning AI to detect anomalous behavior across your network and respond autonomously to threats. The platform’s GenAI governance capabilities, now branded as Darktrace / SECURE AI, launched in February 2026, adding dedicated visibility and policy enforcement for AI application usage. We think the standout here is coverage for organizations building custom AI applications, not just consuming third-party tools.

  • Self-learning AI learns normal patterns and flags suspicious activity that may indicate data loss incidents in AI applications
  • Catches novel threats that signature-based tools miss
  • Policy enforcement controls employee access to external GenAI tools with options to monitor, warn, or block by user group
  • Darktrace / SECURE AI covers embedded SaaS AI, cloud-hosted models, and autonomous agents
  • Supports both low-code and high-code AI development environments

Customers consistently praise the support experience. Customer success managers get strong marks for regular engagement, and the support team responds quickly to investigation requests. The email module in particular gets called out as one of the best AI-based filtering tools available. Some users mention that setup is complex and may need dedicated implementation effort, and some users note the interface design feels dated.

We think Darktrace fits organizations that want AI-driven threat detection alongside GenAI governance. If you only need usage policies, lighter tools exist. But if behavioral anomaly detection across network, email, and AI applications appeals to your security model, the self-learning approach delivers strong detection without requiring predefined signatures, which is a meaningful advantage.

Strengths
Self-learning AI detects anomalous GenAI usage without predefined signatures
Covers external AI tool governance and internal custom AI application security
Customer success management and support consistently praised as responsive
Autonomous response capabilities shut down threats before they escalate
Cautions
Reviews flag that initial setup is complex and may need dedicated implementation effort
Users report the interface design feels dated and affects readability
10.

Cisco Secure Access

Cisco Secure Access Logo
Cisco

Best for Organizations already invested in Cisco networking and security

Cisco Secure Access is a cloud-based SSE platform combining ZTNA, secure web gateway, CASB, and firewall services in a single console. GenAI governance is one layer within this broader security stack. If you already run Cisco infrastructure, the integration advantages compound quickly, and the multi-layered approach to AI controls is strong.

  • App discovery identifies which AI tools are in use across your organization with risk breakdowns and top user tracking
  • Web filtering blocks, allows, or restricts access to approved corporate AI URLs, with a dedicated Generative AI content category for web and DNS traffic
  • Code controls prevent users from downloading ChatGPT-generated code or uploading proprietary code to AI tools
  • DLP policies add data protection on top of access controls
  • AI Defense expansion adds AI BOM for centralized AI asset visibility, MCP Catalog, and real-time agentic guardrails

Customers praise the integration with existing Cisco infrastructure. Teams running Umbrella, Firepower, or other Cisco products get a unified view through Cloud Director. Support gets consistently strong marks, with direct engagement through assessment, design, pilot, and deployment phases. Something to be aware of is that geolocation issues have surfaced for some deployments outside the United States, and migration to the platform requires manual effort and planning.

We think Cisco Secure Access makes the most sense for organizations already invested in Cisco networking and security. The code-specific controls for blocking AI-generated downloads and proprietary code uploads are a standout feature that not all competitors offer. Standalone buyers face steeper value justification, but existing Cisco customers get smooth integration with their current stack.

Strengths
Multi-layered approach combines app discovery, web filtering, and DLP for GenAI control
Code-specific controls block AI-generated downloads and proprietary code uploads
Strong integration with existing Cisco infrastructure through Cloud Director
Direct Cisco support through the full deployment lifecycle
Cautions
Customers note geolocation issues for deployments outside the United States
Reviews mention that migration to the platform requires manual effort and planning

GenAI Security Pricing

None of the platforms in this guide publish standard pricing. GenAI security is sold through enterprise subscriptions, and quotes vary with deployment size, the modules you license, and existing vendor relationships. Expect to engage vendor sales teams for accurate numbers, and use a proof of concept to validate scope before committing.

Product Starting Price Billing Link
Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange
Contact for quote
Quote-based
Proofpoint DLP Transform
Contact for quote
Quote-based
Palo Alto Networks AI Access Security
Contact for quote
Quote-based
Next DLP
Contact for quote
Quote-based
LayerX
Contact for quote
Annual, per user
Harmonic Security
Contact for quote
Quote-based
HackerOne AI Red Teaming
Contact for quote
Per engagement
Forcepoint One
Contact for quote
Quote-based
Darktrace ActiveAI Security Platform
Contact for quote
Quote-based
Cisco Secure Access
Contact for quote
Quote-based

GenAI Security Checklist

GenAI security platforms deliver the most value when they are deployed deliberately. These are the operational steps we recommend to get the most out of the tools in this guide.

A shadow AI baseline shows which tools teams actually rely on, so you avoid blocking workflows that drive real productivity.

Watching violations before enforcing them helps you tune detection accuracy and avoid false positives that erode user trust.

Generic classifiers miss things like internal project names and proprietary code, which are exactly what employees paste into AI tools.

Granular controls let employees keep using AI for legitimate work while stopping sensitive data from leaving the organization.

Blanket bans push AI usage underground; a sanctioned alternative keeps activity visible and within policy boundaries.

Pop-up warnings and incident-based training change behavior over time, where silent blocking just creates workarounds.

AI-generated code and content carry their own risks, including vulnerabilities and licensing issues, and need review before use.

Centralized logging lets your SOC correlate AI usage with other signals during investigations.

Regulators increasingly expect documented AI governance, and several platforms in this guide now report against these frameworks directly.

New AI tools appear constantly, and a policy set that covered the field six months ago will have gaps today.

The Bottom Line

GenAI security isn’t monolithic. You likely need multiple layers, visibility into shadow AI, policy enforcement at the browser or endpoint, and possibly behavioral monitoring or red teaming.

For fast browser-level rollouts, LayerX blocks data exfiltration without endpoint overhead. Extension risk scoring catches malicious add-ons.

If you need DLP without policy complexity, Next DLP uses machine learning to classify sensitive data. Preconfigured GenAI templates deploy immediately.

For purpose-built GenAI controls, Harmonic Security replaces policy configuration with natural language. No regex patterns, no data labeling.

For large enterprises already committed to zero trust, Zscaler Zero Trust Exchange integrates GenAI governance into broader access controls.

If you build or deploy custom AI applications, HackerOne AI Red Teaming uses human researchers to find vulnerabilities automated tools miss.

Read the individual reviews above for deployment specifics, feature depth, and how each approach fits your security posture.

Everything You Need To Know About GenAI Security Tools (FAQs)

There are several security challenges posed by generative AI:

  1. Visibility: Most enterprise apps are either governed by one central admin console or are only used by certain teams. GenAI can be used by everyone, across an organization, but has no centralized interface or controls for security teams to monitor and govern AI use.
  2. Data privacy: GenAI tools can be extremely helpful to end users. But there is nothing to stop them uploading sensitive data, and there have been public instances of PII (personally identifiable information), IP, source code, and customer data being uploaded to GenAI platforms.
  1. Compliance: Users may unknowingly be breaching compliance regulations if they are uploading documents or creating prompts containing customer data. This needs to be monitored by security teams. In addition, users may generate content, images, and video with GenAI tools that could breach copyright laws.
  1. Code generation: A common GenAI challenge is generated code. AI-generated code can include security vulnerabilities and weaknesses that must be resolved before being used in live production environments.

While some organizations may think it sensible to block the use of GenAI altogether, we wouldn’t recommend taking this step. There are many valuable use cases for AI in the business – and a ban is only likely to force users into using GenAI tools in a personal capacity for work-related tasks, pushing control out of reach of your security team.

Expert Insights’ CEO Craig MacAlpine recently outlined his 5 recommendations for companies looking to invest in a GenAI solution:

  1. Don’t attempt to block AI usage: Shutting down access to tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot is unlikely to stop employees from using them. Instead, they might use these tools on personal devices, leading to a loss of oversight. Work with your team to implement best practices and monitor usage effectively.
  1. Treat AI prompts as public: Once you upload data to AI tools, ensuring its security becomes challenging. With new AI technologies emerging frequently, it’s often unclear how they handle and publish collected data. A cautious approach is to treat all data passed onto an AI as if it were public information. For confidential or regulated info, consider investing in ChatGPT Enterprise, a SOC 2 compliant option that encrypts conversations and promises that data is not used for training.
  1. Provide user awareness training: Security awareness training (SAT) can help users safely interact with AI-generated content and tools. These training programs can cover security and privacy concerns and are often affordable. If you already use SAT, ask your provider if they offer content specific to generative AI.
  1. Use code checking tools: Research suggests that AI-generated code can introduce security risks, such as AI hallucinations and prompt injection attacks. If you’re using AI to generate code, consider implementing code monitoring plugins or application security testing tools to mitigate these risks.
  1. Consider AI DLP tools: For SMBs dealing with highly sensitive data, investing in AI data exposure tools might be worthwhile. These solutions monitor, map, and govern generative AI usage within the business, ensuring that important data remains secure. Although an investment, these tools can provide significant benefits in terms of data governance and security.

AI Security Resources

Further reading on ai security from Expert Insights — buyers' guides, comparison articles, and platform-specific shortlists.

Written By Written By
Joel Witts
Joel Witts Content Director

Joel is the Director of Content and a co-founder at Expert Insights; a rapidly growing media company focussed on covering cybersecurity solutions.

He’s an experienced journalist and editor with 8 years’ experience covering the cybersecurity space. He’s reviewed hundreds of cybersecurity solutions, interviewed hundreds of industry experts and produced dozens of industry reports read by thousands of CISOs and security professionals in topics like IAM, MFA, zero trust, email security, DevSecOps and more.

He also hosts the Expert Insights Podcast and co-writes the weekly newsletter, Decrypted. Joel is driven to share his team’s expertise with cybersecurity leaders to help them create more secure business foundations.

Technical Review Technical Review
Laura Iannini
Laura Iannini Cybersecurity Analyst

Laura Iannini is a Cybersecurity Analyst at Expert Insights. With deep cybersecurity knowledge and strong research skills, she leads Expert Insights’ product testing team, conducting thorough tests of product features and in-depth industry analysis to ensure that Expert Insights’ product reviews are definitive and insightful.

Laura also carries out wider analysis of vendor landscapes and industry trends to inform Expert Insights’ enterprise cybersecurity buyers’ guides, covering topics such as security awareness training, cloud backup and recovery, email security, and network monitoring. Prior to working at Expert Insights, Laura worked as a Senior Information Security Engineer at Constant Edge, where she tested cybersecurity solutions, carried out product demos, and provided high-quality ongoing technical support.

Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of West Florida.