The rise of DeepSeek is a clear signal for organizations to rethink how they approach data protection and governance in the age of AI technologies. DeepSeek’s sudden popularity has introduced significant data privacy risks, as sensitive information may inadvertently leave the enterprise’s control. In fast-moving situations like this, where GenAI applications like DeepSeek gain traction almost overnight, AI governance, visibility, and user guidance become critical for security and compliance.
Visibility is the foundation of governance. Without situational awareness or the ability to enforce policies at scale, organizations are left exposed. But governance alone isn’t enough—real-time user guidance and behavior change are critical for ensuring identity hygiene and compliance with organizational policies. As one CISO put it, “DeepSeek just stress-tested the current state of security controls for AI in every large enterprise.”
Let’s explore how security teams can prepare for challenges like DeepSeek by leveraging proactive tools like Savvy to detect, manage, and mitigate the risks associated with Shadow AI and the unchecked adoption of GenAI apps.
The Risks from Shadow AI and Rapid App Adoption
AI apps like DeepSeek represent a uniquely complex challenge for CISOs and identity and access teams. Unlike traditional SaaS apps, GenAI tools interact deeply with data inputs and outputs, increasing the potential for sensitive information to leave the organization’s control. These apps often bypass traditional security controls because their adoption occurs outside of formal approval processes, creating Shadow AI risks that existing governance models are not equipped to address.
DeepSeek isn’t just an isolated example; it’s the latest demonstration of how quickly technology adoption can outpace enterprise security capabilities. With AI tools evolving at unprecedented speeds, agility, visibility, and governance are no longer optional—they’re essential. Organizations that rely on static, legacy approaches to SaaS governance risk being left behind.
Traditional methods, such as annual security awareness training, are inadequate for scenarios like this. To mitigate risks effectively, organizations must adopt a more modern approach like just-in-time user guidance that helps users understand the implications of their actions in real time, fostering safer behaviors without disrupting workflows.
Legacy Tooling Hinders AI Governance Agility
The DeepSeek adoption surge exposed the shortcomings of reactive security measures. Most organizations were caught off-guard, relying on tools like SSPMs (SaaS Security Posture Management), CASBs (Cloud Access Security Brokers), and DLP solutions—tools that do not adequately deter rogue app adoption in real-time or handle the dynamic nature of Shadow AI applications.
A significant contributor to this failure is technical debt—the accumulation of outdated systems, manual processes, and legacy tooling that struggles to keep pace with the highly dynamic nature of SaaS and AI technologies. While these tools provide some visibility, their reliance on binary block or allow rules or time consuming server-side API integrations do not adapt to rapid shifts in user behavior or the sudden adoption of unsanctioned apps. This tech debt creates blind spots, leaving enterprises vulnerable to risks such as:
Data leaks: Sensitive corporate data leaving secure environments as users interact with unmanaged AI tools.
Regulatory non-compliance: Violations of privacy laws and data protection regulations due to unauthorized usage of tools like DeepSeek.
Reputational damage: Publicized breaches involving AI tools eroding customer and stakeholder trust.
Operational inefficiencies: Security teams waste valuable time on reactive measures instead of focusing on proactive governance.
By leaning on outdated security stacks, organizations exacerbate their inability to respond dynamically to emerging threats like DeepSeek. Without tools that offer real-time intervention and visibility, this tech debt will continue to grow, further limiting an organization’s ability to mitigate risk effectively.
Why Traditional AI Governance Approaches Fall Short
Full Blocking of DeepSeek
While blocking DeepSeek may seem like an immediate solution, this approach is rarely effective in practice. Users will find workarounds, such as accessing the app through personal devices or using VPNs. Instead of simply blocking access, organizations need tools that enable real-time user engagement, educating users about the risks and guiding them toward compliant behaviors.
Monitoring Only Business-Critical Apps
Some organizations rely on tools that provide security controls only for business-critical apps, like SSPMs. While these tools might flag unsanctioned apps like DeepSeek after they’ve been adopted, they lack the ability to intervene in real-time. This delayed detection allows risky behaviors to continue unchecked, allowing sensitive data to exfiltrate the org and creating compliance gaps. Without proactive remediation workflows, monitoring alone often becomes a game of playing catch-up rather than preventing risks upfront.
Security Awareness Training
Traditional security awareness programs are another common approach to managing unsanctioned apps, but they fall short in fast-moving scenarios like DeepSeek’s adoption. Even well-educated users may inadvertently use unapproved tools, especially if sanctioned alternatives are perceived as less convenient or less effective. Training is not enough to change behaviors in the moment—organizations need just-in-time user guidance that intervenes and educates when risky actions occur, reinforcing security policies dynamically and effectively.
How Savvy Addresses GenAI Adoption Challenges
Savvy provides the proactive capabilities enterprises need to detect and mitigate risks from tools like DeepSeek. Here’s how:
Proactive App Discovery and Inventory
Savvy’s multi-layer visibility ensures that Shadow AI apps like DeepSeek are identified in real time. By analyzing telemetry from browsers, as well as IdP, email, and API sources, Savvy offers situational awareness that traditional tools cannot match. This allows security teams to identify and address potential risks before sensitive data is exposed or misused, ensuring critical data protection measures are in place.
Enhanced AI Governance
Savvy empowers organizations to enforce robust AI governance policies, even in the face of rapidly evolving AI tools and regulations. For example, a CISO at a global enterprise shared:
“We were rolling out an approved AI tool for our employees as a productivity enabler. Despite running a global training initiative and communication campaign, we knew employees might still try using unsanctioned AI tools. With Savvy, we could intervene in real-time—redirecting users from unapproved tools to the sanctioned ones, seamlessly guiding behavior while ensuring compliance. This approach allowed us to enforce AI governance without disrupting workflows, fostering both trust and productivity.”
This showcases how Savvy not only helps enforce AI governance but also ensures data privacy and security by steering users away from unsanctioned tools that could pose significant risks. By integrating governance with proactive, real-time interventions, Savvy bridges the gap between policy and enforcement, protecting sensitive data while fostering compliant user behavior.
Real-Time User Guidance
Savvy’s just-in-time guidance educates users at critical decision points, fostering safer behaviors and supporting compliance. For example, if a user attempts to upload sensitive information to an unsanctioned tool, Savvy can intervene with real-time prompts explaining the risks and guiding them to approved solutions. This ensures that data protection remains a core focus, preventing accidental exposure or misuse of critical assets.
Mitigating SaaS Sprawl and GenAI Risks
DeepSeek highlights the dangers of unmanaged SaaS sprawl and Shadow AI adoption. Savvy addresses these challenges by continuously monitoring and remediating risks, ensuring that all apps—whether sanctioned or unsanctioned—are accounted for. Additionally, by classifying all GenAI tools, not just the ones you know about, Savvy ensures that sensitive information remains protected, even as new technologies emerge.
Preparing for the Next DeepSeek
The emergence of DeepSeek serves as a call for enterprises to rethink their approach to security. CISOs and Identity and Access Management teams must prioritize:
- Agility in security controls: Static policies are insufficient in dynamic SaaS ecosystems.
- Visibility and governance: Proactive tools like Savvy ensure organizations are never blindsided by emerging threats that appear at an increasing pace.
- Real-time user guidance: Educating users in the moment is key to fostering a culture of compliance and mitigating risks.
Events like DeepSeek highlight the importance of future-proofing security strategies. By shifting from reactive to proactive security, enterprises can stay ahead of GenAI risks and ensure robust AI governance.
DeepSeek’s rapid adoption highlights the need for modern security tools that go beyond traditional models like SSPM and static IGA integrations. The decentralized and dynamic nature of SaaS ecosystems demands solutions that provide continuous visibility, governance, and real-time user interaction.
Organizations with rigid tooling risk falling behind, leaving themselves vulnerable to data breaches, compliance failures, and reputational harm. Tools like Savvy are essential for navigating the new era of AI governance and ensuring that enterprises are prepared for the next wave of challenges.
