“How to Conduct an AI Risk Assessment” (Nudge Security)
- Rising AI Risks Demand Structured Assessment
As generative AI use spreads rapidly within organizations, informal tool adoption is creating governance blind spots. Although many have moved past initial panic, daily emergence of new AI tools continues to raise security and compliance concerns. - Discovery Is the Foundation
A critical first step is discovering the AI tools being used across the organization—including those introduced outside IT’s visibility. Without automated inventory, you can’t secure or govern what you don’t know exists. - Integration Mapping Is Essential
Next, map which AI tools are integrated into core business systems. Review OAuth grants, APIs and app connections to identify potential data leakage pathways. Ask: what data is shared, who approved it, and how are identities protected? - Supply‑Chain & Vendor Exposure
Don’t overlook the AI used by SaaS vendors in your ecosystem. Many rely on third-party AI providers—necessitating detailed scrutiny of vendor AI supply chains, sub-processors, and third- or fourth-party data flow. - Governance Framework Alignment
To structure assessments, organizations should anchor AI risk work within recognized frameworks like NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001, EU AI Act, and ISO 27001/SOC 2. This helps ensure consistency and traceability. - Security Controls & Monitoring
Risk evaluation should include access controls (e.g. RBAC), data encryption, audit logs, and consistent vendor security reviews. Continuous monitoring helps detect anomalies in AI usage. - Human‑Centric Governance
AI risk management isn’t just technical—it’s behavioral. Real-time nudges, policy just-in-time guidance, and education help users avoid risky behavior before it occurs. Nudge Security emphasizes user-friendly interventions. - Continuous Feedback & Iteration
Governance must be dynamic. Policies, tool inventories, and risk assessments need regular updates as tools evolve, use cases change, and new regulations emerge. - Make the Case with Visibility
Platforms like Nudge Security offer SaaS and AI discovery, tracking supply‑chain exposure, and enabling just‑in‑time governance nudges that guide secure user behavior without slowing innovation. - Mitigating Technical Threats
Governance also requires awareness of specific AI threats—like prompt injection, adversarial manipulation, supply‑chain exploitation, or agentic‑AI misuse—all of which require both automated guardrails and red‑teaming strategies.
10 Best Questions to Ask When Evaluating an AI Vendor
- What automated discovery mechanisms do you support to detect both known and unknown AI tools in use across the organization?
- Can you map integrations between your AI platform and core systems or SaaS tools, including OAuth grants and third-party processors?
- Do you publish an AI Bill of Materials (AIBOM) that details underlying AI models and third‑party suppliers or sub‑processors?
- How do you support alignment with frameworks like NIST AI RMF, ISO 42001, or the EU AI Act during risk assessments?
- What data protection measures do you implement—such as encryption, RBAC, retention controls, and audit logging?
- How do you help organizations govern shadow AI usage at scale, including user Nudges or real-time policy enforcement?
- Do you provide continuous monitoring and alerting for anomalous or potentially risky AI usage patterns?
- What defenses do you offer against specific AI threats, such as prompt injection, model adversarial attacks, or agentic AI exploitation?
- Have you been independently assessed or certified against any AI or security standards—SOC 2, ISO 27001, ISO 42001 or AI-specific audits?
- How do you support vendor governance—e.g., tracking whether third- and fourth‑party SaaS providers in your ecosystem are using AI in ways that might impact our risk profile?
AI Risk Management, Analysis, and Assessment
What are the benefits of AI certification Like AICP by EXIN
Think Before You Share: The Hidden Privacy Costs of AI Convenience
The AI Readiness Gap: High Usage, Low Security
Mitigate and adapt with AICM (AI Controls Matrix)
DISC InfoSec’s earlier posts on the AI topic
Secure Your Business. Simplify Compliance. Gain Peace of Mind
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