Unapproved AI Tools Widespread Among Irish Organisations, Survey Finds

A recent Datapac survey highlights the widespread use of AI tools among Irish organisations, revealing both opportunities and challenges in managing unapproved AI usage.

Key Findings:

• 84% of Irish businesses use AI tools in daily operations.
• Nearly 30% report employees using unapproved AI tools.
• 89% of organisations plan to invest in AI over the next year.
• 62% believe AI will drive a surge in cyberattacks within the next 12 months.

AI Adoption: A Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence has become a driving force in business operations across Ireland, with 84% of organisations using AI tools daily. These tools are transforming workflows, enabling smarter decision-making, and opening doors to unprecedented efficiencies. However, alongside this enthusiasm comes a significant challenge: 30% of employees are using AI tools outside of their organisation’s approved technology stack.

Kevin Hall, Senior Systems Engineer at Datapac, reflects on this dual reality:

“AI represents one of the most exciting technological advancements in decades—arguably since the widespread adoption of the internet. It’s no surprise that forward-thinking innovators are experimenting with AI to improve efficiency and quality in their work. However, in the rush to capitalise on AI’s potential, organisations must not overlook best-practice due diligence. We strongly encourage businesses to adopt AI-powered tools from trusted, reputable providers—such as Microsoft Co-Pilot—that seamlessly integrate into existing technology ecosystems.”

Risks of Unapproved AI Usage

The use of unapproved AI tools poses tangible risks to organisational performance and security. The survey highlights three primary areas of concern:

1. Data Quality and Accuracy: 39% of IT leaders are concerned about the reliability of AI-generated outputs from unvetted tools, which could undermine critical business decisions.
2. Operational Efficiency: While AI is often adopted to enhance workflows, 36% worry that unauthorised tools could disrupt established processes, leading to inefficiencies and confusion.
3. Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities: A quarter of respondents (23%) identified unapproved AI tools as a direct security risk, while 62% believe AI will drive an increase in cyberattacks in the year ahead.

The risks associated with unregulated AI adoption extend beyond internal inefficiencies. Unapproved tools can bypass existing security frameworks, potentially exposing sensitive data to vulnerabilities.

AI and Cybersecurity: Rising Threats

As AI adoption grows, so too does its intersection with cybersecurity. The survey reveals that 67% of IT decision-makers foresee AI heightening the severity of cyberattacks. Cybercriminals are increasingly leveraging AI to automate attacks, create more sophisticated phishing attempts, and exploit weaknesses in unprotected systems.

Organisations must respond by strengthening their cybersecurity strategies. This includes:

• Rigorous vetting of AI tools before adoption.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity awareness training is provided to all users.
• Partnering with trusted providers to ensure seamless, secure integration of reputable AI tools.

Moving Forward: Harnessing AI Responsibly

Despite these challenges, Irish businesses remain committed to leveraging AI’s potential. The survey indicates that 89% of organisations plan to invest in AI tools and applications over the next year, reflecting a strong belief in its transformative power. Hall advises a cautious yet proactive approach:

“Even with reputable providers, it’s vitally important that organisations are prepared for AI integration to help mitigate potential cybersecurity and compliance risks. If an organisation lacks the capacity to thoroughly assess their own performance, partnering with an expert IT provider can offer strategic support and guidance. As AI adoption accelerates, our survey underscores the importance of balancing innovation with robust governance.”

Empowering Irish Organisations with Microsoft Co-Pilot for 365

Irish businesses looking to harness the transformative power of AI while addressing the concerns highlighted in the survey have a clear path forward: Microsoft Co-Pilot for 365.

Here’s how Microsoft Co-Pilot for 365 addresses key challenges:

A name you can trust:

Unlike unapproved or obscure AI tools, Co-Pilot for 365 is developed by Microsoft – one of the most recognised and trusted brands in all of the technology industry.

Seamless integration:

Co-Pilot for 365 is built directly into the widely used Microsoft 365 ecosystem, which includes tools like SharePoint, Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive. This deep integration enables organisations to enhance their existing workflows without disrupting established processes, offering a smoother and more efficient adoption journey.

Enhanced accuracy:

Unlike many AI tools that draw upon data sources from the broader internet, Co-Pilot for 365 leverages data within an organisation’s environment. By focusing on internal data sources such as emails, documents, and shared drives, Co-Pilot delivers outputs that are not only more accurate but also tailored to the specific needs of the business.

See Co-Pilot in Action

In a recent webinar, Datapac in conjunction with our partner Westcoast Cloud hosted a webinar showcasing live demonstrations of Microsoft Co-Pilot for 365 across various applications.

Please enter your details below to request access to a recording of the webinar to see firsthand how AI can drive productivity and innovation in your organisation.