AI Auditability: Why Security Leaders Must Prioritize It

Businesses are struggling to track how AI tools are being used, creating major security risks. Many companies have AI embedded in workflows without proper oversight or the ability to audit their actions. Here's the thing: Smartsheet's Chief Information and Security Officer found that when AI vendors were asked what data models accessed or actions they took, answers were often vague. The audit infrastructure just isn't there. What's interesting is that the risk isn't the AI tools themselves, but their invisibility. The bottom line: Instead of restricting AI, security leaders need to focus on traceability. Think of each AI agent as a new employee with a defined role and accountability. This allows for real-time oversight, ensuring that if an AI-assisted process goes wrong, companies can answer critical questions about who approved what, when, and why. This is crucial for avoiding governance crises.