The Human Firewall: AI-Powered Platform Aims to Tackle Insider Risk

NEW YORK, NY – November 18, 2025

The Growing Threat of the ‘Insider’

For years, cybersecurity has focused heavily on external threats – hackers, malware, and network intrusions. But increasingly, organizations are recognizing that the most significant vulnerabilities often lie within their own walls. A recent surge in data breaches linked to human error and misuse of tools – including a rapidly growing trend of unauthorized AI tool adoption – is prompting a shift in security strategies. UpGuard, a Cyber Risk Posture Management (CRPM) provider, is responding with the launch of ‘User Risk,’ an integrated solution designed to address these internal vulnerabilities.

According to industry reports, the human element is a factor in a vast majority of breaches. While the exact percentage varies – recent data suggests between 60% and 85% – the consistent message is clear: people are a key point of failure. “We’ve known for a long time that humans are the weakest link,” says one cybersecurity consultant. “But the complexity of the threat landscape, combined with the proliferation of cloud applications and AI tools, has made it exponentially more difficult to manage that risk.”

Beyond Training: A Proactive Approach

Traditional security awareness training often falls short. While it can educate employees about phishing scams and password security, it often fails to address the root causes of risky behavior. UpGuard’s ‘User Risk’ aims to go beyond simply telling employees what not to do and instead change their behavior through real-time nudges and proactive interventions.

The platform achieves this by continuously monitoring employee activity across all connected applications, including those used with personal credentials – often referred to as ‘Shadow IT.’ It identifies risky behaviors, such as sharing sensitive data with unauthorized AI tools or accessing applications from unsecured devices. Then, it delivers personalized guidance and feedback in the moment, helping employees make more secure choices.

“The goal isn’t just to flag risky behavior,” explains an UpGuard spokesperson. “It’s to guide users towards better practices and reinforce positive security habits. We’re trying to create a ‘security autopilot’ that operates in the background, helping employees make the right decisions without requiring constant vigilance.”

The Rise of ‘Shadow AI’ and the Need for Visibility

A particularly concerning trend highlighted by UpGuard is the widespread adoption of unauthorized AI tools. A new report from the company reveals that 80% of employees are using AI tools without IT approval, and 70% admit to sharing sensitive data with these tools. This creates a significant security and compliance risk. “Employees are eager to leverage the power of AI to improve their productivity,” says another cybersecurity expert. “But they often don’t understand the security implications of using unauthorized tools. They may not realize that they’re exposing sensitive data to unknown third parties.”

UpGuard’s ‘User Risk’ addresses this challenge by providing complete visibility into all applications used within an organization, including those used with personal credentials. This allows IT teams to identify and mitigate the risks associated with ‘Shadow AI’ and other unauthorized applications. The platform integrates with existing security tools, such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, to provide a comprehensive view of the organization’s security posture.

Integrating Internal Risk with the Broader Cyber Landscape

What sets UpGuard’s ‘User Risk’ apart from other Human Risk Management (HRM) solutions is its integration with the company’s broader CRPM platform. This allows organizations to combine internal workforce risk data with external risk data, such as vendor risk and attack surface risk, to create a holistic view of their cyber risk posture.

“We believe that internal and external risks are interconnected,” says a product manager at UpGuard. “You can’t effectively manage your cyber risk without understanding both. Our platform provides a single pane of glass for managing all aspects of your cyber risk, from external threats to internal vulnerabilities.”

This integrated approach allows organizations to prioritize risks more effectively and allocate resources more efficiently. By understanding the relationships between different types of risks, they can develop more targeted and effective security strategies. The platform's AI Analyst feature automatically prioritizes risks and delivers real-time behavioral nudges, moving beyond traditional training and automating risk mitigation. Competition in this space is fierce – companies like Proofpoint and Varonis offer robust ITM and HRM solutions – but UpGuard differentiates itself through this holistic approach and integration with existing CRPM capabilities.