According to recent reports from Google Cloud, AI token usage has surged 11 times year-over-year, reaching over 90 trillion tokens processed monthly by the end of 2025. This growth reflects a shift where AI is expanding beyond engineering teams, becoming increasingly relevant to functions like marketing, HR, and finance.

As AI tools like Gemini and Vertex AI become integral to everyday workflows, new security and governance challenges arise:

✔️ Shadow AI: Employees are adopting AI solutions without IT teams being aware, risking data leakage.
✔️ Access Sprawl: The proliferation of AI SaaS apps complicates identity management.
✔️ Data Risk: Sensitive corporate information is entering AI platforms without clear policy guardrails.
✔️ Workflow Redesign: Discussions at Davos emphasized the need to rethink workflows entirely to embed AI safely, moving beyond simple automation.

This is why identity plays a central role. Identity Security Posture Management (ISPM) helps detect shadow AI in real time. Centralized SSO and Okta Workflows enable scalable governance and lifecycle management across these new AI tools.

When we secure the user, we strengthen the foundation for securing AI. A focused identity strategy gives organizations the confidence to innovate responsibly with AI.

I am interested to learn how teams are managing the new governance and access challenges that AI brings. Feel free to share your experiences!

#IdentitySecurity #AI #GoogleCloud #Okta #IAM