Tenable launches AI Aware: AI security redefined with advanced risk management

Tenable has unveiled “AI Aware,” a new security solution aimed at addressing the growing cybersecurity risks posed by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and large language models (LLMs). The rapid adoption of AI has introduced unique vulnerabilities, and organizations are now scrambling to secure their environments. AI Aware is Tenable’s response to the critical challenges companies face when managing AI systems, offering proactive detection and risk management solutions.

The rise of AI has seen security teams grapple with vulnerabilities that have emerged as AI applications become integral to operations. Research conducted by Tenable revealed that over a third of security teams identified AI applications in their environment that had not been officially approved through standard processes. This highlights the widespread unauthorized use of AI tools, leading to serious security risks.

AI Aware, integrated into Tenable’s broader vulnerability management solutions, is designed to help organizations detect AI-related risks early and mitigate them effectively. The platform provides comprehensive exposure insight into AI applications, libraries, and plugins, enabling teams to address vulnerabilities before they escalate. With over nine million instances of AI applications detected on more than a million hosts during a 75-day period earlier this year, the scale of the problem is clear.

Tenable’s approach to AI security stands out for its use of a combination of agents, passive network monitoring, and dynamic application security testing. By identifying both authorized and unauthorized AI software and related vulnerabilities, AI Aware helps organizations stay ahead of potential threats, including exploitation, data leakage, and unauthorized consumption of resources. These capabilities ensure that AI-related risks are managed without disrupting business operations.

This solution also includes detailed dashboards that provide an overview of the most common AI software in use, vulnerabilities, and communication ports being leveraged by AI applications. This level of visibility is crucial as organizations strive to understand the full scope of AI’s presence in their environment. Additionally, AI Aware’s asset-centric inventory offers a complete view of AI-related packages, libraries, and browser plugins, enabling teams to maintain tighter control over their systems.

Tenable’s AI Aware is set to become a game-changer in the cybersecurity landscape. As organizations around the world rush to adopt AI technologies, the lack of established best practices has left many exposed to significant cybersecurity, privacy, and compliance risks. Shai Morag, Tenable’s chief product officer, emphasized that AI Aware empowers organizations to confidently deploy AI technologies while ensuring their security measures evolve in step with AI’s rapid development.

As part of its rollout, Tenable plans to host a webinar on AI-related security risks, offering insights and strategies to help businesses mitigate the risks associated with AI adoption. This initiative reflects Tenable’s commitment to equipping organizations with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the AI-driven cybersecurity landscape.