Why AI Auditability Is Critical for Security Leaders

This article argues that security leaders must shift their focus from controlling AI tools to ensuring their auditability and traceability. The author, a Chief Information and Security Officer at Smartsheet, highlights how AI tools are often embedded in business workflows faster than policies can adapt, leading to significant visibility gaps. Traditional periodic audits are insufficient for the dynamic nature of digital transformation. Instead, organizations need real-time observability to track what data AI models access and what actions they take. The core risk identified is not the technology itself, but its invisibility within operational processes. To mitigate this, the author suggests treating every AI agent like a new employee, assigning defined roles, scopes of authority, and clear chains of accountability. This approach ensures that oversight is practical and effective, preventing risky behaviors from being driven underground by restrictive controls. The piece emphasizes that traceability is essential for maintaining security and compliance in an era where AI operates autonomously within corporate environments.