Shadow Data: Why Zombie Files Are Waking Up in the Age of AI
OpenText, Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
OpenText warns that forgotten files such as old exports and HR spreadsheets become a real risk once AI tools can surface them.
OpenText says protecting sensitive data from shadow AI requires first knowing what data exists and what is sensitive.
Many organizations hold forgotten files such as old migration exports, HR spreadsheets saved to team shares and folders from long-closed deals.
These files were once relatively harmless because they were hard to find.
OpenText argues AI changes that, because sanctioned and unsanctioned AI tools can search, summarize and surface this content.