Report: 40% of Data Professionals Use Unapproved AI Tools at Work, Posing Privacy and Security Risks

While 75% have attended AI training, those who received role-specific training see greater productivity gains and business outcomes

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Data professionals use AI at work (79%), but 40% of those doing so admit to using unapproved tools, with more than one in six (17%) saying they primarily rely on free, publicly available AI tools, according to a survey by General Assembly, an LHH brand and provider of tech and AI training.

“It should be deeply concerning to business leaders to see that those who are handling potentially sensitive or confidential data are using AI in such a risky manner,” said Daniele Grassi, CEO of General Assembly. “This is what happens when technology adoption outpaces training and skills. It’s a clear signal that enterprises face an urgent need to upskill all employees on the proper, compliant and strategic use of AI.”

While most data professionals have seen positive impacts from AI usage work–such as improved productivity, better data quality, and higher analytical creativity–nearly a third (32%) are only “somewhat confident” that they have the skills and knowledge to use AI on the job (and 5% lack confidence). Additionally, 18% report AI has had no impact on their day-to-day work, while 19% say it has created more work for them.

General Assembly’s research shows that role-specific training drives better adoption and outcomes. Only 19% of data professionals report that they have received role-specific training. However, those that did were significantly more likely to:

• Say they always or almost always complete their planned daily tasks
• Use AI in their work
• Feel confident in their AI skills
• Report AI had improved data quality
• Say AI had unlocked higher analytical creativity on their team
• Say AI helped enhance data literacy across the organization
• Say AI made it easier to communication with business stakeholders
• Report more free time to focus on strategic work, thanks to AI

Of data professionals who do not use AI, 38% said it was due to not receiving any training, and 51% said they would need clear examples of how AI could help with daily responsibilities to get started.

“Generic AI training has quickly become outdated,” said Grassi. “Role-specific training outperforms one-size-fits-all approaches when it comes to driving adoption, ensuring compliant usage, and delivering business outcomes.”

General Assembly surveyed 269 data professionals (including data analysts, database administrators, data scientists and data engineers) in the United States and United Kingdom from November 7 to 24, 2025. To learn more about the survey, click here.

About General Assembly

General Assembly (GA) is the leading talent and upskilling partner that helps individuals and businesses acquire the real skills required to succeed in an increasingly complex technological era. Founded in 2011 to make tech-centric jobs accessible to anyone and meet the demand of fast-growing tech companies, GA evolved into a center of excellence in training people from all backgrounds to upgrade their practical knowledge of tech skills now required in every company and in any role. With a global presence, hands-on instruction, and a passionate alumni community, GA gives learners 360-degree support as they take the next step in their career journey. General Assembly is part of LHH, the professional talent solutions arm of The Adecco Group, the world’s leading talent advisory and solutions company. GA matches the right talent to business needs. All day, every day: GA puts real skills to work.