Shadow IT is the unofficial use of information and technology resources within an organization. This includes the use of unauthorized software, applications, or cloud services.
Shadow IT can be a major security concern for organizations. Unauthorized software and applications can introduce malware and other security risks into the organization. Cloud services can also be a security risk, as they may not be as secure as the organization’s approved cloud services.
Shadow IT can also create compliance and governance risks for organizations. Unauthorized software and applications may not be compliant with the organization’s security and governance policies. Cloud services may not be compliant with the organization’s security and governance policies either.
Organizations should take steps to address the risks posed by Shadow IT. One way to do this is to create a policy that prohibits the use of unauthorized software and applications. Organizations should also create a policy that requires the use of approved cloud services. Finally, organizations should implement a system that monitors the use of information and technology resources within the organization.
How Shadow IT Works
Shadow IT is the term given to the widespread use of unauthorized and unsanctioned applications and devices within organizations. While shadow IT can provide a number of benefits to businesses, it can also create a number of security and compliance risks.
Shadow IT is often introduced to organizations in response to the frustrations users experience with the limitations of authorized applications and devices. For example, a user may find that the authorized application they are using is too slow, or doesn’t meet their needs in terms of functionality. In order to get around these limitations, they may start using an unauthorized application or device.
While shadow IT can provide a number of benefits to businesses, including greater flexibility and agility, it can also create a number of security and compliance risks. For example, unauthorized applications and devices may not be subject to the same security and compliance controls as authorized applications and devices, which can increase the risk of data breaches and other security incidents.
Additionally, shadow IT can make it more difficult for organizations to track and manage their data. This can increase the risk of data loss or corruption, and can also lead to compliance violations.
Organizations can reduce the risks associated with shadow IT by implementing a number of controls, including:
– Implementing a comprehensive security and compliance program
– Educating employees on the risks of using unauthorized applications and devices
– Implementing controls to prevent the use of unauthorized applications and devices
– Monitoring the use of unauthorized applications and devices
