Almost every company has it: Shadow IT. These are systems and applications that employees use without the IT department’s knowledge. Sounds harmless? Maybe – if you ignore that nearly 40% of security breaches are tied to Shadow IT.
What makes Shadow IT so risky? When employees use applications on their own, they bypass the security measures that the IT department has implemented. Software that isn’t centrally managed opens the door to vulnerabilities and is often not up-to-date. The biggest threat? The IT department cannot protect what it doesn’t know exists.
How do you tackle this issue? Banning Shadow IT rarely solves the problem – quite the opposite. Employees often seek ways to be more efficient and find tools that simplify their workflows. The answer lies in a proactive approach: IT should work closely with teams and promote the adoption of secure, centrally approved tools. Transparent processes and training can also help educate employees on the risks of unauthorized software.
Shadow IT isn’t necessarily “the enemy,” but it does present risks that companies need to manage. The key lies in fostering a culture of open communication, where IT and employees collaborate to strike a balance between efficiency and security – a win for everyone involved.
Stay ahead of the wave!
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