Shadow IT is a growing challenge for businesses of all sizes. It refers to the use of unauthorized applications, devices, or software by employees without the knowledge or approval of the IT department. While it may seem harmless if an employee installs his own tool to convert PDFs to word documents, these kinds of tools can introduce significant security vulnerabilities that can expose sensitive company data and compromise compliance..
What is Shadow IT?
Shadow IT occurs when employees turn to external, often unapproved, tools to complete tasks more efficiently. These can range from cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox to unauthorized SaaS applications for project management, communication, or file sharing. While employees may have good intentions, bypassing the official IT infrastructure can lead to:
- Security risks: Unauthorized tools may not have robust security measures, making it easier for hackers to exploit vulnerabilities.
- Data leakage: Critical data may be stored in unapproved, less-secure locations, leading to possible breaches.
- Non-compliance: Many industries have strict regulations on data usage and storage, and using unauthorized tools can lead to violations.
How does Lupasafe help to discover shadow IT?
The Lupasafe platform is designed to give businesses the power to uncover and manage shadow IT effectively. Here’s how:
- Comprehensive Network Monitoring: Lupasafe continuously monitors network traffic, identifying all applications, services, and devices in use. This means that even the applications employees don’t officially report are detected. LupaSafe automatically flags any unapproved tools, giving IT teams full visibility into what’s running on their network.
- Real-Time Alerts: With Lupasafe, businesses receive real-time notifications when unauthorized apps or devices are detected. These alerts allow companies to take immediate action, preventing potential security risks before they escalate into a full-blown breach.
- Detailed Analytics & Reporting: Lupasafe provides detailed reports on all detected Shadow IT activities, giving businesses the insights needed to make informed decisions. These reports include information on the frequency of use, the potential risk level, and recommendations for mitigating the threat.
- Seamless Integration: Lupasafe integrates with existing security tools and platforms, making it easy for businesses to incorporate Shadow IT monitoring into their broader cybersecurity strategy. This ensures that all threats, whether authorized or unauthorized, are identified and addressed in a unified approach.
- Employee Awareness: One of the biggest contributors to shadow IT is the lack of awareness among employees. Lupasafe not only helps detect unauthorized activity but also assists businesses in educating their employees. By identifying patterns in shadow IT usage, companies can better understand why employees turn to these tools and offer approved alternatives.
Conclusion
Shadow IT is a growing risk that can leave your business exposed to cyber threats and compliance failures. Without the right tools, detecting and managing these hidden activities is nearly impossible. Lupasafe offers a comprehensive solution, empowering businesses to discover and neutralize Shadow IT risks before they spiral out of control. By gaining full visibility over network activity and taking proactive steps, companies can safeguard their data, ensure compliance, and maintain control over their IT environment.
Find out more and sign in to use Lupasafe: https://lupasafe.com/sign-up/
