In organizations, some users use unauthorized apps or unsanctioned apps. For example, let’s say, DropBox is an unsanctioned app in an organization, and someone finds an alternative to the DropBox app, which he uses. So, the Shadow IT feature of any Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) provider helps in reporting such breaches of the use of unsanctioned apps in that organization to the admin, wherein a report is generated indicating such use. So, whenever such resources and applications, including the cloud ones, are used in an enterprise without the organization’s approval, Shadow IT in cloud computing comes into play. Here are instances to prove it.
Scenario 1:
When there are other secure apps, probably the cloud-based apps, which are already available online through which this particular task can be completed, then the employee is going to download this external app without the permission of the enterprise.
Scenario 2:
The employee will complete the task through his developed application without the knowledge of the enterprise. Here the employee may take the help of unsanctioned apps to build his form.
Shadow IT in Cloud Computing – How Organizations Deal with It?
Shadow IT solutions should be dealt with in such a way that the security of enterprises’ data is not at all at risk. The enterprises can appoint solutions offered by a CASB to control such unauthorized, unintentional, or intentional data loss. Corporate policies should be established, which foster growth and improvement in individual contributions. Enterprises need to know their shortcomings and find efficient solutions rather than oppressing employees’ growth. There are available Shadow IT resources in the market; so, the firms facing any such noncompliance issues can avail of these resources.
What Are the Risks Associated with Shadow IT?
There are five major risks associated with shadow IT that corporations must be aware of, which are as follows:
- Data Leakages/Thefts
- Data Exposure to Unintended Users
- Regulatory Compliance
- Licensing Compliance
- Data Sovereignty or Data Residency
What Are the Benefits of Shadow IT?
- It shows the mirror to the shortcomings of the enterprise and areas where it needs improvements.
- When the cloud security and compliance issues are dealt with using CASB solutions, then Shadow IT can be a driving force in innovation and productivity.
CloudCodes CASB for Shadow IT in Cloud Computing
Hand-in-hand with a CloudCodes CASB solution, Shadow IT can be controlled, even though it cannot be prevented, and this control can be in the hands of the enterprise. CloudCodes offers a package of a robust algorithm of CASB solutions for enterprises with the cloud. It bridges all the gaps between the cloud and the enterprise concerning data security and data access. Its Shadow IT module is so impeccable to overcast its shadow on Shadow IT threats and helps enterprises eliminate any such threat near perfectly.
CloudCodes Shadow IT in cloud computing feature can address the merely finding or understanding or securing the cloud services in organizations. CloudCodes CASB is one of the widely used and a great solution that helps the organization to have better cloud security control inside the organizations.
CloudCodes Shadow IT solution for cloud security helps in maintaining a balance between the user needs and the needs of an enterprise for security purposes by ultimately managing all types of potential threats. For example, data leakage, using sanctioned apps in the cloud environment, blocking download or upload of unsanctioned apps, blacklisting URLs, and also by mapping & identifying cloud environment and cloud apps which organization uses. All these ensure complete enterprise security.