{"id":3068,"date":"2025-01-15T09:08:26","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T08:08:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/enthec.com\/?p=3068"},"modified":"2025-01-29T12:02:47","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T11:02:47","slug":"the-meaning-of-shadow-it-in-corporate-cybersecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/enthec.com\/en\/the-meaning-of-shadow-it-in-corporate-cybersecurity\/","title":{"rendered":"The Meaning of Shadow IT in Corporate Cybersecurity"},"content":{"rendered":"

When we talk about business cybersecurity, we can find concepts that, although they may seem complex, are essential to understanding today’s challenges. One of them is Shadow IT.<\/strong> But what exactly is it, and why should you care as a company manager?
In this article, we’ll explain this scenario and show you how to manage it to protect your organization.<\/strong> <\/p>\n

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What is Shadow IT?<\/h2>\n

Shadow IT refers to using applications, devices, services, or computer systems within an organization that the Information Technology (IT) department has not approved or monitored. While it may not sound serious, this phenomenon poses significant data security and control risks.<\/strong>
Simply put, Shadow IT appears when employees adopt external tools, whether to increase their productivity, facilitate teamwork, or fix immediate problems. However, because these solutions are not regulated or aligned with company policies, they can become an open door for cyberattacks<\/strong> or data leaks.<\/a> <\/p>\n

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\"Shadow<\/p>\n

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Shadow IT: meaning in the business context<\/h2>\n

When we discuss Shadow IT and its meaning in the business environment, we are not only discussing unauthorized technological tools. Its impact is more profound, as it affects an organization’s ability to maintain centralized control over its infrastructure and the sensitive data it handles.<\/strong>
A typical example<\/strong> is a sales team using a free cloud storage application to share documents. While you intend to improve collaboration, you could risk sensitive customer data, as those platforms may lack robust security measures. <\/p>\n

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Examples of Shadow IT in companies<\/h2>\n

To better understand the scope of this phenomenon, here are some common examples of Shadow IT:<\/strong><\/p>\n