Shadow IT – Is Your Cloud Data Exposed to Unsafe Hands?

Shadow IT is an issue that is plaguing enterprises in a big way. Though not complete blockage is essential, it is necessary that enterprises deploy CASB solutions.

Cloud Security at Stake for Enterprises Experiencing Shadow IT

It is not new that enterprises are turning to cloud apps in an increasing number. But, what is unfortunate is the number of data breach cases that are on the rise and the potentially newer methods which are coming to light with each passing day. The main culprit here is the third-party applications that have instilled fear among the enterprises, be it big or small, and are creating havoc mounting the chances of business loss in this competitive global environment.

Help for Shadow IT Issues from Cloud Access Security Brokers

The main problem with the third-party apps is that they carry out their shadowy business of gaining unauthorized access to confidential data in an enterprise and they never come into the forefront of the IT department. Whether it is intentional or unintentional, but many enterprises might not realize the gravity of the situation till they realize that a data breach has indeed taken place. Cloud Access Security Brokers come into the picture here and help enterprises to block such unauthorized third-party apps from causing any possible data leaks. CASB solutions not only help in the discovery of third-party unauthorized apps but also report the use of such apps immediately to ensure that appropriate remedial actions are taken in time to counteract the adverse effects of Shadow IT caused by the downloading of third-party apps by its employees.

Shadow IT Solutions for Cloud Security

Completely blocking all the third-party apps is never a wise solution given the extent of use of such products in increasing the work flexibility and productivity of any enterprise. Hence, proper monitoring and control are necessary; thus giving the organizations the capability to work on these but in highly protected environments. Also, the unnecessary permissions can be blocked and only those allowed that are relevant to its installation. This is done so as to minimize the phishing attacks. CloudCodes CASB Solutions help enterprises in tackling this third-party apps menace by tracking down the unsanctioned apps that are running behind with the intent of causing sensitive data theft.

Secure Sensitive Data from Shadow IT

In any enterprise that uses cloud services for its work-related tasks, most of the multiple cloud apps and services in use are sanctioned by the IT department for authorized use by its employees. There will be apps which may be restricted/unrestricted, authorized/unauthorized so that the damage of data theft can be minimized. Even though users do not have any bad intentions, but sometimes due to unforeseen circumstances, mistakes do occur and then it is best to have proper data security measures like CASB solutions in place rather than ban the use of third-party apps completely. Complete blockage of third-party apps results in disturbance of the work environment and hence it is imperative that enterprises strike a balance between advantages of such apps and at the same time try to negate the adverse effects of the related data security threats and compliance issues. Cloud security Shadow IT Solutions help enterprises to achieve the balance finely so that security and compliance are not compromised and increased flexibility and productivity are achieved amicably by the use of third-party applications.

How CloudCodes CASB Solutions Protect Data against Shadow IT

Many-a-times, employees in an organization download some apps for work-related purposes without the IT department’s approval and it may contain harmful malware that has the potential to cause havoc on the organization’s data structure. These apps, even though downloaded unintentionally, can open loops for the malware to enter into the organization’s data system and cause serious data leaks. CASB solutions by CloudCodes help in discovery of the Shadow IT by monitoring, blocking and reporting about the use of unsanctioned apps within the enterprise. The following features in our CloudCodes CASB solutions are an advantage to solve the problem of Shadow IT in an enterprise:

• Helps in tracking and blocking unsanctioned third-party apps in real time
• Blocks downloading/printing/transfer of sensitive documents
• Monitors and inspects various user activities on cloud and network
• Identifies access to unauthorized apps
• Alerts the IT department of potential risks by generating user activity reports
• Facilitates policy definition of sanctioned apps
• Whitelist/blacklist URLs formatting