Do You Have a Shadow IT Problem?

How to respond to threats from the shadows

Responding to these threats largely means understanding the whys and wherefores of shadow IT. A cyber security risk assessment is the first step towards this goal, shining a light on shadow IT that makes it possible to prioritise threat management, target security investments and develop a strategy that minimises the risks associated with shadow IT.

Most crucially, this level of oversight can provide the knowledge IT departments need to develop what’s known as ‘defence in depth,’ a cyber security strategy that layers defensive mechanisms to protect valuable data and information against even hidden risks. An effective layered response to shadow IT will typically cover key aspects of security, including:

• MDR (managed detection and response): External security providers deliver MDR to prevent threats from becoming breaches, ensuring both generalised threat responses and bespoke, industry-specific capabilities. Real-time detection and response alerts are especially crucial for bringing shadow IT in line by making it much harder for unauthorised applications to slip through the cracks. This is an incredibly powerful option for improving security flexibility and minimising exposure to new devices or applications. 

• Cyber intelligence reports: By focusing on the threats facing vulnerable resources (in this case shadow IT) cyber intelligence reports enable organisations to prepare for, prevent, and identify threats from outside sources, giving them the information they need to ensure the security of even unauthorised applications as they get to grips with shadow IT. Cyber reports also facilitate improved understanding of cyber risks across your organisation. For example, highlighting the risks associated with BYOD, subsequently increasing buy-in to security practices. 

• Equipment checks: As employees return to the office and bring their devices, and shadow IT, with them, equipment checks are crucial for protecting corporate networks. Sandbox environments that allow for the isolation of potentially unsafe code and applications before they enter internal infrastructures could prove especially invaluable, making it possible to check applications across personal devices without compromising employee privacy or adding to workloads. 

Managed security providers can help to implement these layers of security, ensuring prevention rather than cure and keeping shadow IT outside of corporate networks. All the while, the increased understanding that this oversight brings puts IT departments in the best possible position to recognise why employees are using shadow IT, and the steps they can take to fill performance gaps that render it obsolete even as BYOD and flexible working patterns continue. 

Suggested reading: Check out our blog — Four Ways Strategic Partners Improves Cyber Security. 

Visibility is key to security

IT departments can’t control what they can’t see, so as employees return to the office it’s imperative to bring shadow IT out into the open, ensuring that IT departments can remove legacy applications and hardware while recognising why employees are turning to shadow IT in the first place. 

Managed IT service providers are best positioned to make this consolidation possible, providing the oversight and intelligence that’s previously been missing. With a range of flexible, on-demand services designed to help organisations get the most from their resources, our team here at Six Degrees are on hand to shake shadow IT out of its hiding place. 

As working patterns continue to evolve, our approach to the cyber security journey can help you every step of the way, from assessment to optimisation. If you’re looking for a cyber security partner to help mitigate shadow IT problems, deliver returns on investment and drive positive outcomes, get in touch today.