Are shadow apps lurking in the shadows of your organization? These rogue SaaS applications, purchased without the knowledge of the security team, pose a significant threat to data security. While seemingly innocuous, they operate outside the purview of corporate security measures, leaving the company vulnerable to malicious actors.
Imagine a scenario where your development team decides to use their own instance of GitHub for project management, unbeknownst to the security team. This “shadow” version of an approved application lacks essential security controls, making it a prime target for cyber attackers seeking to exploit vulnerabilities.
Exploring the World of Shadow Apps
There are two main categories of shadow apps – Standalone and Integrated. Standalone apps operate in isolation, serving specific purposes like file storage or task management, while integrated apps interact with approved systems, creating potential gateways for cyber threats.
The Risks and Impacts of Shadow Apps
From data security vulnerabilities to regulatory compliance risks, shadow apps introduce a myriad of challenges for organizations. The lack of visibility and control over these rogue applications widens the attack surface, making it easier for cybercriminals to infiltrate corporate networks.
Detecting and Managing Shadow Apps
Fortunately, SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) tools offer a solution to identify and mitigate the risks associated with shadow apps. By monitoring SaaS configurations and user activities, these tools can detect unauthorized applications and prevent potential security breaches.
SSPMs utilize various methods, from monitoring SaaS-to-SaaS interactions to integrating with email security systems, to uncover shadow apps lurking within the organization. By leveraging these advanced detection capabilities, security teams can proactively manage and secure the SaaS stack against potential threats.
As organizations embrace cloud-based applications for enhanced productivity, the need to tackle shadow IT becomes paramount. By staying vigilant and utilizing cutting-edge security tools, businesses can safeguard their data and prevent unauthorized access from lurking shadow apps.
Interested in learning more about how SSPMs can protect your organization against shadow apps? Click here to explore Adaptive Shield’s innovative security features.