Be Honest: Have you ever connected personal devices to the work Wi-Fi without permission? Most of us have without even thinking about it. The use of unauthorized and unmanaged applications or devices is known as Shadow IT, and it presents a significant threat to the security and integrity of sensitive data stored on corporate networks.
This includes unauthorized hardware, software, and cloud services that are not approved or monitored by the organization’s IT department. Such practices can potentially compromise the confidentiality, availability, and overall reliability of critical information systems, leading to severe consequences for the business and its stakeholders.
Therefore, it is essential for companies to implement robust policies and procedures to detect, prevent, and mitigate Shadow IT risks.
It’s highly probable that your organization will take measures to ensure that work technology is secure and protected against potential risks, but they cannot protect the software you install without their knowledge or outside devices you add to the network.
Have you considered the security of your personal devices?
- Are they equipped with firewalls and reliable antivirus software to safeguard against potential threats?
- Do you do updates and patches regularly?
- Are you the only one who uses your personal devices?
- Do your kids or grandkids use them?
- Do you know how they use them and what they use them for?
- These are the kind of questions that keep cyber security professionals up at night!
It’s essential to take necessary precautions to ensure your personal devices are as secure as your work technology.
It’s essential to be cautious when it comes to using unapproved software and services. They may not have the necessary security measures in place and could potentially violate data protection laws and industry regulations. This puts them at risk of cyber attacks, which can be very damaging.
Typical forms of Shadow IT include…
- Cloud storage like Dropbox and Google Drive
- Productivity apps like Trello, Slack, Asana, Canva
- Mobile apps
- Physical devices like flash drives and external drives
- Personal devices
- Communication tools like instant messaging or video conferencing like Skype and VOIP
Using Shadow IT can have practical disadvantages. When you use services your coworkers don’t have access to, you can make collaboration on projects difficult if not impossible. Working together and sending projects to your boss can become inefficient and arduous as a result.
It’s essential to have a policy regarding the use of outside devices and software in the workplace. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that employers should prohibit them. The policy should be developed in collaboration with the IT and cyber security team, and proper processes should be established to ensure compliance with the policies.
Bring your devices into the light…don’t play with Shadow IT!
Are you concerned about the safety and security of your organization? You can rely on Commonwealth Sentinel to assist you in reducing risks and ensuring the well-being of everyone involved.
Our services include software and hardware solutions, as well as training and policy implementation. Book a free, private consultation with our advisors to discuss your concerns. This service is free and could provide valuable insights for you. Click here to schedule a consultation, or contact us at (502) 320-9885.