b'The Tech Cumulus June 2025. continued from CoverWhy Is Shadow IT So Dangerous? Unfortunately, these shortcuts can cost your Because IT teams have no visibility or controlbusiness BIG when a data breach happens.over these tools, they cant secure themwhich means businesses are exposed to all kinds of threats. How To Stop Shadow IT Before ItUnsecured Data-SharingEmployees usingHurts Your Businesspersonal cloud storage, e-mail accounts orYou cant stop what you cant see, so tackling messaging apps can accidentally leak sensitiveShadow IT requires a proactive approach. Heres company information, making it easier forhow to get started: 5. Implement Strong Endpoint Securitycybercriminals to intercept. 1. Create An Approved Software List Use endpoint detection and response (EDR)No Security UpdatesIT departmentssolutions to track software usage, prevent regularly update approved software to patchWork with your IT team to establish a list of trusted,unauthorized access and detect any suspicious vulnerabilities, but unauthorized apps often gosecure applications employees can use. Make sure thisactivity in real time.unchecked, leaving systems open to hackers. list is regularly updated with new, approved tools.2. Restrict Unauthorized App Downloads Dont Let Shadow IT Become ACompliance ViolationsIf your businessSecurity Nightmarefalls under regulations like HIPAA, GDPR orSet up device policies that prevent employeesThe best way to fight Shadow IT is to get PCI-DSS, using unapproved apps can lead tofrom installing unapproved software on companyahead of it before it leads to a data breach or noncompliance, fines and legal trouble. devices. If they need a tool, they should request ITcompliancedisaster. Increased Phishing And Malware Risksapproval first. Want to know what unauthorized apps yourEmployees might unknowingly download3. Educate Employees About The Risks employees are using right now? Start with malicious apps that appear legitimate but containa Network Security Assessment to identify malware or ransomware. Employees need to understand that Shadowvulnerabilities, flag security risks and help you lockAccount HijackingUsing unauthorized toolsIT isnt just a productivity shortcutits adown your business before its too late.without multifactor authentication (MFA) cansecurity risk. Regularly train your team on why expose employee credentials, allowing hackersunauthorized apps can put the business at risk.to gain access to company systems. 4. Monitor Network Traffic For Unapproved Apps Answer: D. In 2010, the U.S. Air Force bought 1,760 PS3s for $400 each to build Why Do Employees Use Shadow IT? IT teams should use network-monitoring tools toa supercomputer nicknamed the Condor Most of the time, its not malicious. Take, fordetect unauthorized software use and flag potentialCluster to process high-def satellite imagery.example, the Vapor app scandal, an extensivesecurity threats before they become a problem.ad fraud scheme recently uncovered by security researchers IAS Threat Labs.In March, over 300 malicious applications wereI DIDNT KNOWdiscovered on the Google Play Store, collectively downloaded more than 60 million times. These apps disguised themselves as utilities and healthUnfortunately, That Excuse Doesnt Replenish Your Bank Account, and lifestyle tools but were designed to displayResolve A Data Breach Or Erase Any Fines And Lawsuits.intrusive ads and, in some cases, phish for user credentials and credit card information. OnceIts coming .installed, they hid their icons and bombardedThat day a hacker steals critical data, rendering your office useless .users with full-screen ads, rendering devices nearly inoperative. This incident highlights howThatdaywhenyourbankaccountorcreditcardiscompromised.easily unauthorized apps can infiltrate devicesOrthatdaywhenyourcustomersprivatelivesareuprooted.andcompromisesecurity. Cybercriminals and hackers are constantly inventing NEW ways to infiltrate your But employees can also use unauthorizedcompany, steal your assets and disrupt your life. The ONLY way to STOP THEM is this:appsbecause:You Must Constantly Educate Yourself On How To Protect Whats Yours! They find company-approved tools frustrating or outdated. Now, for a limited time, we have the perfect way to help reduce your risk and keep you safe!They want to work faster and more efficiently. Simply sign up to receive our FREE Cyber Security Tip of the Week. Well send these byte-sized quick-read tips to your e-mail inbox. Every tip is packed with a unique and up-to- They dont realize the security risks involved. date real-world solution that keeps you one step ahead of the bad guys. And because so few people know about these security secrets, every week youll learn something new! They think IT approval takes too longsotheytakeshortcuts. Get your FREE Cyber Security Tip of the Week at Kloud9IT.com/weeklysecuritytipTechnology That Works!216-393-24842'