Website design By BotEap.comShadow IT is the term used for personal technologies (BYOD), applications, and software or services supported by a third-party service provider, rather than an organization’s IT provider or technology department.

Website design By BotEap.comIn recent years, social, mobile, analytics and cloud (SMAC) technologies have been central drivers of innovation (and disruption). Mobile and cloud services have given end users the ability to access data and perform their work functions from almost anywhere. As a result, enterprise applications have moved from behind the security of the enterprise firewall to public software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions for everything from accounting to human resources.

Website design By BotEap.comThese technology trends have also resulted in the “consumerization” of IT, where end users expect a fast and easy-to-use mobile first experience. These expectations can cause frustration with legacy technologies that may not work as well for employees on the go.

Website design By BotEap.comEnd users gravitate towards the simplest solution. Why search for a work-related device when your cell phone or tablet is on the desk? Thanks to the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, employees have access to literally thousands of applications that they can quickly install and use to carry out their work functions, all outside the network perimeter. So why is this a problem?

Website design By BotEap.comTHE RISKS OF SHADING IT

Website design By BotEap.comThere are several problems with Shadow IT. Users who choose their own applications can expose companies to security problems, take them out of compliance with legal guidelines, and unintentionally affect other users in their business. Here are some of the ways Shadow IT can affect your business:

Website design By BotEap.comSecurity – Unsupported hardware and software are not subject to the same security measures as supported technologies. Without the ability to monitor and control application usage, software and applications that incorporate business data and integrate with existing business applications are at risk of cyberattacks and malware infections. This leads to loss of time, productivity, revenue, and reputation.

Website design By BotEap.comCompliance – The governance and compliance risks of Shadow IT are extremely serious, as sensitive data can be easily uploaded or shared. There are no processes to guarantee data confidentiality or access policies if an employee stores corporate data in their personal DropBox or EverNote account. Violations resulting from not meeting compliance guidelines can result in significant fines.

Website design By BotEap.comWorkflows and processes – Technologies that operate without the knowledge of an IT department can negatively affect the user experience of other employees by affecting bandwidth and creating situations where software or network application protocols conflict. Additionally, IT support teams may not be ready with answers or a resolution when end users have problems with unsupported tools. This slows down workers and creates additional stress on IT.

Website design By BotEap.comREDUCE RISK AND MAXIMIZE PROFITS

Website design By BotEap.comDespite all the risks that Shadow IT presents, it also comes with the potential for rewards. New applications can revolutionize processes and allow employees to work smarter and more efficiently. This requires a careful balance between management and flexibility.

Website design By BotEap.comMost end users do not equate the use of certain applications or devices with extreme consequences. This is where IT needs to be flexible and communicate well. Rather than telling end users that they can only use one system to work, clearly describe what kind of data it is okay to work on in unsupported applications and what data should remain safe on your supported network. Be sure to identify the permitted uses in your Acceptable Use Policy.

Website design By BotEap.comThe time has come to get past the Shadow IT denial stage and communication is key. Educating end users and providing clear and concise information usage guidelines can help you develop applicable limits. Take the time to understand your processes and employee needs. Research and employ solutions that address those needs, both current and future. This, combined with a strong cloud and SaaS application strategy, can put your end users and data on the back burner.