The risks of unmanaged SaaS, Shadow IT and how to mitigate them

As organizations become more reliant on cloud-based applications and services, the use of Software as a Service (SaaS) applications has grown exponentially. Along with this growth comes an increasingly common problem – shadow IT. In this article, we will discuss the risks of unmanaged SaaS shadow IT and outline strategies to mitigate these risks. We will dive into the dangers of uncontrolled SaaS shadow IT, ways to establish a stronger security approach, and the impact of unmonitored shadow IT on an organization's overall security.

The Dangers of Uncontrolled SaaS Shadow IT

Shadow IT, the use of information technology systems, devices, and applications without the knowledge or approval of the organization's IT department, can be a significant challenge for organizations to manage. SaaS applications, in particular, are susceptible to becoming a part of an organization's shadow IT landscape due to their ease of deployment and accessibility.

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Uncontrolled SaaS shadow IT can lead to several risks, including:

1. Data breaches: SaaS applications store vast amounts of sensitive data, making them a prime target for hackers. Unauthorized applications can increase an organization's vulnerability to cyber-attacks and data breaches.

2. Compliance violations: Organizations are subject to various regulations, such as GDPR or HIPAA, which require strict adherence to data protection guidelines. The use of unsanctioned SaaS applications can lead to non-compliance and result in significant fines.

3. Loss of data control: When employees use unapproved SaaS applications, the organization's IT department has little or no visibility into the data being stored, accessed, or shared. This lack of visibility can lead to data loss and potential legal issues.

Mitigating the Risk of Uncontrolled Access to SaaS

To effectively address the risks posed by unmanaged SaaS shadow IT, organizations need to take a proactive approach. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Identify all SaaS applications: The first step in mitigating risks associated with shadow IT is to gain visibility into all SaaS applications being used within the organization. This can be achieved through the use of network monitoring tools and periodic audits of employees' devices. Once all SaaS applications have been identified, organizations can begin to assess the potential risks associated with each application.

2. Assess risks: After gaining visibility into the SaaS applications being used, organizations must assess the potential risks associated with each application. This step helps prioritize which applications pose the highest risk and require immediate attention. Organizations can also use this information to develop policies and guidelines for the use of SaaS applications.

3. Establish a SaaS governance framework: Implementing a governance framework, which includes guidelines and policies governing the procurement, deployment, and management of SaaS applications, is crucial for maintaining control over shadow IT. This framework should include guidelines for the use of approved SaaS applications, as well as policies for reporting and addressing unauthorized SaaS use.

4. Promote safe and responsible use: Employees should be educated on the potential risks and consequences of using unauthorized SaaS applications, as well as best practices for accessing and sharing data within approved tools. Organizations can also implement training programs to ensure that employees understand how to use approved SaaS applications safely and responsibly.

By following these steps, organizations can effectively mitigate the risks associated with uncontrolled SaaS shadow IT.
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It is essential to remember that SaaS applications can be a valuable tool for organizations, providing flexibility and scalability. However, it is crucial to manage their use effectively to avoid the potential risks associated with shadow IT.
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Establishing a Stronger Security Approach for SaaS Shadow IT

Developing a robust SaaS security strategy is crucial to mitigate the risks associated with unmanaged shadow IT. In today's world, businesses are increasingly relying on SaaS applications for their day-to-day operations. However, the use of unauthorized SaaS applications can expose businesses to various security risks, such as data breaches, malware attacks, and compliance violations.
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Therefore, it is essential to have a comprehensive approach that includes the following components:

Identity and access management (IAM):

Implementing a centralized IAM solution is critical to providing secure authentication and authorization for all approved SaaS applications. This solution will help to ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and applications. Single sign-on (SSO) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

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Cloud access security brokers (CASB):

Deploying a CASB solution is essential to gaining visibility into the use of SaaS applications. This solution will help to enforce security policies, detect and prevent data exfiltration, and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. CASB solutions can also help to identify and remediate any security risks associated with SaaS applications.

Data loss prevention (DLP):

Implementing a DLP solution is critical to preventing unauthorized data sharing and enforcing data protection policies. This solution will help to track sensitive data across all SaaS applications and prevent data breaches. DLP solutions can also help to identify and remediate any security risks associated with SaaS applications.

Regular security assessments:

Conducting regular security assessments and penetration tests is essential to identifying potential vulnerabilities and ensuring that security measures are effective in mitigating risks. These assessments should be conducted by experienced security professionals who can identify any weaknesses in the security infrastructure and recommend appropriate remediation measures.

By implementing these components, businesses can establish a stronger security approach for SaaS shadow IT. This approach will help to mitigate the risks associated with unmanaged SaaS applications and ensure that sensitive data remains secure.

Moreover, businesses can also consider providing security awareness training to employees to educate them about the risks associated with shadow IT and the importance of using only approved SaaS applications. This training can help to reduce the likelihood of employees using unauthorized SaaS applications and improve overall security posture.

Overall, establishing a robust security approach for SaaS shadow IT is crucial to mitigating risks and protecting sensitive data. By implementing the components discussed above and providing security awareness training to employees, businesses can significantly improve their security posture and reduce the likelihood of security incidents.