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Illuminate Shadow IT

Uncover Hidden Assets

Unmasking Shadow IT: Securing Your Network with CSURFACE

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of IT, the rise of Shadow IT poses a significant challenge for organizations. As employees and departments adopt new technologies and tools without the knowledge or approval of the IT department, hidden vulnerabilities emerge. These unauthorized assets, collectively known as Shadow IT, can undermine your cybersecurity efforts and expose your organization to severe risks.

What is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT refers to the use of information technology systems, devices, software, applications, and services without explicit organizational approval. These can include unsanctioned cloud services, personal devices connected to the corporate network, unapproved software, and other technology assets that operate outside the control of the IT department.

Why is Shadow IT a Problem?

From a cybersecurity perspective, Shadow IT introduces numerous risks:

  • Lack of Visibility

    IT departments are unaware of these assets, making it impossible to secure them or ensure they comply with corporate policies.

  • Unpatched Vulnerabilities

    Shadow IT devices and applications may not receive regular updates and patches, leaving them exposed to known vulnerabilities.

  • Data Leakage

    Unsanctioned applications may lack proper encryption and security measures, increasing the risk of data breaches.

  • Non-compliance

    Shadow IT can lead to violations of industry regulations and standards, potentially resulting in hefty fines and legal repercussions.

  • Inefficient Resource Utilization

    Without central management, resources can be duplicated or misallocated, leading to inefficiencies and increased operational costs.

How Does Shadow IT Happen?

Shadow IT typically arises from the following scenarios:

Employee Convenience

Employees use personal devices or third-party services to perform tasks more efficiently, bypassing IT approval.

Departmental Autonomy

Departments adopt specialized tools tailored to their specific needs without consulting the IT department.

Cloud Services

The ease of acquiring and using cloud-based applications encourages their use without formal approval.

The Prevalence of Shadow IT

Shadow IT is widespread across various industries. Studies indicate that a significant portion of cloud services and applications used within organizations are not sanctioned by IT departments. This hidden usage creates substantial blind spots in cybersecurity defenses.

Challenges of Managing Shadow IT without an EASM Platform

Without an EASM platform, managing Shadow IT assets is a daunting task:

Incomplete Asset Inventory

IT departments struggle to maintain a comprehensive inventory of all IT assets, missing out on unauthorized devices and applications.

Ineffective Risk Assessment

Lack of visibility prevents accurate assessment of the risks posed by Shadow IT.

Delayed Response

Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities in Shadow IT assets takes significantly longer without automated tools.

How CSURFACE Can Help

CSURFACE’s EASM platform provides a robust solution to the challenges posed by Shadow IT:

  • Comprehensive Discovery

    CSURFACE automatically discovers all internet-facing assets, including Shadow IT devices and applications, providing complete visibility.

  • Centralized Inventory

    All discovered assets are cataloged in a centralized inventory, enabling IT departments to monitor and manage them effectively.

  • Continuous Monitoring

    The platform continuously scans for changes, ensuring new Shadow IT assets are promptly identified and assessed.

  • Risk Prioritization

    CSURFACE assesses each asset for vulnerabilities and prioritizes them based on risk factors, helping IT teams focus on the most critical threats.

  • Automated Remediation

    The platform provides actionable insights and automated workflows to address vulnerabilities in Shadow IT assets, enhancing overall security.

Ready to elevate your cybersecurity?

Contact us for a demo and learn how CSURFACE can help you protect your external attack surface and integrate with your existing security processes.

For more information or to schedule a demo, visit our website or contact our sales team today.

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