The Shadow IT Paradox

Why Even Security Pros Are Using Unsanctioned Apps and AI

In a surprising revelation, a recent study by Next DLP has uncovered that a staggering 73% of cybersecurity professionals have used unsanctioned apps, including AI tools, in the past year. This finding, also based on interviews with 250 security pros at major industry events, highlights a significant disconnect between security best practices and actual behavior.

????????? ?????????????????????????:?

* 73% of security professionals used unauthorized apps in the past year

* 65% acknowledge data loss as a top risk of shadow IT

* 10% admit that shadow IT led to a data breach

* Only 37% have developed policies for using these tools

* 20% were unaware of corporate policies or training to mitigate shadow IT risk

?????? ??????????????: It's ironic that those tasked with protecting organizational data are themselves contributing to potential security risks. This raises an important question:

?????? ???? ??????????????????, ???????? ????????????????-?????????????????? ????????, ???????? ???? ???????????? ???? ?????? ???? ???????????????????

Common Reasons for Shadow IT Usage:

• Productivity Needs: Employees often seek tools that help them work more efficiently. When official channels don't provide the necessary solutions, they may turn to unauthorized alternatives.
• Ease of Access: Cloud-based SaaS applications are easily accessible and often free to use, making them tempting for quick problem-solving.
• Familiarity: Employees might prefer tools they've used before or find more user-friendly than company-approved options.
• Innovation Drive: In rapidly evolving fields like AI, professionals may experiment with cutting-edge tools to stay ahead, even if not yet sanctioned by their organization.
• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Long approval processes for new tools can drive employees to find immediate solutions outside official channels.
• Lack of Awareness: Insufficient communication about available tools or unclear policies can lead to unintentional use of shadow IT.
• Personal Preference: Some employees simply prefer certain tools and may use them out of habit or comfort.

The ?????????? ???????? is to raise awareness of the issue. ?????????????? ???????? ?????????????????? about the risks of shadow IT and the importance of using sanctioned tools. You should also provide them with the training they need to use these tools effectively.

In addition to education, you should also take steps to ???????? ???????? ???????????????????? ?????????? ???????? ????????-????????????????. If your employees find that the sanctioned tools are easy to use and meet their needs, they will be less likely to resort to shadow IT.

Finally, you should ???????????? ?? ?????????????? ???? ???????? ?????????????????????????? where employees feel comfortable coming to you with their concerns about sanctioned tools. If employees know that they can raise issues without fear of reprisal, they will be more likely to do so.

By ?????????????????????????? ?????? ?????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????? ???? ??????, companies can develop more effective strategies to manage this risk while still meeting the needs of their workforce.

What's your experience with shadow IT in your organization? How do you balance security needs with employee tool preferences?