In the ever-evolving landscape of software applications, a concerning trend has emerged – the rise of shadow apps. These shadow apps, whether standalone or integrated with existing corporate assets, pose a significant security risk to organizations.
Unauthorized instances of approved applications, such as a separate GitHub instance set up by a development team, operate outside the purview of the security team. This lack of governance can leave sensitive company data vulnerable, without essential protections like MFA, SSO, and strong access controls. The presence of shadow apps increases an organization’s attack surface, providing malicious actors with more entry points to exploit.
The use of unsanctioned apps also raises compliance concerns, potentially exposing organizations to hefty fines, legal actions, and reputational damage. Without proper visibility into these shadow apps and their security settings, organizations are blind to potential threats lurking within their IT infrastructure.
To address the challenge of detecting shadow apps, organizations can leverage a SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) platform. This tool enables security teams to gain a comprehensive view of their SaaS stack, analyzing apps, users, and devices to prevent, detect, and respond to threats effectively. By reviewing OAuth integrations and monitoring SSO sign-ins, SSPMs streamline the app discovery process, identifying unauthorized apps that have been integrated with the SaaS stack.
Moreover, SSPMs can integrate with other security tools, such as email security systems, to automate shadow app discovery. By leveraging the capabilities of email security tools to monitor email traffic for potential threats, SSPMs can detect standalone apps that employees have onboarded but not connected to company resources.
After discovering shadow IT within their organization, companies should take proactive steps to address the situation. Conducting a risk assessment to align discovered apps with corporate policies is the first step, followed by upgrading app configurations to comply with regulatory requirements. Monitoring user activity, checking permissions, implementing protective measures, and regularly assessing applications for potential threats are crucial steps to secure the SaaS ecosystem.
By understanding the risks associated with shadow apps, utilizing effective detection methods, and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate risks and ensure a secure SaaS environment. Embracing tools like SSPMs can provide enhanced visibility and control over the SaaS stack, enabling organizations to proactively address security challenges in the dynamic landscape of software applications.