Why IT Teams Still Struggle with Shadow IT in 2025
Many businesses are still struggling with shadow IT. What is Shadow IT? Any software or hardware, including that of cloud services, which are used without explicit knowledge of the company’s IT department, is referred to as shadow IT and is highly dangerous for any business.
Not only does it pose significant security risks like data breaches and increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, but it also puts employees at risk.
With that being said, everything you can do to help tackle shadow IT the better for your organization.
How remote and hybrid work keep fueling shadow IT
Remote and hybrid work fuels shadow IT because it’s harder for IT departments to be able monitor what’s happening on their company devices that are used within a remote environment. Here are some of the reasons why remote and hybrid work are fueling shadow IT.
Personal device usage
Employees who are using personal computers and devices for their work are mixing both their personal and professional technology in one device, making it harder to separate and secure said devices.
Decentralized control
Employees working from a variety of locations have less visibility and control over the devices being used. As well as the apps and software that are being downloaded, which in general makes it difficult to track and manage.
Lack of secure access controls
If other secure access methods or VPNs prove too difficult to use, then employees may often seek alternative and unauthorized solutions for easier connection and sharing of files.
The organizational blind spots that make it thrive
Organizational blind spots that lack adequate official tools or a lack of awareness regarding security risks all help to create environments that allow shadow IT to truly thrive.
It allows employees to bypass official channels for functionality, convenience, and speed. The blind spots that appear as a result will lead to unmanaged and unvetted technologies, which increase attack surface and compliance violations.
What IT leaders can realistically do this year
IT leaders need to be able to take control of shadow IT as best as possible. Combating it by improving visibility with monitoring tools, to empowering employees with user-friendly approved alternatives are the best, first steps into tackling this problem. Here are a few other ways IT leaders can help their company.
Implement monitoring tools
It’s beneficial to look at deploying SaaS management platforms, as well as conducting regular network monitoring, so you can spot unauthorized data usage, devices, and applications.
Prioritize risk
Risks are something you want to prioritize when it comes to keeping shadow IT under control. Using tools and data to help classify and prioritize the risk is a good way of managing it.
Create an asset inventory
Developing and keeping a comprehensive, updated inventory of all software, devices, and services that are accessing corporate networks is crucial.
Develop clear policies
Developing clear and well-detailed policies on IT and how it’s used in any workplace environment is helpful so that every staff member knows what they can do and what they can’t do.
Offer training to all staff
Make sure to conduct continuous security awareness training when it comes to shadow IT to inform employees about the risks that it brings.
Put these steps in place, and you’ll improve your IT efforts when it comes to managing shadow IT in the workplace.