Shadow IT Visibility
In cybersecurity, Shadow IT Visibility refers to an organization's ability to detect, identify, and understand the use of unsanctioned IT resources and applications within its environment. These resources, which often include cloud services, software-as-a-service (SaaS) applications, or even personal devices, are typically utilized by employees who need the knowledge or approval of the IT or security teams.
Importance of External/Internet-Facing Environment
The external/internet-facing environment plays a critical role in shadow IT visibility for several reasons:
Increased Exposure: The external environment is a significant entry point for shadow IT. Employees may access unauthorized cloud services or download unsanctioned applications directly from the internet, bypassing traditional security controls.
Data Exfiltration: The internet provides a convenient channel for data exfiltration. Sensitive data stored or processed within shadow IT applications can be easily leaked or stolen if these applications are not adequately secured.
Expanded Attack Surface: Shadow IT significantly expands an organization's attack surface. Attackers can exploit unknown vulnerabilities in these unauthorized resources to gain unauthorized access or launch cyberattacks.
Compliance Challenges: Many regulatory frameworks require organizations to control their data and IT assets. Shadow IT can complicate compliance efforts by introducing unknown risks and vulnerabilities that may need to be adequately addressed.
Shadow IT visibility is crucial for cybersecurity because it enables organizations to identify and manage the risks of using unauthorized IT resources. The external/internet-facing environment is critical, representing the primary gateway for shadow IT adoption and the associated risks. By gaining visibility into shadow IT usage, organizations can proactively secure their data, protect their assets, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
ThreatNG's comprehensive capabilities can enhance Shadow IT visibility, especially within an organization's external/internet-facing environment. Let's delve deeper:
How ThreatNG Helps with Shadow IT Visibility
Unveiling the Unknown: ThreatNG’s discovery capabilities extend beyond sanctioned assets. It actively scans the internet, dark web, and other sources to detect unsanctioned cloud instances, exposed code repositories, leaked credentials, and more. It helps identify shadow IT resources that may have slipped through traditional security measures.
Assessing the Risk: Once discovered, ThreatNG assesses the security posture of these shadow IT resources. It checks for misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and potential data leaks. This risk assessment aids in prioritizing remediation efforts, especially for those resources posing the highest risk to the organization.
Continuous Monitoring: ThreatNG doesn’t just provide a one-time snapshot. It continuously monitors the external environment for changes and new shadow IT instances. This ongoing surveillance ensures that new risks are promptly identified and addressed.
Collaboration & Remediation: ThreatNG integrates seamlessly with other security solutions, such as Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) and Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems. This integration allows for automated alerts, blocking of unauthorized access, and faster incident response.
Examples of How ThreatNG's Capabilities Aid Shadow IT Visibility:
Domain Intelligence: Uncovers subdomains that IT may not be aware of, potentially hosting unsanctioned applications or services.
Cloud and SaaS Exposure: Detects the use of unauthorized cloud services or misconfigured SaaS applications, highlighting potential data leakage risks.
Sensitive Code Exposure: This indicator identifies code repositories containing sensitive information like API keys or passwords, indicating potential shadow IT development projects.
Social Media: Finds employee discussions or mentions of unsanctioned tools or services, providing valuable clues about shadow IT usage.
Dark Web Presence: Discovering leaked credentials or discussions about your organization's data on the dark web signals potential breaches originating from shadow IT.
Illustrative Scenario:
Employees use a personal cloud storage service to share sensitive company documents with an external collaborator. ThreatNG could:
Discover: Detect unsanctioned cloud service usage through its continuous monitoring of data leaks and online sharing platforms.
Assess: Evaluate the risk associated with the exposed data and the cloud service’s security posture.
Alert: Generate an alert to the security team, providing details about the exposed data and the potential impact.
Collaborate: Integrate with a CASB to block access to the unsanctioned cloud service or quarantine the exposed data.
ThreatNG acts as a powerful ally in the fight against shadow IT. By actively discovering, assessing, and monitoring the external environment, it illuminates the hidden corners where shadow IT lurks, enabling organizations to take swift and decisive action to mitigate the associated risks.
Remember, the battle against shadow IT is ongoing. ThreatNG's continuous monitoring and integration capabilities empower security teams to stay one step ahead, safeguarding sensitive data and protecting the organization from potential breaches.
