September 10, 2024 at 07:39AM
Shadow apps, a subset of Shadow IT, are SaaS applications procured without the security team’s knowledge. They may lack essential security measures and compliance standards, posing risks such as data leaks and regulatory violations. Standalone and integrated shadow apps both expand the company’s attack surface. SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) tools help identify and manage shadow apps using methods like monitoring SSO sign-ins and integrating with email security systems and browser extension security tools.
Based on the meeting notes, it is clear that shadow apps, a segment of Shadow IT, pose significant security risks to the organization. These apps are SaaS applications purchased without the knowledge of the security team and can operate within blind spots of the corporate security team, exposing the company to potential attackers. These shadow apps can either be standalone or integrated and can result in data security vulnerabilities, compliance and regulatory risks, increased attack surface, and lack of visibility and control for IT departments.
To address the issue of shadow apps, SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) tools are essential. These tools monitor configurations, users, devices, and other elements of the SaaS stack, and can also detect shadow applications. SSPMs can detect integrated shadow apps by monitoring SaaS-to-SaaS connections and sign-ins through Single Sign-On (SSO). Additionally, some SSPMs integrate with email security systems to selectively retrieve information from emails, enabling precise detection of shadow apps without overreaching. Integration with browser extension security tools also allows for real-time tracking of user behavior to identify potential shadow apps.
To mitigate the risks associated with shadow apps, it’s vital for security teams to proactively manage and discover these apps by leveraging the capabilities of SSPM. This will enable organizations to improve their security posture and reduce the potential impact of shadow apps on their SaaS environment.