Shadow IT is when employees use unauthorized apps or services without IT approval. Dropbox, personal Gmail, or even unsanctioned Zoom accounts may seem harmless — until they create major risks.
Shadow IT problems include:
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Unsecured data storage in personal accounts
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Compliance violations if regulated data is exposed
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Increased attack surface through unmanaged apps
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Support headaches when systems don’t integrate
For SMBs, it’s easy to overlook because the tools “just work.” But attackers thrive on unmanaged entry points.
ALCO helps businesses regain control by:
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Auditing app usage across the network
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Implementing sanctioned alternatives like SharePoint and OneDrive
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Applying access policies via Microsoft Entra ID
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Training staff on why using official systems matters
Shadow IT is quiet, but it’s one of the fastest-growing security issues for SMBs.
