Since when is Shadow IT a business opportunity?

IT and company executives are struggling with the increasing amount of unauthorized apps and tools at the office. From teams selecting technology without a heads up to the IT department to employees downloading company data onto a USB stick: shadow IT comes in many shapes and forms. 

Since companies adopted bring your own device (BYOD) policies, the use of many (unauthorized) consumer apps to solve daily workplace problems has become business as usual. These apps include collaboration tools like file sharing and video chatting. Below, we will expand on how such seemingly innocent practices can bring serious security risks to a company. 

On the bright side, shadow IT gives forward-thinking businesses the opportunity to redefine their use of technology. By embracing the positive sides of shadow IT with G Suite, they gain insights on improving collaboration, innovation and productivity, while minimizing risks. Read on below to find out how.

The issues with shadow IT
Shadow IT occurs more than we can imagine. According to research firm Gartner, only 38% of technology purchases is managed by business leaders. This leaves IT departments largely unaware of the different applications in use within the organisation, and of the external locations where company data is stored. 

When company data is scattered among different external parties, it is inceasingly difficult to gain insights. That is a pity, because companies that share data internally are more innovative. Research by MIT Sloan Management Review shows:

A more concerning issue of shadow IT: it introduces severe security risks. Namely, unapproved software collects sensitive company and employee data, often without secure storage. This leaves companies at risk of data theft, malware attacks and compliance violations. By 2020, Gartner expects that one third of successful attacks on companies will be on their shadow IT resources.

Often, shadow IT practices become apparent once a tool breaks and requires a fix. Only then will IT departments become aware of the company policy violations. Without having specific in-house expertise, solving an issue with shadow IT could be quite a challenge. By wasting valuable time on fixing such issues and by posing severe security risks, shadow IT, again, slows company innovation and employee collaboration.

Benefit from shadow IT with G Suite
If shadow IT poses such great risks to companies, then why is it so popular? Because employees have a natural tendency to work better and faster with tools they know from their daily lives. And because companies consistently fail to provide software that supports this need. However, Google offers a great solution with G Suite: secure data storage and sharing, anywhere. As Ben Fried, CIO at Google, states:

Watch how Woolworths, Australia’s largest retailer, has used G Suite to increase collaboration and productivity:

G Suite is the perfect IT solution to empower employees. Using familiar collaboration tools, it increases their productivity and safeguards valuable data. In addition, it offers employees the possibility to continue using their own devices. If needed, it also enables secure data sharing with external parties. By enabling employees to safely access useful applications and data everywhere, G Suite breaks down barriers to productivity and innovation. To find out how G Suite can drive innovation and collaboration in your company, visit https://gsuite.google.com/