What does Shadow IT refer to?

Shadow IT refers to the use of software and applications within an organization that have not been authorized or sanctioned by the IT department or system owners. This can include third-party applications, tools, or services that employees utilize to perform their job functions without the knowledge or approval of the IT team.

The presence of shadow IT can introduce significant risks to an organization's information security posture. For example, unapproved software may not meet the organization's security standards, potentially leading to vulnerabilities, data breaches, or compliance issues. Additionally, data may be stored or processed in environments that lack sufficient security controls, making it difficult for the organization to monitor and protect sensitive information.

While other options present various concerns related to IT management and security, they do not capture the specific definition and implications of shadow IT as described. Unauthorized installations should go through the appropriate channels within IT, outdated hardware refers to equipment rather than software usage, and insufficient security measures apply broadly to various aspects of IT rather than the specific unauthorized use of software or applications.