Shadow IT is as sinister as it sounds. It refers to rogue technology and software that is probably being used in your business, without being vetted or approved. It’s a longstanding problem, even with in-house operations, but it has become an even bigger issue as businesses make more use of remote working. In your business, shadow IT can be dealt with through trust management, good communication and effective staff training.
As the Covid-19 pandemic has swept the world, remote working has become more and more prevalent, as people try to stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus. Working off-site or from home is very new to many people, and without guidelines, workers are often forced to improvise to keep operations on track.
Staff deserve credit for their initiative in finding solutions to new problems, but this can lead to the use of unvetted software. This could mean that, when connecting to the business network, they risk exposing your company’s IT infrastructure to hidden threats.
The good news is that there are a number of ways that you can minimize the risks that shadow IT can pose. At the top of the list is a trusting relationship with your staff and good channels of communication regarding IT resources.
Mobile solutions, including smartphones and BYOD (bring your own device) have become more and more widespread in business. At the same time, endpoint management solutions have become more critical, as it is recognized how vital it is that businesses keep control of their IT and the ways it is used. This technology can be used to accomplish various important business tasks:
The key to effective endpoint management is that it needs to be properly run and maintained.
When managing devices used for remote working there are various steps to take:
The bottom line is that good communication between your IT team and your operational staff is vital, and you the right tools and training can also help avoid problems.
Quikteks can supply the technology you need for safe and productive remote working, and our managed IT services provide ongoing support. To learn more, give us a call at (973) 882-4644.