In today’s tech world, shadow IT represents a significant hidden threat. This is especially true with low-code apps. Organizations often struggle with security and compliance due to unapproved Power Apps. In fact, 11% of cyber problems around the world stem from the use of shadow IT without proper authorization. As businesses adopt low-code solutions, they empower users to create apps. However, this freedom can introduce vulnerabilities. It is crucial to establish robust policies for citizen developers to mitigate these hidden threats and ensure the safety of applications.
“Power Apps greatly reduced the prevalence of shadow IT. It provides users with a low-code platform to develop their own business apps in a secure environment.”
Key Takeaways
Shadow IT can be very dangerous for security. Organizations need to see and fix these risks to keep sensitive data safe.
Set clear rules for citizen developers. This helps mix creativity with security and lowers the risk of unauthorized apps.
Training is very important for citizen developers. It gives them the skills to make secure apps and follow good practices.
Regular security checks are very important. These checks help find weak spots in low-code apps before they turn into big problems.
Avoid being stuck with one vendor by managing your data and picking platforms with open standards. This gives you more choices and less reliance on one vendor.
Shadow IT Risks
Understanding Shadow IT
Shadow IT means using apps and services without getting permission from the IT department. Low-code platforms are becoming popular. They let non-technical users make their own apps. This can cause big security problems. When you make apps without supervision, you risk adding weaknesses to your organization.
The lack of rules and control often helps shadow IT grow. Employees might create apps to solve their urgent needs. They skip the usual IT steps. This can cause several problems:
Increased unauthorized applications: Employees often try to meet their tech needs without waiting for IT help, which raises shadow IT.
Data silos: More shadow IT can mean less control over apps, making data management hard.
Reactive IT departments: IT teams may focus on urgent problems instead of helping with tech use.
Examples of Unsanctioned Power Apps
Unsanctioned Power Apps can cause serious problems for organizations. Here are some real examples of security issues caused by these apps:
Misconfigured Power Apps portals used by American government groups leaked sensitive COVID-19 tracing and vaccination data.
A portal exposed job applicant information, including Social Security Numbers.
Many Power Apps portals allowed anonymous access, risking the exposure of personally identifiable information (PII).
These events show the risks of unsanctioned apps. The table below lists common security risks linked to shadow IT in low-code platforms:
The security risks of shadow IT are serious. Organizations need to see these risks and take steps to reduce them. By setting clear rules and giving training for citizen developers, you can help keep low-code development safe and useful for your organization.
Security Challenges in Low-Code Platforms
Low-code platforms bring special security problems that organizations need to fix. These platforms let users make apps quickly, but they also have weaknesses that can put your organization at risk. Knowing these problems is important for keeping apps safe.
Common Security Threats
There are many security threats in low-code environments. Here are some of the biggest ones:
Open Access: Low-code platforms often use shared passwords. This can allow unauthorized people to see sensitive data.
Vulnerable Migration: Moving data without strong security can expose sensitive information.
Authentication Issues: Weak login methods can cause data leaks, especially when using HTTP instead of HTTPS.
Dependency Injections: Using outside services can create weaknesses not found in regular development.
Also, low-code platforms can raise the chance of data leaks or unauthorized access. For example:
Low-code platforms usually give wide permissions by default. This can allow unauthorized access to sensitive data.
Misconfigured apps can accidentally show important data, especially when citizen developers lack training.
Unsecure data flows might store sensitive data in places like an employee’s OneDrive.
Automated triggers could mistakenly share data between apps, increasing the risk of exposure.
Mitigation Strategies
To fight these security challenges, organizations should follow some best practices:
Perform Static Code Analysis: This helps find problems that could cause security issues.
Audit Proprietary Libraries: Check that libraries used in low-code development are safe from vulnerabilities.
Assess Third-Party Vendors: Carefully check third-party services to make sure they meet security standards.
Implement Best Data Governance Practices: Manage data safely to stop unauthorized access.
Work With A Trusted IT Team: Team up with IT experts to handle security issues well.
Arrange Regular Security Workshops: Teach all users about security practices to lower risks.
Adding security from the start of the development process is very important. Do regular security checks and updates to find and fix weaknesses. Strong user access controls can keep sensitive data safe, while threat modeling can set security needs from the start. Training developers on secure coding will help reduce common weaknesses.
By knowing the security challenges in low-code platforms and using good mitigation strategies, you can keep your organization safe from hidden threats linked to low-code development.
Vendor Lock-In Concerns
Vendor lock-in creates big problems in low-code development. If you depend too much on one low-code platform, you might face many risks.
Risks of Dependency
Vendor lock-in can cause serious trouble for your organization. Here are some main risks:
Limited Flexibility: It can be hard to change to another platform because of special technologies.
Higher Costs: Vendors can increase prices without worrying about losing customers, which raises costs.
Innovation Stagnation: Changing vendors can slow down your ability to create new ideas and adapt.
In fact, 37% of organizations worry about vendor lock-in when using low-code platforms. This number shows how important it is to know these risks as you explore low-code options.
Avoiding Vendor Lock-In
To reduce vendor lock-in risks, you should think about several strategies:
Control Your Data: Make sure you have full control over your data. This way, you can easily move it to another system if needed.
Limit Customizations: Don’t make too many changes in proprietary systems. This helps avoid technical debt and keeps your options open for future changes.
Choose Open Standards: Pick platforms that use open standards and support working together. This lets you keep control over your data and makes it easier to switch to new solutions when needed.
By using these strategies, you can lower the risks of vendor lock-in. This will help you keep flexibility and control over your low-code applications, making sure they stay effective and secure.
Policies for Citizen Developers
Making good rules for citizen developers is very important. These rules help you mix new ideas with safety. You want to let users create while keeping risks low. Here are some best practices to think about:
Establishing Guidelines
Making clear rules is key for managing citizen development. Here are some main ideas:
Autonomous Team: Create a small, quick team with experience in improving processes. This team should get IT approval but work within a business unit.
Self-Service: Let anyone use low-code tools to develop under set rules and limits.
Federated Model: Mix quick teams with wide access. This model should be run by a center of excellence with support and limits.
You can also set up ‘green’, ‘yellow’, and ‘red’ zones for citizen developers based on how much IT oversight is needed. This helps you show the limits of freedom and control.
Training and Support
Training is very important for citizen developers. It helps them learn best practices in app design and safety. Here are some good strategies:
Encourage citizen developers to join training programs offered by the organization. Signing up for online courses or certifications, like Microsoft Learn for Power Apps, can also help. Plus, working together with IT experts helps fill knowledge gaps and makes sure safety is part of the development process.
By following these rules and giving strong training, you can create a safe space for citizen developers. This way not only improves app safety but also encourages new ideas in your organization.
In conclusion, it is very important to deal with shadow IT risks for organizations that use low-code platforms. You need to focus on governance to handle these risks well. Adding security features helps protect against data leaks and rule violations. It is also important to let non-technical users create apps while making sure they follow the rules.
To lower security and compliance risks, good policies for citizen developers are very important. Think about these contributions:
By focusing on these areas, you can lessen the hidden threat from unsanctioned apps and create a safe space for new ideas.
FAQ
What is shadow IT?
Shadow IT means using apps and services without getting approval from the IT department. This often happens when workers make or use low-code apps without proper checks. This can lead to security problems.
How can I identify unsanctioned Power Apps?
You can find unsanctioned Power Apps by watching how apps are used in your organization. Look for apps made without IT knowing and check if they follow security rules.
What are the main security risks of low-code platforms?
Low-code platforms can put your organization at risk for things like unauthorized access, data leaks, and uneven security rules. These problems happen because of a lack of supervision and training for citizen developers.
How can I mitigate risks associated with low-code development?
To reduce risks, set clear rules for citizen developers, give training on security best practices, and do regular checks of low-code apps to make sure they follow security standards.
Why is training important for citizen developers?
Training gives citizen developers the skills to make secure apps. It helps them learn best practices, lowers the chance of security problems, and builds a culture of responsible app creation in your organization.