Exposing the Specter of ‘Shadow IT’

These days, consumers are bringing their own devices — and their own apps — to work. Sure, the consumerization of IT is not a new threat, but it’s one that many companies still struggle to contain.

While there are benefits to employees using tools they know and like, experts caution about the security and data protection downsides. Tech Page One writer Scott Koegler offers seven tips to control the “Shadow IT” menace, including:  

• Understand how pervasive Shadow IT is at your company: IT pros know employees are bypassing IT, but they probably don’t know how frequently it occurs. A recent survey from 2nd Watch found that more than 90 percent of business units use the cloud, often behind IT’s back.
• What you don’t know can hurt you: IT must understand what causes employees to seek out applications without company approval. They want to do their jobs as efficiently as possible, and many are savvy enough to work around IT if they sense a roadblock. As for the culprits, the C-suite are as likely (or even more likely) offenders.

(via Tech Page One)

NSA’s $25,000 Per Day Data Threat: This week, Yahoo publicized with threats from the U.S. government to fine the Internet giant $25,000 per day if Yahoo didn’t hand over users’ data. (via The Wall Street Journal)

Meet the New U.S. Chief Technology Officer: The United States has a new CTO, Megan Smith. She is a former Google executive and a prominent advocate for more jobs for women in technology. (via Wired)

No Data Center Tax Breaks: At least not in Missouri. Citing more than $350 million in lost revenue, Governor Jay Nixon vetoed 10 bills that would have granted tax breaks to businesses, including one aimed at attracting data centers to the state. (via Data Center Knowledge)

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