Protect Business from Risky App Usage with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps

NYC area Microsoft security expert explains the risks of shadow IT and how to control risky app usage by blocking or monitoring apps—in a new article from Messaging Architects

HOBOKEN, N.J., Oct. 27, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Messaging Architects, an eMazzanti Technologies Company and Microsoft security expert, explains how to control risky app usage with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps in a new article. The informative article first urges administrators to take a balanced approach to risky app usage by combining technology with user education and open communication.

The author then lists the common types of shadow IT, including home file storage, collaboration and productivity apps, and unsecured messaging apps. He continues by noting the risks posed by shadow IT, such as security gaps, data loss, and compliance issues. He concludes by explaining how to use Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps to block or monitor risky app usage.

"Modern workers have thousands of apps at their disposal to help them collaborate and streamline work," stated Greg Smith, Vice President of Services Delivery at Messaging Architects. "But when they use apps not sanctioned and controlled by the organization, they introduce risk."

Below are a few excerpts from the article, "Protect Business from Risky App Usage with Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps."

Common Types of Shadow IT

"Remote work has increased the use of shadow IT as users try to work around several typical challenges. For instance, one common area of risky app usage involves file storage. Employees working from home may find it easier to store work files using the apps they use for personal files. Tools for collaboration and productivity represent another risky area, especially when collaborating with colleagues outside the company network."

Risks Posed by Shadow IT

"Security gaps – Using unsanctioned apps creates a potential opening for bad actors to inject malware or enter the system. For instance, when employees use apps without the knowledge of IT, they may be using programs with unpatched vulnerabilities."

"Data loss – Regular backups only include the sources known to the organization. When users store files outside the known network, they introduce the risk of losing that data without a recovery option. Additionally, storing and sharing sensitive information through risky apps increases the chance of data leaks."

Control Risky App Usage by Blocking or Monitoring Apps

"One helpful tool in monitoring risky app usage involves employing a cloud access security broker (CASB) such as Microsoft Defender for Cloud Apps. Formerly known as Microsoft Cloud App Security, Defender for Cloud Apps delivers critical visibility into all the cloud apps and services used throughout the organization."

Compliance and Security Experts

The compliance and security experts at Messaging Architects bring deep knowledge of Microsoft and other security and compliance technologies. They will help you choose and implement the tools and features you need to harness the power of the cloud while keeping critical data safe.

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About Messaging Architects

Messaging Architects specializes in effectively managing and securing an organization's most precious asset, its information. With over 20 years of information management and technology consulting experience, the Messaging Architects team has provided corporations, educational intuitions, health care facilities and nonprofits with methodologies, procedures, and technology to keep their data organized, compliant and secure.

About eMazzanti Technologies

eMazzanti's team of trained, certified IT experts rapidly deliver increased revenue growth, data security and productivity for clients ranging from law firms to high-end global retailers, expertly providing advanced business cyber security, retail and payment technology, digital marketing services, cloud and mobile solutions, multi-site implementations, 24×7 outsourced network management, remote monitoring, and support.

eMazzanti's consistent growth landed them on the Inc. 5000 list 9X. Recognized as a 4X Microsoft Partner of the Year, the #1 ranked NYC area MSP, NJ Business of the Year, and 5X WatchGuard Partner of the Year, the company excels as a trusted outsourced IT partner! Contact: 1-866-362-9926, [email protected] or http://www.emazzanti.net Twitter: @emazzanti Facebook: Facebook.com/emazzantitechnologies.

Media Contact

Kent Sorensen, Messaging Architects, 4803345403, [email protected]

SOURCE Messaging Architects