GOVERNANCE

Shed light on shadow IT risks within your organization

Unauthorized software use is a ticking time bomb for IT compliance. Discover how you can manage shadow IT effectively and reduce security risks.

Explore Features
Shadow IT

When shadow IT disrupts your organization

nauthorized software use is more than an IT headache—it’s a ticking time bomb for compliance and data security. You’re struggling with hidden risks, wasted resources, and mounting frustration that threaten your business’s core operations.

Lack of IT asset visibility

Shadow IT means you can’t see the full scope of tools being used. This blindsides IT teams, leading to inefficiencies and potential security breaches.

User confusion and frustration

Employees often resort to non-approved apps to circumvent slow processes. This creates confusion and resistance, complicating compliance and training efforts.

Escalating compliance risks

Hidden software usage escalates IT compliance risks and governance issues. This exposes your organization to financial penalties and reputational damage.

IT asset usage dashboard

Shadow IT without the headaches

Picture a workspace where every application is secure, compliant, and known to your IT department. Employees seamlessly use approved tools without the allure of shadow IT, and visibility into IT asset usage is no longer a guessing game. Processes are faster, risks are minimized, and compliance is second nature.

  • Increase IT asset visibility by 75%
  • Reduce security risks and compliance violations by 60%
  • Achieve 100% usage of approved software solutions
  • Cut unauthorized software reporting time by 4 hours per incident

SEE

See where shadow IT workflows break down

WalkMe captures screen-level context to reveal exactly where employees get stuck in managing shadow IT — no surveys, no backend APIs, real-time visibility on every step. Identify failure points such as using unauthorized software, skipping compliance checks, or bypassing IT protocols.

3x

more process gaps identified with workflow analytics

4

hours saved reporting unauthorized vendors

1,113

 hours increased productivity per 10,000 users

ACT

Guide every employee through shadow IT management — step by step

Provide in-app, contextual guidance via the action bar that walks users through complex steps. Employees follow protocols correctly without needing to leave their application or recall training.

75%

reduction in email security training time

MOVE

Keep shadow IT governance moving across every application

WalkMe maintains workflow continuity across app boundaries, carrying context from one application to the next. Cross-application orchestration ensures no step is lost in the gaps between tools like ServiceNow, Okta, and WalkMe Workstation.

30%

reduction in spam-related support tickets

 Manage shadow IT across your applications

WalkMe deploys a single, consistent guidance layer across every application your team uses for this workflow.

  • Shadow IT in Okta

    WalkMe assists in managing user access requests in Okta, ensuring only approved applications are utilized.

  • Shadow IT in DocuSign

    WalkMe ensures all document signing in DocuSign is compliant, guiding users away from unauthorized e-signature tools.

  • Shadow IT in Google Drive

    WalkMe intervenes in Google Drive to ensure compliance, guiding users away from unauthorized document sharing.

  • Shadow IT in Dropbox

    WalkMe alerts and guides users to securely share files within Dropbox, blocking non-approved file sharing apps.

  • Shadow IT in Box

    WalkMe monitors and provides step-by-step guidance for secure file sharing in Box, preventing the use of unauthorized storage solutions.

  • Shadow IT in Slack

    WalkMe guides users in Slack to compliant integrations, flagging any unauthorized third-party app use.

  • Shadow IT in Sharepoint

    WalkMe ensures all document uploads in Sharepoint are from authorized sources, reducing shadow IT risks.

  • Shadow IT in ServiceNow

    WalkMe tracks and manages unauthorized software requests within ServiceNow, guiding users to compliant IT resources.

  • Shadow IT in Outlook

    WalkMe's action bar alerts users to non-sanctioned plugins in Outlook, directing them to approved email management resources.

  • Shadow IT in Microsoft Teams

    WalkMe guides users to approved communication tools, intercepting unauthorized apps in Microsoft Teams to ensure compliance.

Shadow IT capabilities

Monitor unauthorized software use in real time with WalkMe Workstation. This capability helps you immediately identify non-compliant applications, safeguarding your organization from potential IT compliance risks.
Direct users towards approved, secure applications using Launchers. This guidance ensures employees have access to compliant tools, reducing the risks associated with unauthorized software use.
Analyze software adoption patterns and drop-offs with Flow Analytics. By understanding where users get lost in IT resources, you can improve IT asset visibility and streamline shadow IT management.
Save time by reporting non-sanctioned vendors through automated processes. This capability not only improves productivity but also enhances your organization’s security posture by addressing shadow IT issues proactively.
Implement strategies to manage shadow IT effectively, integrating employee needs with compliant technology solutions. This approach reduces IT security risks and ensures a seamless adoption of sanctioned IT solutions.

Frequently asked questions about shadow IT

Shadow IT refers to the use of IT systems, solutions, software, and services without explicit organizational approval. This often happens when employees use non-sanctioned tools for work, bypassing the IT department.
Yes, shadow IT poses significant risks including data security breaches and compliance violations. Unauthorized software can expose organizations to vulnerabilities that sanctioned IT processes aim to mitigate.
Organizations can manage shadow IT by implementing strategies that detect and control unauthorized software use. WalkMe helps by providing increased visibility and guiding employees to approved, compliant technology solutions.
Examples of shadow IT include using non-approved apps like Dropbox or Google Drive for file sharing without IT’s knowledge. These tools, while useful, can introduce risks if not managed properly.
WalkMe reduces IT compliance risks by tracking unauthorized software usage and guiding users to sanctioned alternatives. This proactive approach enhances security and compliance across the organization.
WalkMe is designed to work with a wide range of applications including Microsoft Teams, Slack, and ServiceNow. Its execution and accountability layer ensures seamless operation across your enterprise tools.

Quantify your shadow IT risk reduction

Discover the time saved and compliance risks reduced by managing shadow IT effectively.

See My ROI

 TAKE CONTROL NOW

Reduce shadow IT risks today

Save up to 113 hours per 10,000 users with WalkMe.