Detecting Unauthorised Apps using Cloud Access Security Brokers

Unauthorised apps—sounds sneaky, right? Well, they are, and they're a bigger problem than you might think for businesses relying on cloud environments. You’d be surprised how many apps get installed and used on company networks without IT’s blessing. These unauthorised or “shadow IT” apps may seem harmless on the surface but can become gateways for data breaches and security nightmares. Here’s where Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs) come into play, acting as a shield to secure your cloud-based infrastructure. Let’s dive into what they do, why they’re essential, and how they can help your organisation avoid security headaches.

Imagine your cloud network is like a bustling city. CASBs are like border patrol and traffic control rolled into one. They monitor and manage all the data moving in and out, detect unauthorised apps, and help control who can access which areas. They serve as the critical link between your cloud provider and internal security protocols, bringing enhanced visibility and protection against unauthorised access and risky applications.

Not only do CASBs make it easy to detect unauthorised apps, but they also handle API security management, data governance, and even threat detection in cloud apps. With features for improving security posture and preventing data leakage, CASBs are a must-have in the modern cybersecurity toolkit.

Why Should You Worry About Unauthorised Apps?

We all know that employees can be creative when they need a tool fast—often faster than the approval process. They might find a new app or tool to streamline their work and jump right into using it without considering the security implications. Unauthorised apps, also known as shadow IT, might look like productivity boosters, but they come with their risks. Here’s why they’re a problem:

- Data Leakage: These apps may have poor security controls or limited data governance, putting sensitive data at risk.
- Regulatory Compliance Issues: If these apps don’t meet industry regulations, your organisation could face fines and penalties.
- Increased Threat Vectors: Every new app is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, increasing the attack surface.
- Data Governance Challenges: When employees use unapproved apps, it becomes harder to track and control data, impacting governance and data integrity.

Unauthorised apps expose you to unnecessary risk, but keeping track of every app and user in a cloud environment is no easy task. That’s where CASBs come in.

CASBs work as your cloud security detectives, sniffing out apps that don’t belong. Here’s a closer look at how they manage this crucial task:

1. Monitoring API Traffic

CASBs monitor API traffic, identifying the apps using your network resources. They look for unusual behaviour or unauthorised requests, flagging them as potential security threats. This is crucial for API security management, as unauthorised apps often rely on APIs to access data.

2. Threat Detection in Cloud Apps

CASBs are all about spotting suspicious activity. If an app starts making unusual data requests, transferring massive files, or accessing restricted areas, the CASB raises a red flag. This helps catch unauthorised apps before they can do serious damage.

3. Real-Time Cloud Security Monitoring

In today’s fast-paced environment, waiting for a weekly or monthly report on cloud activity isn’t enough. CASBs offer real-time monitoring, giving you up-to-the-second insights into your network’s activity. They can detect unauthorised apps as soon as they connect, minimising risk.

4. Tracking Unapproved Applications

CASBs don’t just monitor traffic—they actively track unapproved applications. By keeping a log of every app used on the network, CASBs help you identify risky software and evaluate its impact on your security posture.

5. Automating Data Governance and Policy Enforcement

Data governance is crucial when dealing with cloud security. CASBs allow you to set up automated policies, so only authorised apps and users can access certain types of data. If an unauthorised app tries to retrieve restricted data, the CASB blocks it immediately.

“Shadow IT” isn’t just another buzzword—it’s a legitimate threat to any organisation with a cloud environment. Unauthorised apps fall under the shadow IT category, slipping into your network without IT’s knowledge or approval. Here’s why shadow IT is risky:

- Security Gaps: Shadow IT apps aren’t managed by your IT team, meaning they may lack essential security updates or proper configurations.
- Lack of Visibility: Without visibility, it’s hard to track who’s accessing what data, increasing the chance of data breaches.
- Increased Attack Surface: Every unauthorised app broadens the attack surface, providing cybercriminals with additional access points.
- Poor Data Governance: Unapproved apps complicate data governance efforts, making it hard to manage and secure sensitive information.

With CASBs in place, organisations can manage shadow IT risks and streamline their cloud security practices. Here’s how CASBs can help:

1. Identify Security Threats Proactively

CASBs are built to detect unauthorised apps and other potential security threats. They analyse user activity and application behaviour, identifying high-risk patterns. If a user suddenly downloads gigabytes of data, the CASB will notice and act.

2. Prevent Data Leakage

Unauthorised apps can expose your organisation to data leakage. CASBs help by enforcing data protection policies, ensuring sensitive information doesn’t leave the network unintentionally. They can even encrypt or block data being transferred by high-risk apps.

3. Maintain Compliance Effortlessly

CASBs help you maintain regulatory compliance, ensuring that your cloud environment meets standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and more. They provide visibility into who accesses what data, making audits simpler and reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.

4. Enhance Data Governance and Control

Data governance is easier with a CASB, as it allows IT teams to manage access and ensure data is used appropriately. CASBs enforce policies automatically, so unauthorised apps can’t bypass your security controls.

5. Strengthen Your Overall Security Posture

By identifying unauthorised apps and enforcing strict security policies, CASBs help strengthen your security posture. They provide visibility and control, making it easier to monitor, manage, and protect your cloud environment.

At Microminder Cybersecurity, we understand the challenges of managing shadow IT and unauthorised apps. Our Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solutions offer comprehensive cloud security monitoring, data governance, and proactive threat detection to keep your organisation safe from evolving risks. We don’t just stop at detecting unauthorised apps; we go further by improving your security posture, preventing data leakage, and safeguarding your cloud environment with cutting-edge CASB security solutions.

With our expert team at your side, you’ll gain:

- In-depth visibility into your cloud environment, making it easier to manage and control all apps and users.
- Proactive threat detection that identifies potential risks before they escalate.
- Enhanced compliance capabilities, ensuring your data governance aligns with industry standards.
- 24/7 monitoring and support from cybersecurity professionals.

Talk to our experts today

Unauthorised apps are more than just an annoyance; they’re a real risk to your data security, compliance, and overall business operations. With shadow IT on the rise, a Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) is essential for any organisation serious about cloud security. CASBs provide the visibility, control, and proactive defense needed to detect unauthorised apps, prevent data leakage, and enhance your security posture.

At Microminder Cybersecurity, we’re here to help you tackle these challenges head-on. With our CASB solutions, you’ll gain the tools and insights necessary to secure your cloud environment, manage risks effectively, and stay one step ahead of threats. Get in touch today, and let’s build a secure, resilient foundation for your cloud operations together!