Shadow IT—the use of unauthorized apps and tools by employees—poses significant risks to organizations, including data breaches, compliance issues, and uncontrolled access to critical data. Swif’s Shadow IT solutions provide comprehensive visibility and control to help IT admins tackle this growing challenge.
Below is a summary of Swif’s Shadow IT capabilities and how they work.
1. Track Shadow IT with Google Workspace Integration
Swif integrates directly with Google Workspace to track third-party apps accessing your organization's data via OAuth grants.
Key Benefits:
Real-time visibility into apps users log in to using Google SSO.
No need to install a browser extension.
Detect unauthorized apps that could pose security and compliance risks.
How to Enable:
Go to Settings > Integrations in Swif.
Set up the Google Workspace Integration.
Learn more here: Track Shadow IT via Google Workspace Integration.
2. Gain Visibility Using Swif’s Browser Extension
Swif’s Browser Extension helps IT admins monitor employee app usage, detect unauthorized tools, and prevent Shadow IT risks.
Key Benefits:
Track SaaS Applications: Automatically detect apps accessed from employee browsers.
Manage SaaS Sprawl: Identify excessive app usage and enforce policies.
Prevent Sign-Ups: Stop employees from signing up for unauthorized SaaS tools.
How to Deploy:
Roll out the Swif Browser Extension using Swif’s device management policies.
Learn how to install here: How to Install Swif Browser Extension.
3. Block or Prevent Shadow IT Sign-Ups
Using Swif’s Browser Extension, IT admins can block access to unapproved domains or prevent employees from signing up for unauthorized tools.
Features:
Block risky or unauthorized websites using curated blocklists or custom rules.
Prevent sign-ups for new tools to minimize Shadow IT risks.
Upload allowlists for approved domains to control app access.
How to Use:
Configure the blocklist and allowlist files in Swif.
Enable “Prevent Sign-Up” in the policy settings.
Learn more here: Prevent Sign-Ups for Shadow IT Domains.
4. Automated License Assignment for Google Workspace
To simplify license management and reduce friction, Swif supports automated license assignment in Google Workspace. This feature ensures employees automatically receive licenses for approved tools, improving efficiency and security.
How It Works:
Automate license assignment to reduce manual overhead.
Streamline SaaS usage by ensuring only approved tools are accessible.
Learn More:
Follow these steps to set up: Enable Automated License Assignment in Google Workspace.
5. Why Swif for Shadow IT?
Swif’s integrated Shadow IT features provide:
✅ Visibility into third-party apps and domains.
✅ Control over app access and sign-ups using blocklists and allowlists.
✅ Automation to simplify SaaS license management.
✅ Integration with Google Workspace and Browser Extensions for seamless management.
Learn More About Shadow IT
Not sure why Shadow IT matters? Explore the risks and how Swif can help:
What is Shadow IT and Why You Should Care.
By combining Google Workspace integration, browser-level visibility, and preventive controls, Swif empowers organizations to detect, manage, and mitigate Shadow IT risks effectively.
If you need further assistance, reach out to us at support@swif.ai or via Intercom.
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