Why Everyone Being an IT Decision-Maker Can Be Risky for Your Business
In today’s workplaces, it seems like everyone can make IT decisions. Employees can download a new app, enable a plugin, or use a cloud service in seconds, often without checking with your IT team. While this flexibility can boost productivity, it also creates serious security challenges.
The rise of cloud software and artificial intelligence has outpaced traditional IT security. Employees are adopting new tools faster than security teams can review them. The result is a mix of unapproved applications, hidden AI features, and permissions that put sensitive data at risk.
Here are five ways this shift can affect your business and practical steps to protect yourself.
1. Hidden Tools Are Hidden Risks
Once, IT controlled which software could access your network. Now, employees can adopt apps that connect to company data without anyone noticing. These hidden applications are a major security risk because you cannot secure what you cannot see.
What you can do:
- Track every application in use, including cloud tools, browser extensions, and personal logins.
- Identify redundant or suspicious apps and remove them promptly.
2. Unmonitored AI Can Leak Data
Artificial intelligence is now part of everyday work. Employees use AI for writing documents, analysing data, or creating presentations. These tools increase productivity but can also leak sensitive information, create uncontrolled connections, and leave no audit trail.
What you can do:
- Monitor where and how AI tools are being used across your systems.
- Stay aware of new AI features added to existing applications.
3. Interconnected Apps Can Create Weak Points
Modern applications often integrate to streamline workflows. Each connection is a potential entry point for attackers. Even small or unapproved apps can provide access to critical systems if compromised.
What you can do:
- Map all integrations between your applications.
- Identify which apps have access to critical data and manage any risky connections.
4. Compliance Is Harder Than Ever
Regulations like GDPR or standards such as SOC 2 require strict control over data. When employees adopt unapproved apps, ensuring compliance becomes challenging. Hidden tools make audits difficult and increase risk.
What you can do:
- Maintain oversight of all apps and integrations.
- Regularly check that all tools meet compliance standards to stay audit-ready.
5. Old Accounts Can Still Pose a Threat
When employees leave, their accounts and connected applications often remain active. These lingering connections can continue accessing sensitive data, creating hidden security gaps that attackers could exploit.
What you can do:
- Track all user accounts, including those no longer with the company.
- Remove unnecessary access to reduce the risk of unauthorised data access.
Taking Control Without Slowing Down
IT will continue to be decentralised. Employees will explore new tools, connect applications, and experiment with AI. Ignoring this is not an option. The key is visibility: knowing which applications are in use, who has access, and whether they pose a risk.
By understanding your IT environment, you can embrace agility without compromising security. Continuous monitoring, awareness, and the ability to act quickly are essential to keeping your business safe.
At Rachis Technology, we help small and medium businesses gain full visibility over their IT systems. We identify hidden applications, manage AI usage, monitor integrations, and ensure compliance. This allows you to stay productive while keeping your organisation secure.