Netskope offers a unique capability to deeply inspect network packets (post-decryption) and understand the interactions between users and the SaaS applications they use. This enables the application of granular policy controls to regulate specific actions, such as downloading, uploading, editing, posting, or creating content within any application. However, it’s essential to avoid imposing such restrictions on critical business applications like corporate email or OneDrive that employees rely on for their daily tasks.

Understanding Managed and Unmanaged Applications

While analyzing SaaS application traffic, Netskope identifies the unique instance ID of each application. This allows it to distinguish between personal and corporate accounts, even if they share the same URL. Netskope labels applications managed by your IT department as “Managed,” ensuring corporate accounts are securely monitored and controlled.

Why the Managed vs. Unmanaged Distinction Matters

In today’s cloud-first environment, employees use numerous applications to boost productivity. While this can improve efficiency, it also creates significant security challenges. Sensitive data becomes scattered across multiple apps, making it harder for IT teams to enforce security policies.

Managed Apps: These are officially approved and supported by IT, vetted for security, compliance, and reliability (e.g., Microsoft 365, Salesforce, Slack).

Unmanaged Apps (Shadow IT): These are apps employees use without IT approval, often posing security risks despite their good intentions.

How Netskope Addresses the Challenge

Netskope leverages the managed vs. unmanaged app classification to enhance security and control:

Visibility: Netskope provides a clear view of all cloud app usage, identifying both managed and unmanaged apps to eliminate blind spots and enhance data control.

Granular Control: Different policies can be applied to managed and unmanaged apps. For instance, managed apps might be accessible only from authorized devices, while unmanaged apps can be blocked or restricted.

Data Protection: Tailored data loss prevention (DLP) rules safeguard sensitive information, with stricter controls applied to unmanaged apps to prevent data leaks.

Threat Prevention: Netskope scans unmanaged apps for malware and other threats, protecting against potential attacks.

Compliance: By monitoring and managing unmanaged app usage, Netskope helps organizations meet regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.

To Know More, Read Full Article @ https://ai-techpark.com/shadow-it-managed-apps/

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