{"id":120965,"date":"2025-08-12T16:11:02","date_gmt":"2025-08-12T08:11:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/v2catalog.com\/?p=120965"},"modified":"2025-10-10T12:23:51","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T04:23:51","slug":"unmasking-shadow-data-how-to-safeguard-your-organization-from-its-risks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/v2catalog.com\/zh\/unmasking-shadow-data-how-to-safeguard-your-organization-from-its-risks\/","title":{"rendered":"\u63ed\u958b\u5f71\u5b50\u8cc7\u6599\u7684\u9762\u7d17\uff1a\u5982\u4f55\u4fdd\u8b77\u60a8\u7684\u7d44\u7e54\u514d\u53d7\u98a8\u96aa"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"120965\" class=\"elementor elementor-120965\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-35fe5dd post-content elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"35fe5dd\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;cef08c3&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_tablet&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_mobile&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:50,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_type&quot;:&quot;scroll&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_fx_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_z_index&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_animation_prop&quot;:&quot;transform&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;]}]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-409a2e9a\" data-id=\"409a2e9a\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5a8be8f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5a8be8f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-cover-blog-organizations-1080x675.png.webp\" width=\"1080\" height=\"675\" \/><\/p><div class=\"entry-content\"><blockquote><p><strong>Shadow data often lurks in unnoticed places and can jeopardize an organization\u2019s security. In this guide, we\u2019ll explore what shadow data is, why it matters, the tools to address it, real-world examples, and effective strategies to manage it, empowering you to protect sensitive information and maintain control.<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div><p>\u00a0<\/p><div class=\"entry-content\"><h2 id=\"part1\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">1. The Rise of Shadow Data: Key Statistics<\/h2><p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibm.com\/reports\/data-breach\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2024 Cost of a Data Breach Report by IBM<\/a> underscores the growing risks posed by shadow data, unmanaged data residing in unauthorized or untracked sources. These statistics illustrate its impact:<\/p><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Prevalence:<\/strong> Shadow data was involved in <strong>35% of data breaches<\/strong>, highlighting the challenge of managing proliferating data across environments.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Higher Costs:<\/strong> Data breaches involving shadow data had an average cost of <strong>$5.27 million<\/strong>, which is <strong>16.2% higher<\/strong> than breaches without shadow data. Discover the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/how-to-quantify-the-cost-of-a-data-breach-a-case-study\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">method for calculating the cost of a data breach<\/a> here.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Longer Lifecycles:<\/strong> Breaches with shadow data lasted an average of <strong>291 days, 24.7% longer<\/strong> than breaches without it. Specifically, breaches involving shadow data took <strong>26.2% longer to identify<\/strong> and <strong>20.2% longer to contain<\/strong>.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Storage Complexity:<\/strong> Storing data across multiple environments increased risks. 40% of breaches involved multi-environment storage strategies, with data scattered across public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises. Conversely, when stored in just one type of environment, breaches occurred less frequently: <strong>Public cloud (25%), On premises (20%), Private cloud (15%).<\/strong> We show yo here <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/secure-business-documents-storage-systems\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">how to Secure Business Documents in Storage Systems<\/a>.<\/li><li><strong>Not Just a Cloud Problem:<\/strong> <strong>25% of breaches<\/strong> involving shadow data occurred <strong>solely on premises<\/strong>, indicating that shadow data risks are not limited to cloud storage.<\/li><\/ul><p>These figures demonstrate the importance of shadow data for organizations and the impact it has today.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part2\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">2. What exactly is shadow data?<\/h2><p><strong>Shadow data refers to data that exists within an organization but remains outside the visibility or control of its formal IT or security processes<\/strong>. This data often ends up \u201cin the shadows\u201d due to its storage in unsanctioned locations, such as personal cloud drives, local devices, or unmanaged third-party platforms. While this data may originate from legitimate business activities, its lack of governance creates security vulnerabilities.<\/p><p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data-980x501.png.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data-480x246.png.webp 480w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35826 webpexpress-processed lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data.png\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data-980x501.png 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data-480x246.png 480w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"614\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/picture><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"614\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35826 webpexpress-processed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data-980x501.png 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/what-is-shadow-data-480x246.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\"><\/noscript><\/p><p>Shadow data can present significant risks to organizations. Without proper oversight, it can lead to security breaches, data leaks, and compliance violations. Having an understanding of shadow data is crucial for organizations to ensure data privacy, protect intellectual property, and maintain regulatory compliance.<\/p><p><strong>Real-World Examples:<\/strong><\/p><p>Shadow data can arise in various ways during an employee\u2019s routine tasks, such as:<\/p><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Using Personal Email Accounts:<\/strong> Employees forwarding work documents to personal email addresses to complete tasks from home, exposing sensitive data to unmonitored systems.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Sharing Files on Personal Cloud Storage:<\/strong> Uploading business reports, presentations, or spreadsheets to services like Dropbox, Google Drive, or iCloud for easier collaboration, without proper oversight.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Making Local Copies of Documents:<\/strong> Downloading sensitive company files to local drives, USB sticks, or external storage for offline access, often without encryption or visibility.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Untracked Duplicates:<\/strong> Employees creating and sharing modified versions of original documents, resulting in unmanaged and unsecured file copies on personal or external devices.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Using Unauthorized Applications:<\/strong> Sharing business data using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Slack, potentially exposing confidential information to unauthorized parties.<\/li><li><strong>Retaining Outdated Files:<\/strong> Employees holding on to older versions of sensitive documents locally or on personal devices, disregarding IT policies for data removal or updates.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part3\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">2. Clear Differentiation Between Shadow Data and Shadow IT<\/h2><p><strong>Shadow IT encompasses the use of unauthorized software, hardware, or third-party services within an organization<\/strong>. These tools or systems are introduced and used by employees without the approval or oversight of the IT department, potentially leading to compliance and security risks.<\/p><p><strong>Shadow Data, on the other hand, refers specifically to unmanaged, hidden, or untracked copies of data outside the scope of an organization\u2019s official monitoring and controls<\/strong>. It often arises when employees handle sensitive information through unsanctioned platforms or methods, like saving work files on personal drives or sharing data through unauthorized cloud services.<\/p><p>An employee forwarding sensitive company files from their work email to a personal email account creates shadow data unmanaged copies of the files are now stored outside the organization\u2019s systems. If the same employee uses a non-approved online file-sharing platform like Dropbox to share the files with a colleague, this constitutes shadow IT, as it involves the usage of an unauthorized platform.<\/p><p><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it-980x497.png.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it-480x244.png.webp 480w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35830 webpexpress-processed lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it.png\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it-980x497.png 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it-480x244.png 480w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"609\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/picture><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"609\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35830 webpexpress-processed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it-980x497.png 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/shadow-data-vs-shadow-it-480x244.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\"><\/noscript><\/p><p><strong>Understanding the difference between Shadow Data and Shadow IT is crucial because the risks, causes, and mitigation strategies for each are distinct.<\/strong> Shadow Data directly impacts data integrity, privacy, and compliance because sensitive information exists in places where governance policies don\u2019t apply. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/what-is-file-integrity-monitoring\/#cia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Know more about the CIA triad<\/a>. Shadow IT, however, deals with the technology itself, posing risks related to unvetted tools, software vulnerabilities, or integration failures. Organizations must address these two issues differently to properly secure their systems and data.<\/p><p><strong>Shadow Data and Shadow IT are often confused because they frequently occur together.<\/strong> For example, Shadow Data is often created as a result of Shadow IT usage. Unapproved tools or platforms inadvertently generate unprotected or unmonitored data. This overlap makes it harder for organizations to distinguish between the two and leads to challenges in identifying and addressing the root cause.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part4\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">4. Characteristics of Shadow Data<\/h2><p>Shadow data comes in various forms and can exist in places that are difficult to monitor. Understanding its characteristics and types helps organizations identify and address it effectively.<\/p><h3>Types of Shadow Data<\/h3><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Untracked Backups:<\/strong> Data stored in old, unmanaged backups on drives, devices, or cloud storage. Example: An employee makes a local copy of database files for \u201csafety\u201d and forgets about it.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Personal Storage Use:<\/strong> Files stored on personal devices, USB drives, or personal cloud accounts that fall outside company monitoring. Example: Exporting work spreadsheets to a personal Dropbox or Google Drive account. It\u2019s important to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/mobile-device-secure-file-sharing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">share files securely on mobile devices<\/a> to prevent leaks. We show you how.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Stale or Orphaned Data:<\/strong> Data left behind by outdated processes or applications that are no longer in use. Example: CRM data stored on a decommissioned server but never deleted.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Hidden Data in SaaS Applications:<\/strong> Files or data stored in third-party SaaS platforms not integrated with the organization\u2019s systems. Example: Project files uploaded to Trello or Asana accounts created without IT approval.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Test or Dev Environments:<\/strong> Copies of production data used in development or testing environments that are not properly secured. Example: A developer downloads sensitive client data to use in local testing.<\/li><li><strong>Shadow Datasets:<\/strong> Data aggregated or siloed into spreadsheets, reports, or dashboards that stem from unapproved reporting practices. Example: An employee creates an Excel report from downloaded data and shares it internally without updating security permissions.<\/li><\/ul><h3>Identifying Shadow Data<\/h3><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Look for Off-Network Activity:<\/strong> Files stored on personal cloud accounts like Google Drive or OneDrive. Employees saving documents to personal devices or USB drives.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Monitor for Unapproved Platform Usage:<\/strong> Shadow data often correlates with Shadow IT (e.g., data in unsanctioned SaaS tools).<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Check Outdated Systems or Environments:<\/strong> Legacy servers, old databases, and unused backups are common sources of shadow data.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Track Copies, Duplicates, and Exports:<\/strong> Duplicated files saved in local folders, unauthorized spreadsheets, and exported reports. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/data-tampering-protection-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Data tampering is also a serious threat<\/a>, here we explain more details.<\/li><li><strong>Identify Unlabeled or Orphaned Data:<\/strong> Data with no clear owner, permissions, or purpose, often found in shared folders or cloud storage. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/data-protection-federation-document-collaboration-management-tools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Data Protection Federation<\/a> is a good option for it.<\/li><\/ul><p>By investigating them organizations can pinpoint shadow data sources. Identifying these types and their locations is the first step toward mitigating the risks they pose.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part5\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">5. Root Causes of Shadow Data<\/h2><p>Shadow data is often the result of gaps in organizational processes, lack of oversight, and human behaviors that bypass established controls. Understanding its root causes helps organizations implement strategies to prevent it effectively. Common Causes of Shadow Data:<br \/><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data.png.webp 800w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data-480x233.png.webp 480w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35834 webpexpress-processed lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data.png\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data.png 800w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data-480x233.png 480w\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"389\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/picture><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"389\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35834 webpexpress-processed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data.png 800w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/root-causes-of-shadow-data-480x233.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 800px, 100vw\"><\/noscript><\/p><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Shadow IT:<\/strong> When employees use unapproved tools or platforms without informing IT or governance teams. Example: A marketing team uses a free SaaS tool to store campaign data, bypassing IT approval.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Lack of Data Governance:<\/strong> Absence of clear accountability for data can lead to unmanaged or orphaned files. Example: A team uploads sensitive data to a shared folder without assigning someone to maintain or monitor it.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Unapproved Data Management Practices:<\/strong> Employees creating unofficial backups, duplicating files, or exporting data for convenience without securing it properly. Example: An employee saves customer data to a personal USB drive for offline access.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Complex or Multi-Environment Storage:<\/strong> Storing data across multiple environments (e.g., public cloud, private cloud, on-premise servers) makes it harder to track and manage. Example: A dataset is copied across various cloud platforms for easier collaboration, leaving duplicates unmanaged.<\/li><li><strong>Legacy Systems and Processes:<\/strong> Outdated systems or workflows often leave behind unused data that is forgotten but still accessible. Example: A retired application leaves old customer records on a server that hasn\u2019t been maintained.<\/li><li><strong>Human Error and Miscommunication:<\/strong> Accidental copying of files, informal collaboration, or lack of clear policies for handling data. Example: A team member shares financial spreadsheets over email with no encryption or tracking.<\/li><li><strong>Employee Awareness:<\/strong> A lack of awareness among employees about the importance of data governance leads to unintentional creation and mismanagement of shadow data. Example: Employees might not know the risks of saving sensitive data on personal devices or cloud platforms for quick access.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part6\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">6. Risks Associated with Shadow Data<\/h2><p>Shadow data poses significant risks to organizations, stemming primarily from its lack of visibility and control. The main problem with shadow data lies in its <strong>inherent vulnerability: when it is stolen, publicly leaked, or accidentally shared<\/strong>, organizations face significant risks. Since shadow data is often unmanaged and unknown, it remains exposed and susceptible to breaches, making it much easier for malicious actors to exploit.<\/p><h3>Financial Risks<\/h3><p>Shadow data can lead to unforeseen costs associated with data breaches or loss of sensitive information. When data is outside the purview of compliance and security protocols, remediation expenses can escalate rapidly. Example: A company faces unexpected financial losses after a data breach exposes confidential customer information stored in an unauthorized cloud service. Organizations should take them into account in their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/data-breach-response-plan-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">data breach response plans, learn how how to develop one<\/a> here.<\/p><h3>Reputational Risks<\/h3><p>The exposure of shadow data can tarnish an organization\u2019s reputation and erode customer trust. News of a data mishap may damage a brand\u2019s credibility, resulting in long-term impacts on customer loyalty and partnerships. Example: A leaked dataset from an unsanctioned database damages a company\u2019s reputation, leading to negative media coverage and loss of clients.<\/p><h3>Regulatory and Compliance Fines<\/h3><p>Non-compliance with data protection regulations due to shadow data can attract hefty fines and legal repercussions. Organizations risk violating laws such as GDPR, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/nis2-directive-guide-requirements\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">NIS2<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/cis-critical-security-control-v8-data-protection\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">CIS Critical Security Control 3 v8<\/a>, if unauthorized data flows are overlooked. Example: An enterprise faces substantial penalties after failing a compliance audit because employee-created shadow IT bypassed data control measures.<\/p><h3>Competitive Disadvantage<\/h3><p>Shadow data can inadvertently leak strategic business information to competitors. Data not within controlled environments is more susceptible to attacks or accidental sharing, compromising innovation and competitive standing. Example: Proprietary information stored in an unsecured personal account becomes accessible to competitors, harming the organization\u2019s market position.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part7\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">7. Strategies to Prevent Shadow Data<\/h2><p>Preventing shadow data requires a strategic, iterative approach that combines assessment, identification, risk management, implementation of controls, and continuous improvement. Below are the key steps organizations can take to address and mitigate shadow data effectively:<br \/><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations.png.webp 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations-980x473.png.webp 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations-480x232.png.webp 480w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35838 webpexpress-processed lazyloaded\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations.png\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations-980x473.png 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations-480x232.png 480w\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"579\" data-ll-status=\"loaded\" \/><\/picture><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1200\" height=\"579\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35838 webpexpress-processed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations-980x473.png 980w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/steps-and-strategy-shadow-data-organizations-480x232.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1200px, 100vw\"><\/noscript><\/p><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>1. Perform a GAP Analysis and Understand the Organization\u2019s Context:<\/strong> Begin by analyzing your current data management practices and understanding your organization\u2019s specific context. Examine where gaps in governance, visibility, or control exist. Example: Assess which departments or teams tend to use unsanctioned tools, such as personal cloud services, to store or process data.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>2. Identify Types of Shadow Data:<\/strong> Catalog shadow data by identifying where it resides and how it is created. Focus on unaudited systems, user-created tools, and unapproved storage locations or applications. Example: An IT team reviews shared folders across all teams and discovers files with sensitive customer data stored in unauthorized cloud services. There are many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/types-of-sensitive-information-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">types of sensitive information, know how to identify them<\/a>.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>3. Identify Risks:<\/strong> Evaluate the risks associated with the discovered shadow data, including financial, reputational, and regulatory impacts. Prioritize high-risk data based on its sensitivity and exposure. Example: Map out risks tied to sensitive customer databases found in a marketing team\u2019s unsanctioned tools, which lack encryption and security controls.*Please note that it is important to use the strongest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/types-of-encryption-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">encryption type<\/a> available.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>4. Implement Practices, Controls, and Security Measures:<\/strong> Establish practices and controls to prevent shadow data from being created in the first place. Educate employees on the risks and enforce the use of secure platforms. Implement tools for automated data monitoring and tracking to flag unauthorized activity. Example: Deploy a data loss prevention (DLP) tool to monitor sensitive data movement and block transfers to unauthorized platforms, and train employees on approved tools for storing data securely. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/tools-prevent-data-theft-organizations\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Here are the best 9 tools to prevent data theft or breach in your organization<\/a>.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>5. Document All Processes:<\/strong> Develop a clear, comprehensive record of approved systems, policies, and procedures regarding data usage. Ensure roles and responsibilities for data governance are well-documented. Example: Create a centralized policy document that outlines where and how employees should store data, and distribute it across the organization.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>6. Conduct Regular Audits:<\/strong> Frequently audit your data systems to uncover new instances of shadow data and ensure compliance with security policies and regulations. This will help verify that controls are effective. Example: Conduct quarterly audits of cloud storage services and endpoint devices to detect unauthorized data repositories.<\/li><li><strong>7. Continuously Improve Weak Points:<\/strong> Use audit results and feedback to refine your strategy. Address weaknesses in controls, revise policies, and update security measures to keep up with evolving threats. Example: After an audit uncovers shadow data in collaboration tools, strengthen controls by introducing stricter access policies and providing additional staff training.<\/li><\/ul><p>By consistently applying this framework, organizations can gain visibility over shadow data, minimize its risks, and create a culture of accountability and secure data management. Remember to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/zero-trust-security-model-implement-strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">follow the zero-trust model guidelines<\/a>.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part8\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">8. Automation Tools and Solutions<\/h2><p>Automation tools and platforms play a crucial role in identifying, managing, and mitigating the risks of shadow data. These technologies streamline the process of discovering, securing, and monitoring unregulated or hidden data across an organization\u2019s systems. Key solutions include:<\/p><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Cloud Monitoring Solutions:<\/strong> These tools provide visibility into cloud environments, identifying shadow data generated by unauthorized or misconfigured cloud usage. They enable organizations to monitor data flows, detect anomalies, and ensure compliance with security policies.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Enterprise Digital Rights Management (EDRM) Solutions:<\/strong> EDRM tools help secure shadow data by enforcing access controls and permissions, even when data is shared outside the organization. They provide detailed tracking and prevent unauthorized use. It can block attempts to copy content and encrypt copies of the original files. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/deploy-enterprise-digital-rights-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A guide to know how to deploy an EDRM solution<\/a>.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Identity Access Management (IAM) Platforms:<\/strong> IAM platforms help control who can access data within an organization, ensuring proper authentication and authorization. Robust IAM frameworks can minimize the risk of users inadvertently creating or accessing shadow data.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Tools:<\/strong> DLP solutions monitor sensitive data to prevent unauthorized sharing or transfers. These tools can identify shadow data leaks and enforce security policies across endpoints and networks.<\/li><li><strong>Data Discovery Tools:<\/strong> These platforms automatically scan organizational systems to locate and classify shadow data. By providing a comprehensive inventory of data assets, they enable organizations to understand and manage their hidden data effectively.<\/li><\/ul><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part9\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">9. SealPath, your ally against shadow data<\/h2><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SealPath<\/a> stands out as a powerful solution for combating shadow data through its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/sealpath-irm-solutions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">advanced Enterprise Digital Rights Management (EDRM)<\/a> technology. It simplifies data protection while ensuring security and compliance across multiple environments. Here\u2019s why SealPath is the perfect ally against shadow data:<br \/><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations.png.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/webp-express\/webp-images\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations-480x258.png.webp 480w\" type=\"image\/webp\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35850 webpexpress-processed\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"323\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations.png 600w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations-480x258.png 480w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations.png\" \/><\/picture><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"323\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-35850 webpexpress-processed\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations.png 600w, https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/sealpath-help-prevents-shadow-data-organizations-480x258.png 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\"><\/noscript><\/p><ul><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Automated Data Protection:<\/strong> SealPath automatically secures files stored in local PC folders, cloud storage platforms, and file servers. This eliminates the risk of unmanaged data falling into the shadow data category.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Integration with DLP Rules:<\/strong> SealPath works seamlessly with Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions, strengthening security policies. It protects copies of files and ensures sensitive data is safeguarded wherever it resides. Protects data based on established rules, for example, when it want to go outside, force it to be protected. This provides greater flexibility without compromising security.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Granular Access Controls:<\/strong> Block unauthorized actions such as copying, pasting, or sharing content from files, ensuring strict adherence to organizational security protocols.<\/li><li style=\"padding-bottom: 10px;\"><strong>Real-Time Monitoring and Control:<\/strong> SealPath provides detailed reports on file access and usage, keeping a vigilant eye on shadow data and helping to identify potential vulnerabilities.<\/li><li><strong>Unified Protection Across Platforms:<\/strong> Regardless of whether data is stored locally, on the cloud, or shared externally, SealPath ensures protection follows the data wherever it goes.<\/li><\/ul><p>By combining automation, real-time control, and seamless integration with security frameworks, SealPath\u2019s EDRM technology addresses shadow data challenges holistically, making it a trusted ally for organizations to maintain data visibility and security.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><h2 id=\"part10\" style=\"color: #0086d9;\">10. Conclusion<\/h2><p>Shadow data poses serious risks to the security and compliance of organizations. Failure to identify, manage, and protect such hidden or unregulated data can lead to data breaches, regulatory penalties, and reputational damage. By understanding shadow data, leveraging automation tools, and adopting solutions like SealPath\u2019s EDRM technology, organizations can regain control, mitigate risks, and ensure sensitive information is safeguarded wherever it resides. The lesson is clear: proactive data management and robust security measures are essential to avoid the far-reaching consequences of shadow data.<\/p><p>\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0d3777b elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"0d3777b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"page\" data-elementor-id=\"86765\" class=\"elementor elementor-86765\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-5464720c elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"5464720c\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[{&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;c4f773e&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_tablet&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_mobile&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:50,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_type&quot;:&quot;scroll&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_fx_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_z_index&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_animation_prop&quot;:&quot;transform&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;]}]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2119271\" data-id=\"2119271\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a6593c2 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"a6593c2\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h3 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">About SealPath<\/h3><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">SealPath is the European leader in Data-Centric Security and Enterprise Digital Rights Management, working with significant companies in more than 25 countries. SealPath has been helping organizations from different business verticals such as Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, Retail, Finance, Health, and Public Administration, to protect their data for over a decade. SealPath\u2019s client portfolio includes organizations within the Fortune 500 and Eurostoxx 50 indices. SealPath facilitates the prevention of costly mistakes, reducing the risk of data leakage, ensuring the security of confidential information, and protecting data assets.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"page\" data-elementor-id=\"79146\" class=\"elementor elementor-79146\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-30285eea elementor-section-full_width elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"30285eea\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;jet_parallax_layout_list&quot;:[{&quot;_id&quot;:&quot;58112d0&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_tablet&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_image_mobile&quot;:{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_speed&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;%&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:50,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;jet_parallax_layout_type&quot;:&quot;scroll&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_fx_direction&quot;:null,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_z_index&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_x_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y&quot;:50,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_y_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_tablet&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_bg_size_mobile&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_animation_prop&quot;:&quot;transform&quot;,&quot;jet_parallax_layout_on&quot;:[&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;tablet&quot;]}]}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-61400ed1\" data-id=\"61400ed1\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9b6d677 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"9b6d677\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><h3 class=\"elementor-image-box-title\">About Version 2<\/h3><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\">\nVersion 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.\n<br>\nThrough an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2004c86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"2004c86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\">\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>2025-08-12 \u00a0 \u5f71\u5b50\u8cc7\u6599\u901a\u5e38\u6f5b\u4f0f\u5728\u4e0d\u70ba\u4eba\u77e5\u7684\u5730\u65b9\uff0c\u53ef\u80fd\u5371\u53ca\u7d44\u7e54\u7684\u5b89\u5168\u3002\u672c\u6307\u5357\u5c07\u63a2\u8a0e\u4ec0\u9ebc\u662f\u5f71\u5b50\u8cc7\u6599\u3001\u5b83\u7684\u91cd\u8981\u6027\u3001\u61c9\u5c0d\u5f71\u5b50\u8cc7\u6599\u7684\u5de5\u5177\u3001\u5be6\u969b\u6848\u4f8b\u4ee5\u53ca\u6709\u6548\u7684\u5f71\u5b50\u8cc7\u6599\u7ba1\u7406\u7b56\u7565\uff0c\u5e6b\u52a9\u60a8\u4fdd\u8b77\u654f\u611f\u8cc7\u8a0a\u4e26\u4fdd\u6301\u638c\u63a7\u3002<\/p>","protected":false},"author":148019288,"featured_media":120547,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1757,1761,1376,1731],"tags":[1756,1732],"class_list":["post-120965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-1757","category-en","category-press-release","category-sealpath","tag-1756","tag-sealpath"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Unmasking Shadow Data: How to Safeguard Your Organization from its Risks - V2Catalog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sealpath.com\/blog\/cis-critical-security-control-v8-data-protection\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"zh_HK\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Unmasking Shadow Data: How to Safeguard Your Organization from its Risks - V2Catalog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"2025-08-12 &nbsp; Shadow data often lurks in unnoticed places and can jeopardize an organization\u2019s security. 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