Picture a typical workday: an employee hastily clicks an email link, reuses a simple password, or takes a quick peek at social media. Such everyday behaviors may seem harmless, yet studies show they lie at the heart of most cybersecurity breaches. 95% of data breaches involve human mistakes, errors, or carelessness by people rather than flaws in technology. Organizations have invested heavily in security technology, but the human element remains the biggest vulnerability. Attackers are well aware that it’s often easier to exploit a person’s trust or habits than to hack through hardened systems. From the boardroom to the home office, routine actions can inadvertently open the door to cyber threats.
Business leaders and HR professionals are increasingly recognizing that employees are often the “weakest link” in cybersecurity. Simple missteps, like using “123456” as a password or emailing a confidential file to the wrong address, can have dramatic consequences. The problem isn’t malicious intent in most cases; it’s a lack of awareness and a false sense of security. Employees may assume their behavior is benign, not realizing how cybercriminals can pounce on small lapses. The gap between perception and reality is stark: one report found 86% of employees were confident they could spot a phishing email, yet nearly half had fallen for scams anyway. This highlights a dangerous overconfidence that attackers eagerly exploit.
In this article, we’ll explore how everyday behaviors create digital vulnerabilities. We’ll break down common habits, from clicking suspicious emails to oversharing online, and explain why they put organizations at risk. By understanding these risks, HR and business leaders across all industries can better educate their teams and build a culture that turns that “weakest link” into a strong line of defense.
One of the most prevalent digital threats comes via our inboxes and messages. Phishing scams, fraudulent emails, texts, or calls that impersonate legitimate sources prey on human curiosity and trust. All it takes is one click on a malicious link or attachment for attackers to infiltrate a network. Alarming statistics underscore this risk: over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email, making it the number one entry point for attackers. In other words, a single unwary click by an employee can open the floodgates to malware infections, data breaches, or ransomware outbreaks.
Phishing emails often masquerade as something routine, a note from IT about a password reset, a file from a colleague, or an urgent request from a CEO. They exploit our tendency to act quickly and avoid missing a beat at work. Fear, urgency, and curiosity are common tactics used in phishing lures. For example, an employee may receive a message warning of an account problem and, in a rush to fix it, enter their login details on a fake website. Once the attacker has stolen those credentials, they can access corporate systems at will. Another scenario is a bogus invoice or document attachment that, when opened, silently installs malware. Attackers know that humans, not systems, are the easier target, as one study noted, “phishing is responsible for 90% of cyberattacks”, giving attackers a foothold almost every time.
Even tech-savvy staff aren’t immune. Overconfidence can itself be a vulnerability. In a global survey, 86% of employees believed they could identify phishing emails, yet nearly half admitted they had fallen for a phishing scam at some point. This disconnect shows how convincing modern phishing attempts have become, often professionally crafted and tailored to the victim (a technique known as spear-phishing). Cybercriminals may research a target on LinkedIn or Facebook to create a highly believable message, perhaps referencing a project or recent event to lower the target’s guard. For instance, an HR manager might receive an email that appears to come from a job applicant or vendor they know, prompting them to click a link that actually leads to a credential-stealing site.
The consequences of a successful phishing attack can escalate quickly. Once an intruder has a foothold, they can spread malware across the network, steal sensitive data, or launch fraud schemes. Business Email Compromise (BEC) attacks, where criminals impersonate executives via email to trick employees into transferring funds or sensitive info, also often start with phishing. In the infamous case of the WannaCry ransomware, an initial infection (believed to be delivered via phishing and unpatched systems) spread globally, crippling businesses, a disaster exacerbated because some employees had ignored update alerts and even disabled security software, allowing the malware to run rampant. This illustrates that the fallout from one click can be catastrophic if basic safeguards aren’t followed.
How can organizations mitigate phishing risk? Training and awareness are key. Regular phishing simulations and security awareness programs help employees recognize the telltale signs of a phish: generic greetings, unusual sender addresses, urgent or threatening language, and unexpected attachments or links. Encouraging a culture where employees double-check suspicious requests (for example, calling a colleague to verify an odd email) can stop an attack in its tracks. Additionally, technical defenses like email filters and link-scanning tools provide an important safety net, but they are not foolproof. Ultimately, every employee’s caution and skepticism online form the last line of defense. When staff learn to “think before they click,” the organization as a whole becomes far less vulnerable to these everyday email traps.
At first glance, passwords seem like a basic security measure, yet our password habits are a major source of digital vulnerability. Many breaches don’t require an elite hacker picking digital locks; attackers often stroll in through the front door using weak or stolen passwords. Unfortunately, weak passwords and password reuse are rampant in daily behavior. A recent analysis of 19 billion leaked passwords found a “widespread weak password reuse crisis”, a staggering 94% of exposed passwords were reused or common enough to be easily guessable. In other words, only about 1 in 20 passwords were truly unique. This means that if one site or service is breached, attackers can try those leaked email/password combinations elsewhere (a tactic called credential stuffing) and frequently succeed in accessing other accounts.
Common poor practices include using simplistic passwords (“password” or “123456” still top the charts of popularity), reusing the same password (or slight variations) across work and personal accounts, and choosing passwords based on personal info. These habits create vulnerabilities that attackers exploit at scale. For example, if an employee uses the same password for a personal website and their corporate email, a breach of that website could hand attackers the keys to the company’s network. Credential theft is a factor in many incidents; one industry report noted that compromised passwords contribute to a large share of corporate breaches. Verizon’s analysis of hacking incidents has consistently shown that the majority of breaches involved weak or stolen credentials. Once attackers have valid login details, they often face no resistance; they can log in as an authorized user and move through systems undetected.
The problem is exacerbated by our ever-growing number of accounts. People have to remember dozens if not hundreds of passwords, leading them to take shortcuts. Surveys indicate that over 80% of individuals reuse passwords across multiple sites or only make small modifications. This is like having one master key that opens your house, car, and office, convenient, until a thief copies it. Hackers know the most common passwords by heart (or have them in their automated toolkits). Simple dictionary words, names, or sequences are cracked in seconds. For instance, the password “123456”, used by millions, can be broken almost instantly, offering virtually no protection.
Every day workplace scenarios illustrate the risk. Consider an employee who sets a weak password like Summer2023 because it’s easy to recall. They then reuse it for multiple applications, perhaps their work VPN, an intranet portal, and a third-party SaaS tool. If any one of those gets breached (or if the employee unwittingly falls for a phishing page that captures the password), attackers can try the same credentials everywhere else. Without additional protections, they may successfully log into the company’s systems and escalate their access. Even worse, if employees share passwords or leave them written on sticky notes at their desk, a malicious insider or an opportunistic office visitor could read the keys to sensitive data.
What can mitigate password-related vulnerabilities? Firstly, strong, unique passwords for every account are a must. This is where password managers become invaluable, they allow users to generate and store complex passwords so they don’t have to remember each one. It’s also vital to implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. MFA adds an extra layer (like a one-time code or biometric check) so that even if a password is compromised, an attacker can’t log in without the second factor. Many breaches could be prevented by MFA; it’s a simple step that dramatically improves security. Lastly, organizations should enforce password policies that avoid the worst pitfalls: requiring a mix of characters, banning very common passwords, and prompting regular updates (though not so frequently that users resort to insecure habits out of frustration). By tackling weak password practices, through better tools, policies, and user education, companies can close one of the most common doors attackers use to slip inside.
In the era of LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, what employees share online can directly impact an organization’s security. Social media encourages us to post personal and professional updates without much hesitation, but oversharing can create a treasure trove of information for cybercriminals. Hackers routinely scour social networks to gather details that help them craft convincing scams or break past security questions. Unfortunately, most people share far more than they realize. A recent report by cybersecurity firm Tessian revealed that four in five individuals overshare personal data on social media, and 42% post enough information that a criminal could use it to launch an attack. In other words, a casual browse of someone’s profile might reveal their birthday, pet’s name, mother’s maiden name, where they work, who their colleagues are, and even when they’re on vacation, all valuable intel for social engineering.
For enterprise leaders, the risks of oversharing extend to company information as well. Employees proud of their work might post about the projects they’re involved in, new technologies their team is deploying, or travel plans for an upcoming conference. These seemingly innocuous updates can inadvertently leak sensitive details or provide context that attackers exploit. Consider a few scenarios:
It’s not just hypothetical; real-world breaches have been facilitated by social media leaks. There have been cases where enthusiastic new hires posted a photo of their work ID or access badge, unknowingly giving crooks the barcode or QR code needed to clone an entry badge. Other times, employees have posted screenshots of their workstations or code, inadvertently disclosing confidential data. Even posting about workplace problems or layoffs could be used by attackers to craft phishing lures (“See your severance details attached…”).
To reduce these risks, organizations should guide employees on social media best practices. This doesn’t mean forbidding social media use, but educating staff about what not to share. Security experts advise being vague about sensitive details: for instance, share conference highlights after returning, rather than broadcasting travel plans in advance. Avoid posting internal company happenings, structural details, or anything that could hint at security practices. Employees should also be cautious about accepting connection requests from strangers; a fake profile could be a hacker trying to infiltrate their network of trust. Regular reminders to review privacy settings can help ensure personal posts aren’t visible to the whole world. Ultimately, awareness is key: when people recognize that even harmless-seeming posts can be weaponized, they become more judicious about their online sharing. In the social media age, discretion truly is the better part of valor for cybersecurity. Comprehensive Cybersecurity Training programs reinforce these best practices by teaching employees how to spot phishing attempts, maintain strong password hygiene, and protect sensitive information on social media. Through simulated exercises and practical guidance, staff learn to make security-conscious decisions that prevent real-world breaches.
Modern work habits mean employees are constantly on the move with laptops, tablets, and smartphones, but the convenience of mobility comes with security pitfalls. An unlocked phone left on a café table or a laptop connecting to free airport Wi-Fi might be all it takes for sensitive data to fall into the wrong hands. Ensuring device and network security in everyday routines is therefore critical. Many organizations have learned the hard way that lost, stolen, or poorly secured devices can lead to major breaches. A misplaced company laptop that isn’t encrypted or password-protected, for example, can expose troves of confidential information. It’s telling that companies rank physical loss of devices among their top security fears, in one survey, 46% of businesses were most worried about lost or stolen mobile devices putting them at risk.
Public Wi-Fi networks are another common weak point. Employees often hop onto free Wi-Fi at coffee shops, hotels, or airports to get work done on the go. However, these networks are usually unencrypted and shared with everyone around, including potential eavesdroppers. Attackers can set up “evil twin” hotspots, rogue Wi-Fi networks that look legitimate, to trick users into connecting. Once connected, a hacker could intercept the employee’s internet traffic (a man-in-the-middle attack), potentially capturing login credentials or other sensitive data being transmitted. For instance, an employee checking company email over public Wi-Fi without using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) could inadvertently broadcast their username and password to a nearby attacker. Using public Wi-Fi without precautions is akin to having a private conversation over a loudspeaker, others might be listening. Despite this, employees often assume “it won’t happen to me” and connect out of convenience, unknowingly exposing their organizations.
Personal devices used for work, part of the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) trend, also introduce vulnerabilities if not properly managed. An employee’s personal smartphone might not have the same level of security (up-to-date antivirus, strong PIN, device encryption) as a company-issued device. Yet that phone could be receiving work emails and files. If the device is lost, stolen, or infected with malware from a risky app, it could lead attackers straight into corporate accounts. Similarly, working from home on personal networks can be problematic, an improperly secured home Wi-Fi router or shared family computer may lack enterprise-grade protections. During the rise of remote work, many organizations saw upticks in incidents because home setups were easier targets. For example, a weakly secured home router could be compromised, allowing an attacker to snoop on a remote worker’s traffic or pivot into the company VPN.
Even simple physical security habits can be everyday pitfalls. How often have we seen someone leave their laptop unattended and unlocked “just for a minute” in a meeting room or airport lounge? That’s enough time for a malicious actor to plug in a USB stick loaded with malware or copy files. Using unknown USB drives is another danger, plugging a found USB thumb drive into a work computer is like playing cybersecurity roulette. The drive could be loaded with a virus that auto-runs and infects the system (a classic trick that has led to breaches in the past). Likewise, failing to lock one’s screen in public spaces, or using “remember me” on shared computers, can expose data to prying eyes.
To combat device and network threats, organizations should enforce practical security measures. Full-disk encryption and strong login passwords/PINs on all laptops and mobile devices ensure that if a device falls into the wrong hands, the data remains inaccessible. Remote wipe capabilities are essential for BYOD setups so that lost devices can be cleaned of company information. Employees should be trained never to leave devices unattended and to be mindful of shoulder-surfing (someone looking over their shoulder at the screen) in public places.
When it comes to networks, a zero-trust mindset helps: assume any network could be compromised and act accordingly. That means using a VPN when on public Wi-Fi to encrypt all communications. It means avoiding accessing highly sensitive resources on networks you don’t control. Companies can provide mobile hotspot devices or reimburse cellular data for travel, so employees have safer alternatives to public Wi-Fi. Regularly updating device software is also critical (more on that in the next section), many exploits target known flaws in outdated systems.
In summary, the portability of our work devices should be matched with portable security habits. By treating every network as potentially hostile and every unattended device as a potential breach, employees can drastically reduce the risk of everyday work on the go. The goal is to make security as seamless a habit as grabbing your keys and locking your door, an automatic part of using devices and networks in any setting.
Not all digital vulnerabilities come from blatant mistakes; some arise from employees simply trying to work more efficiently using their own tools. When corporate systems feel slow or restrictive, well-intentioned staff might turn to convenient apps or cloud services without IT’s knowledge, a phenomenon known as shadow IT. While the intent is to be productive, using unauthorized software or online services can create serious security gaps. IT departments can’t protect data they don’t know about. If an employee uploads company files to a personal Dropbox or Google Drive to work from home, for example, that data is now outside the company’s secure perimeter. Likewise, an employee might install a free tool or browser extension to do their job faster, not realizing it could contain malware or vulnerabilities. Such unsanctioned IT usage is incredibly common: studies indicate roughly 80% of employees use non-approved applications or cloud services at work. In other words, the majority of organizations have more apps and data flows in use than their IT and security teams are aware of.
The risks from shadow IT are multi-fold. First, these tools may not meet the company’s security standards. They might have weak encryption, poor access control, or known exploits. Hackers often target popular unauthorized apps, knowing companies might not be monitoring them. Second, company data stored in these apps might not be backed up or logged properly. If there’s a leak or deletion, the company could permanently lose data without any trace. Third, when employees leave the organization, they might still retain access to or copies of data in their personal apps, since it was never centrally managed, a data leakage time bomb.
Consider a case where a marketing team member uses a personal email or a free file-sharing service to send large graphics files to a vendor, because the corporate email system has attachment size limits. They get the job done, but those files (perhaps containing customer information or product designs) are now sitting in an unsecured service. If that service gets breached or the link falls into the wrong hands, the company could face an embarrassing data leak. Another example: A department adopts a third-party productivity app without vetting. If that app requires employees to create accounts and reuse their work email passwords, it could inadvertently harvest credentials (some malicious apps have done exactly this). Even if not malicious, the app could be poorly protected; a breach at the app’s company could expose all those reused passwords, which attackers then try on the employer’s systems.
Use of personal hardware falls under shadow IT as well. An engineer might plug in a personal external hard drive to transfer some work files, not realizing the drive was infected with a virus from their home computer. Or someone might connect an IoT gadget (like a smart speaker or a personal webcam) to the company network for convenience, introducing new attack surfaces. Every device or software that IT hasn’t sanctioned is a wild card, it hasn’t been configured or patched according to company policy and could be a hidden doorway for attackers. In fact, shadow IT expands the organization’s “attack surface” in unpredictable ways, which is why it’s so concerning to security professionals.
To address this, companies should strive for a balance: make it easy for employees to get the tools they need legitimately, and educate them on the dangers of going rogue with IT solutions. Clear policies and an easy approval process can channel employees toward safer choices. For example, if employees often need large file transfers, provide them with a secure company-approved file sharing service so they’re not tempted to use random ones. Regular network scans and cloud usage audits can help IT discover unsanctioned apps that are in use, so they can either formally approve them (after risk assessment) or guide users to alternatives. It’s also wise to restrict installations on work devices to pre-approved software via administrative controls.
From the employee side, raising awareness is crucial. Non-IT staff may simply not realize that using an unapproved app could expose data. Framing it as a data protection issue (rather than just rule-following) can help, employees generally don’t want to be the cause of a breach. When they understand that convenience can come at the cost of security, they might think twice before spinning up that free survey tool or using personal tech for work tasks. In summary, shining light on shadow IT through open communication and oversight helps close those hidden cracks in the company’s defenses that everyday workarounds can create.
In the hustle of daily work, it’s easy to click “Remind me later” on software updates or to bypass security protocols that feel like obstacles. However, neglecting basic cyber hygiene, the routine practices that keep systems secure, is another way everyday behavior leads to digital vulnerabilities. One common example is delaying or ignoring software updates and patches. Software vendors frequently release updates to fix security flaws, sometimes addressing critical vulnerabilities that hackers are actively exploiting. When employees or IT departments put off installing these updates, it leaves known “holes” open for far longer than necessary. Many major cyber incidents have been traced back to unpatched systems. The earlier example of the WannaCry ransomware is a case in point: Microsoft had released a patch for the underlying Windows vulnerability two months before the attack, yet countless machines hadn’t been updated. The ransomware tore through networks worldwide, largely because those patches were never applied. This illustrates how procrastinating on a routine task, clicking that update button, can snowball into a crisis.
Similarly, employees sometimes bypass security warnings and tools out of convenience. For instance, web browsers will flash warnings if you’re about to visit a site with an invalid security certificate (which could indicate a fake or compromised site). However, a busy user might click “Proceed anyway” without understanding the risk, potentially landing on a phishing page or malware site. In other cases, well-meaning employees have disabled antivirus software or firewall prompts because they found them annoying or slowing down their computer, effectively dismantling the very shields meant to protect them. In one anecdote, some employees with administrative rights in a company shut off their endpoint security to run unvetted software, inadvertently letting malware spread. These kinds of workarounds usually come from a place of trying to get work done, but they undermine the organization’s security posture significantly.
Another overlooked area of cyber hygiene is proper data handling and disposal. Everyday tasks like backing up files, encrypting sensitive data, or securely deleting records often fall by the wayside. For example, an employee might copy a bunch of client data to a USB drive to work from home and then forget to delete it from the drive (or lose the drive). Or someone might trash an old work laptop without wiping the hard drive, leaving a trove of corporate information for any scavenger to find. Even something as mundane as not logging out of a session on a shared computer or failing to use a screen lock can be seen as lapses in basic security habits.
Failing to follow established security protocols, whether it’s skipping mandatory cybersecurity training, not adhering to password policies, or ignoring incident reporting procedures, also contributes to vulnerability. Companies may roll out best practices and tools, but if employees view them as optional or burdensome, the effectiveness is lost. For instance, if a phishing email slips past filters and an employee realizes they clicked something suspicious, there should be a clear protocol (like immediately reporting to IT). If the employee hesitates or hides the mistake (perhaps out of fear of blame or simply not knowing what to do), the attacker gains time to escalate the breach. Encouraging a non-punitive, quick-report culture is part of hygiene too, it ensures that threats are dealt with promptly. In one survey, a portion of employees admitted they hesitate to report security incidents, sometimes not knowing how, or worrying it might be inconvenient or make them look bad. Such delays in reporting can turn a contained issue into a full-blown breach.
So how do we improve these everyday hygiene practices? Automation and user-friendly security go a long way. Enabling automatic updates for operating systems and applications ensures patches get applied without relying on individual initiative. Regular reminders and easy, one-click methods to update can nudge those who still postpone. IT can set up centrally managed updates and enforce them if needed (like scheduling regular update windows). For end-users, education on why these updates matter can change perspective, it’s not just a tedious restart, it’s potentially preventing a known cyberattack from hitting your machine.
Companies should also strive to make the secure way the easy way. If security measures are too cumbersome (e.g. a VPN that’s slow or multi-factor logins that are too complex), users will find ways around them. Investing in modern, user-friendly security solutions, such as single sign-on, faster VPNs, or context-based MFA that isn’t overly intrusive, can reduce the temptation to bypass. Additionally, reminding employees of basic “digital cleanliness” habits is important. Simple checklists or periodic tips can reinforce actions like: lock your screen when away, verify who you’re giving sensitive info to, shred or securely delete sensitive documents, and don’t ignore those antivirus alerts.
Ultimately, maintaining cyber hygiene is like personal hygiene: it’s most effective when it’s habitual. Occasional big security initiatives won’t help if the day-to-day practices are lacking. By building a culture that values and rewards secure habits, and by removing friction in doing the right thing, organizations can greatly reduce the vulnerabilities created by neglecting the basics. Just as washing hands can prevent illness, these small digital hygiene steps taken consistently can prevent a large number of cyber “illnesses” from ever taking hold.
Every organization, regardless of industry, relies on its people as the first line of defense in cybersecurity. The examples above demonstrate that technical security measures alone are not enough, even the most advanced firewalls and AI threat detectors can be undone by a single everyday mistake. However, framing employees as “the weakest link” need not be a condemnation. Instead, it’s an opportunity for leaders to turn human behavior into the greatest strength. Cultivating a security-aware culture is key. This means going beyond one-off trainings or policies on paper, and truly integrating security mindfulness into daily work life.
Start by fostering an environment where awareness and vigilance are second nature. Security education should be continuous, engaging, and relevant. Instead of dry annual lectures, use interactive simulations, real-world case studies, and up-to-date examples that resonate with employees’ actual experiences. For instance, if phishing is a big threat (as it is for most), regular phishing email drills with immediate feedback can keep everyone on their toes. Celebrate when employees correctly spot and report a phishing test, positive reinforcement goes a long way. When mistakes happen (and they will), treat them as teachable moments rather than grounds for punishment. If an employee inadvertently causes a security incident, analyze what process failed and how to improve it, rather than focusing on blame. A culture of trust and openness ensures people won’t hide incidents; instead, they’ll promptly raise their hand so the team can fix issues before they escalate.
Leadership involvement is crucial in setting the tone. When executives and managers visibly practice good security hygiene (like following the same password rules, participating in training, and being cautious with their own communications), it sends a powerful message that security is everyone’s responsibility, not just an IT concern. HR can partner with IT security teams to embed security topics into onboarding for new hires and ongoing professional development. By emphasizing that smart cybersecurity behavior is part of being a good corporate citizen (just like ethics or workplace safety), employees at all levels see it as integral to their job roles.
Moreover, provide employees with the tools and support to do the right thing. This might include deploying user-friendly security software, as discussed, so that secure choices are also the convenient ones. It also includes clear, accessible channels for getting help, for example, a quick-reach security help desk or an easy way to report suspicious activity. Some organizations have had success with internal “security ambassador” programs, where employees in different departments volunteer as liaisons who champion good practices among their peers. Such peer influence can be very effective in spreading awareness organically.
Finally, acknowledge that humans are human, we’re prone to error, especially under stress or fatigue. Cybersecurity programs should account for this by building in checks and balances. For instance, if falling for phishing is more likely on a hectic Monday morning, perhaps automated email flags or reminders can be more active at those times. If data shows certain risky behaviors spiking (say, a lot of unsanctioned app usage in a particular team), management can intervene with targeted training or better solutions for that team’s needs. Data-driven insights on human risk can help prioritize where to focus awareness efforts. As one report noted, often a small subset of users accounts for a large proportion of risky incidents. Identifying and supporting those individuals with extra training or oversight can significantly reduce overall risk.
In conclusion, everyday behaviors will always be a factor in cybersecurity, there’s no eliminating human involvement, nor would we want to, since humans also innovate and respond to threats in ways machines cannot. The goal is to empower employees to be a “human firewall”: aware of the threats, educated on safe practices, and comfortable with the security tools at their disposal. By making cybersecurity a shared mission and weaving good habits into the fabric of work life, organizations can transform digital vulnerabilities into strengths. In a truly security-aware culture, every employee becomes an active participant in protecting the enterprise, turning those routine daily actions from potential risks into powerful safeguards.
Clicking on phishing emails, reusing weak passwords, oversharing on social media, using unsecured devices or networks, relying on unauthorized apps (shadow IT), and neglecting software updates are frequent risky behaviors that open the door to cyberattacks.
Phishing scams trick employees into clicking malicious links or sharing sensitive information, giving attackers access to systems. Over 90% of cyberattacks start with phishing, making it a top entry point for threats.
Reusing passwords across multiple accounts means that if one site is breached, attackers can use stolen credentials to access other accounts, including corporate systems, via credential stuffing attacks.
Sharing personal or company details online can give hackers the information they need for social engineering, targeted phishing, or even bypassing security questions to gain unauthorized access.
Shadow IT refers to employees using unapproved apps, devices, or cloud services. Because IT teams can’t monitor or secure these tools, they create hidden vulnerabilities and potential data leaks.
