CompTIA Cloud+ Practice Test

What is the most likely cause of unsanctioned SaaS applications being used in an organization?

1. VPN bypass

2. Shadow IT

3. Web proxy bypass

4. CAB approval

The correct answer is: Shadow IT

The most likely cause of unsanctioned Software as a Service (SaaS) applications being used in an organization is shadow IT. Shadow IT refers to the use of applications and services within an organization without the explicit approval or knowledge of the IT department. Employees may turn to these unsanctioned tools to quickly address their needs or enhance their productivity when they find that the officially endorsed applications do not meet their requirements. This phenomenon often arises due to a lack of awareness or control from the IT team regarding the tools and services being utilized by employees. It can lead to security risks, compliance issues, and data management challenges, as these unsanctioned applications may not adhere to the organization’s security policies or data governance practices. While VPN bypass and web proxy bypass are related to circumventing network security measures, they do not specifically address the issue of unsanctioned SaaS applications being adopted. CAB approval refers to the Change Advisory Board, which is a formal process for approving changes in IT systems but does not pertain to employees independently using third-party SaaS applications. Thus, shadow IT is the correct cause in this context, as it encapsulates the broader challenge of managing and governing the software tools that employees choose to use without guidance or