What is a key characteristic of Shadow IT?

The key characteristic of Shadow IT is the unauthorized implementation of systems. Shadow IT refers to the use of applications, systems, or services by employees that are not officially approved or monitored by the organization's IT department. This often occurs when employees seek out tools that they believe can help them work more efficiently but do so without the knowledge or approval of their IT department.

This aspect of Shadow IT can pose significant security risks, as these systems may lack appropriate security controls, compliance with corporate policies, and integration with existing infrastructure. Understanding that the essence of Shadow IT lies in its unauthorized nature helps organizations recognize the importance of implementing oversight and offering sanctioned alternatives to meet user needs without compromising security or compliance.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the nature of Shadow IT. Compliance with corporate IT policies contradicts the concept of Shadow IT, while cloud-based solutions do not exclusively define it. Lastly, collaboration among IT teams does not align with the independent and unsanctioned characteristic of Shadow IT.