By Austin McDonald | Qual IT
Your architecture firm’s biggest cybersecurity risk isn’t just phishing emails or outdated firewalls—it’s the unauthorized tech your team is quietly using behind your back. It’s called Shadow IT, and it’s one of the fastest-growing threats to architectural practices in Salt Lake City.
If your team is using unapproved cloud storage for Revit files, downloading apps that haven’t been vetted by IT, or chatting with clients on unsecured messaging platforms, you’re more vulnerable than you think.
What Is Shadow IT in an Architecture Firm?
Shadow IT refers to any technology—apps, software, cloud services—that’s used within your firm without approval from your IT department or managed IT provider.
In Salt Lake City architecture firms, this might look like:
- Junior designers using personal Dropbox or Google Drive accounts to store BIM files.
- Project teams managing timelines on Asana or Trello instead of firm-approved platforms.
- Consultants accessing project data via unsecured messaging apps like WhatsApp.
- Interns experimenting with AI rendering or automation tools not sanctioned by IT.
Most of these actions are well-intentioned—people trying to work faster or collaborate more easily. But the fallout? It can be catastrophic.
Why Shadow IT Is a Disaster Waiting to Happen
When your IT team—or your managed IT service provider like Qual IT—doesn’t know about the tools being used, they can’t secure them. That’s when small oversights turn into big risks:
- Unsecured Data Transfers
Personal email and cloud accounts often lack encryption. When team members share CAD files or renderings this way, they could unintentionally expose sensitive project information. - No Security Patches or Monitoring
Approved software is regularly updated and monitored for threats. Shadow IT tools? They’re often outdated, making them easy targets for cyberattacks. - Compliance Nightmares
If your firm handles public projects or sensitive client data (especially healthcare or education facilities), you're likely subject to compliance requirements. Using unauthorized apps puts you at legal and financial risk. - Account Hijacking
Unauthorized tools rarely have MFA. That means one weak password could hand hackers the keys to your entire firm. - Increased Malware Exposure
Some of the most dangerous attacks come from apps that look legitimate. Think of the 2024 ad-fraud scheme where more than 60 million users downloaded apps that secretly hijacked devices. Your firm can’t afford to be one of them.
Why Do Your People Use Unauthorized Apps?
Because architects are problem-solvers. And when firm-approved tech is slow, clunky, or confusing, your team finds their own workarounds. They aren’t trying to hurt the firm—they’re trying to get things done.
You may hear things like:
- "The firm’s cloud is too slow—I just use my own Drive."
- "I needed to share a model fast, so I sent it through Telegram."
- "Our project tool is outdated. Trello is way easier."
Those shortcuts? They can cost you big.
How Salt Lake City Architecture Firms Can Eliminate Shadow IT
You can’t fix what you can’t see. Here’s how Qual IT helps architectural firms in Salt Lake lock down their systems and eliminate the risks of Shadow IT.
- Build An Approved Tech Stack
We help firms create a clear, updated list of approved tools that support BIM, CAD, and collaborative workflows. No more guessing. Everyone knows what’s safe.
- Lock Down Unauthorized Installs
We configure devices to prevent unapproved downloads. If your team needs something new, it goes through a quick IT approval process—fast and secure.
- Train Your Team—The Right Way
We don’t do generic PowerPoints. We deliver architecture-specific cybersecurity training that shows exactly why a rogue app can jeopardize a $10M project.
- Monitor Network Traffic for Hidden Risks
Our network monitoring tools spot suspicious activity and flag unauthorized tools. You’ll know what’s happening before it becomes a breach.
- Strengthen Endpoint Protection
Our EDR (endpoint detection and response) systems protect every device—from office workstations to laptops in the field. That means no entry point is left unguarded.
Don’t Let Shadow IT Derail Your Next Project
In the world of architecture, your reputation is everything. One breach caused by an unauthorized app could cost you a major client—or worse, put your firm in legal hot water.
At Qual IT, we specialize in IT services for architectural firms in Salt Lake City. We speak your language, understand your tools, and protect your data like it’s our own.
Want to know what unauthorized tools your team is using right now? Start with a FREE Network Security Assessment.
[Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment today.]
