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Unpatched Software and Shadow IT: The Silent Threats Hiding

How Small Businesses Can Eliminate Shadow IT and Unpatched Software Risks

Imagine leaving a window open in your office overnight without realizing it—and coming in the next morning to find you’ve been robbed. That’s what unpatched software and shadow IT are doing to thousands of small businesses every single day.

Even with good firewalls and employee training, one forgotten server, unapproved app, or outdated tool could be your weakest link.

The challenge? Most business owners have no idea these threats even exist on their network.

Here in Western PA—from Pittsburgh to Erie—companies across all industries are unknowingly vulnerable because of forgotten laptops, rogue browser extensions, unpatched software, and cloud services employees use without approval.

Let’s dig into what shadow IT and unpatched software really are, why they’re so dangerous, and how to fix them before they cause serious damage to your business.

What Is Shadow IT?

Shadow IT refers to any technology used within your business that was not approved, secured, or even known by your IT provider or internal tech staff.

Examples include:

Employees using Dropbox, Google Drive, or ChatGPT without approval
Personal Gmail used for work communications
Browser extensions with hidden tracking
Free invoicing or scheduling apps not vetted for security

While these tools may be “convenient,” they create serious risks:

Lack of encryption or security controls
No visibility or logging
No backups or recovery options
No compliance guarantees (HIPAA, GLBA, etc.)

“You can’t protect what you don’t know exists.”

What Is Unpatched Software?

Every piece of software has vulnerabilities. Developers fix them through patches or updates. But if your systems aren’t regularly updated, you’re left wide open.

Examples of unpatched software:

Windows systems missing security updates
Adobe, Java, or QuickBooks with outdated versions
CRM, ERP, or POS software not updated since install
3rd-party tools downloaded from the web

These vulnerabilities are actively exploited by attackers to:

Install ransomware
Escalate privileges
Steal data
Compromise your entire network

Real-World Story: Ignored Updates, Major Breach

A small manufacturing firm in Clarion County ignored patch prompts on an old version of Adobe Reader. That single vulnerability was exploited via a phishing email attachment. Within hours, ransomware spread across their network—locking customer records and billing systems.

Total cost: $37,000 in recovery and 9 days of downtime.

All because of one unpatched app.

The Hidden Risks for Small Businesses

Small businesses are especially vulnerable because:

Many rely on old software licenses for years
They lack patch management systems
Employees download free tools without asking
No one tracks or audits device and software use

These gaps are a goldmine for hackers.

Worse—regulators and cyber insurers now view shadow IT and unpatched systems as negligence. If a breach occurs and you haven’t shown proactive patching or inventory control, you may face:

Denied insurance claims
Regulatory penalties
Lawsuits or customer loss

The Fix: Visibility + Automation

At NextGEN IT Solutions, we help businesses uncover and control every application, device, and vulnerability hiding in their environment.

Here’s how we eliminate the threats of shadow IT and unpatched software:

1. Full Asset Discovery

We run an in-depth scan of your network to detect:

All connected devices (PCs, laptops, printers, IoT)
Installed software (approved and rogue)
Unknown admin accounts
Open ports and outdated services

This gives you a complete network inventory—the first step in locking things down.

2. Automated Patch Management

Our Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools automatically:

Deploy OS and app updates
Patch critical vulnerabilities within 24 hours of release
Report on patch status by machine and user
Flag high-risk systems missing updates

“Patching shouldn’t be a to-do list item. It should be automatic.”

We cover:

Windows/macOS/Linux
Adobe, Java, Zoom, Slack, and 100+ apps
Microsoft 365 integrations
Custom software (on request)

🚫 3. Application Whitelisting & Blocking

We help you define a list of approved applications. Everything else is flagged or blocked, including:

Personal storage tools (Dropbox, Google Drive)
Unlicensed software
Tools with poor security reputations

Want to allow Canva but block TikTok? No problem.

4. Shadow IT Detection & Alerts

If an employee installs an unapproved app, our system flags it. You receive:

Immediate alert
Risk score of the app
Option to auto-remove or quarantine

This helps you maintain control—without micromanaging your team.

5. Monthly Reporting & Documentation

We provide:

Device/software inventory reports
Patch compliance scorecards
Shadow IT audit logs
Executive summaries for insurance/compliance

Whether you’re prepping for a HIPAA audit or renewing your cyber insurance, you’ll have the paperwork ready.

Education = Prevention

We also include user training on:

Why software updates matter
What tools are safe to use
How to report new app requests
How to spot fake update alerts (common in malware)

Empowered users = fewer risks.

Who Needs This Most?

We recommend shadow IT & patch protection for:

Healthcare practices (HIPAA)
Accounting & finance firms (GLBA, IRS)
Manufacturing & logistics companies
Law offices and insurance agencies
Municipal offices, schools, libraries

If your business touches sensitive data, has remote users, or uses cloud apps—you need visibility and control.

Why NextGEN IT Solutions?

We’ve helped dozens of businesses in Western Pennsylvania regain control of their network and eliminate blind spots.

With us, you get:

Local expertise (based in Harrisville, PA)
Flat monthly pricing (no surprise invoices)
24/7 RMM & patch automation
Reports that make compliance easy

We’re not just techs—we’re strategic security partners for businesses that want peace of mind.

Next Steps: Let’s Eliminate the Unknowns

Start with a Free Network & Software Inventory Scan. We’ll show you:

What’s installed on your systems
What’s outdated or high-risk
Which apps pose compliance concerns
How to lock it all down fast

Call us today: 724-204-1950
Serving businesses in Grove City, Pittsburgh, Cranberry Township, Erie & beyond
Schedule Your Free Scan

Final Thoughts

The scariest threats to your business are the ones you can’t see—outdated software, rogue devices, and unapproved apps quietly creating holes in your defenses.

Shadow IT and unpatched software are no longer small problems—they’re how breaches happen.

With NextGEN IT Solutions, you don’t have to guess what’s on your network—we’ll show you, secure it, and keep it that way.

Let’s shut the backdoor to your business—before someone else walks through it.

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