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- “Shadow SaaS: Apps IT Never Knew About”
“Shadow SaaS: Apps IT Never Knew About”
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The Future of Shopping? AI + Actual Humans.
AI has changed how consumers shop by speeding up research. But one thing hasn’t changed: shoppers still trust people more than AI.
Levanta’s new Affiliate 3.0 Consumer Report reveals a major shift in how shoppers blend AI tools with human influence. Consumers use AI to explore options, but when it comes time to buy, they still turn to creators, communities, and real experiences to validate their decisions.
The data shows:
Only 10% of shoppers buy through AI-recommended links
87% discover products through creators, blogs, or communities they trust
Human sources like reviews and creators rank higher in trust than AI recommendations
The most effective brands are combining AI discovery with authentic human influence to drive measurable conversions.
Affiliate marketing isn’t being replaced by AI, it’s being amplified by it.
Employees Onboard New Tools Without Security Review
Marketing, HR, and sales teams sign up for tools to solve immediate needs. These tools access company data — without IT’s knowledge. Shadow SaaS grows in every department.
OAuth Permissions Grant Broad Data Access
Apps connect via OAuth to calendars, email, and files. Employees approve without understanding scope. These permissions are invisible to IT unless specifically monitored.
Shadow Apps Evade SSO and DLP Coverage
Unapproved tools fall outside security control — no SSO, no logging, no data protection. DLP policies don’t apply. Data exits through apps the company doesn’t even track.
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Abandoned Accounts Stay Active for Years
Once staff churn, access to these tools is rarely revoked. Old data lingers in forgotten accounts. Attackers harvest credentials or breach vendors directly.
Compliance Violations Hide in Unofficial Workflows
Sensitive data handled in unsanctioned tools violates GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2. Regulators won’t care that it wasn’t “official.” Lack of visibility doesn’t remove liability.
CASBs and SaaS Discovery Tools Catch Only the Known
Cloud Access Security Brokers identify popular apps — but miss niche platforms. Detection depends on traffic visibility. Shadow SaaS hides in browser extensions and mobile apps.
Learn AI in 5 minutes a day
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