cloud app securityMicrosoft made its Cloud App Security Service generally available today. The service, based on tech acquired with the purchase of Adallom last year, protects sensitive data stored in the cloud.

The service lets IT departments see any cloud apps in use across a company’s network, allowing them to clamp down files, restrict use or just monitor data flow to get a better idea of how secure the company’s information really is. By looking at more than 13,000 Microsoft and third-party cloud options alike, clients can get a full picture of “Shadow IT” in one spot.

“Everyone is using the cloud, and even companies without official [cloud] apps in use have substantial Shadow IT usage of cloud,” a blog post announcing the service said. “We know from past customer surveys that over 80% of employees admitted to using unapproved [cloud] apps for corporate usage.”

The service also gives clients the ability to control data with granular controls and sanctioned apps, while also monitoring for threats by using behavioral analytics. With employees granting personal accounts access to a company’s cloud storage at 91 percent of organizations, the vector for an attack can be hard to spot at times.

Microsoft’s Cloud App Security Service uses many tools developed by Adallom. The Israeli company was reportedly acquired for $320 million last year and continued to develop its own products while also working on this latest cloud security service from Microsoft.

The new service provides security while still allowing employees to stick with comfortable routines. By not just blocking access and instead providing robust monitoring, employees can continue to use familiar behaviors and make good use of cloud-based utilities, meaning companies aren’t wasting money on unused services.

The retail price of the new service is $5 per month per user. Users can request a trial of the service on Microsoft’s website.

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