Shadow data refers to data that an organization possesses but is not actively tracked, managed, or officially recognized by its data governance processes. This can include duplicate files, old backups, or data stored in unauthorized locations like personal devices or cloud services. Because it’s not centrally controlled, shadow data can pose significant security risks, such as data breaches or compliance violations, since it may fall outside regular protection and monitoring systems.

Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) plays a key role in addressing the risks posed by shadow data. By continuously discovering, classifying, and monitoring data across an organization, DSPM solutions provide visibility into all data assets, including shadow data. This helps companies maintain tighter control over sensitive information, minimize exposure to risks, and ensure compliance with data privacy regulations.