SDSI Application Security Design Practice Question
In the context of Cisco Cloudlock, what is a 'Shadow IT' application?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A SaaS application connected to the enterprise environment without official IT authorization
A Shadow IT application is a third-party app that users have connected to their enterprise SaaS account without IT approval.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
An application that is blocked by the firewall
Why it's wrong here
Shadow IT is about apps connected via API, not network blocks.
- ✗
A backup tool for the data center
Why it's wrong here
Backup tools are typically authorized infrastructure.
- ✓
A SaaS application connected to the enterprise environment without official IT authorization
Why this is correct
This is the classic definition of SaaS shadow IT.
- ✗
A malicious script running on an endpoint
Why it's wrong here
Cloudlock focuses on SaaS, not endpoint malware.
About these practice questions
One of 298 original SDSI practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This SDSI practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SDSI exam.