Introduction
End User Computing (EUC) files, such as Excel spreadsheets, Python/R/SQL scripts, and other analytical tools, pose significant financial, regulatory, and reputational risks to organizations. Managing EUC risk often does not rank as a priority in corporate security policies, which can lead to numerous problems, such as errors or incidents involving the disclosure of critical information. Such situations can result in severe harm to both the organization and those responsible for its operations.
Every company, regardless of size, is vulnerable to the risks associated with EUC files, which typically manifest as errors within the files or the loss of sensitive data. However, many executives remain unaware of how substantial the impact of EUC-related risks can be on the cybersecurity of the entire organization.
What is EUC?
The term End User Computing (EUC) refers to applications controlled by end users themselves, often without direct oversight from the IT department. These are also known as End User Developed Applications (EUDA), User Developed Applications (UDA), or User Tools (UT).
EUC files are typically used by end users to retrieve, store, sort, calculate, and compile organizational data for analysis, reporting, or business decision-making.
A comprehensive EUC risk management strategy should encompass all types of EUC files and repositories across all departments.
Although Excel spreadsheets were the original EUC files (and remain the most popular), the term has expanded to include more than 25 file types, such as Access databases, SQL scripts, and Python/R code. These tools have become increasingly user-friendly, and their impact on businesses continues to grow. The EUC landscape is evolving, now encompassing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools, analytical platforms, and low-code/no-code applications like Alteryx, UI Path, and Power BI.
Traditionally, EUC files were stored primarily on local or shared network drives. However, as companies migrate to the cloud, EUC files are increasingly being stored in cloud repositories such as SharePoint, Office 365, Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Drive, and Box.
Studies confirm that EUC files are, and always will be, error-prone. Research shows that over 90% of spreadsheets with at least 150 rows contain errors. Regardless of how diligent employees in your organization are, errors are simply unavoidable.
Why does this happen?
Flexibility: EUC files are popular because end users can quickly and easily make changes. However, their greatest strength is also their greatest weakness, as frequent changes increase the likelihood of errors.
Complexity: Despite being seen as everyday tools, EUC files can be deceptively complex. When used by employees working under time pressure, errors are inevitable.
Lack of Testing: EUC files lack a structured development process and do not undergo the rigorous testing associated with other applications.
Frequent Use: Even a spreadsheet that starts error-free becomes vulnerable to mistakes as employees continue to use and update it.
Data Integrity: EUC files are often connected to other data sources without a full understanding of what those data sources are and their quality. Links can break when files are moved, deleted, or renamed, leading to data loss or disruption of organizational processes.
Lack of Security: EUC files often lack the ability to ensure the security of the sensitive business data they contain, which can result in unintentional or intentional exposure of such data.
EUC Insight is a modular, integrated platform for managing End User Computing files that allows the implementation of all best practices to ensure complete security. Thanks to its modular design, you can start with selected functionalities and then add more as needed.
Modules include:
The EUC Insight solution supports various file types and locations, making it sufficient for managing all EUC files.
The EUC Insight platform is fully customizable, allowing it to be tailored to your company's existing business processes and policies. It uses the latest technologies, including Machine Learning and AI, offering a scalable and efficient solution for any enterprise.
With 25 years of experience, the creators of EUC Insight remain pioneers in End User Computing risk management, serving 600 clients in 30 countries. Now, thanks to a partnership with NIS Systems, the solution is also available on the Polish market.
Would you like to learn more about the EUC Insight solution or are you interested in implementing it in your organization? Fill out the contact form, and one of our experts will get in touch with you.