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SHADOW DATA: A HIDDEN RISK IN THE GULF

Published

5 months ago

June 9, 2026

By Yazen Rahmeh, a Cybersecurity Expert at SearchInform

Digital transformation across the UAE and Saudi Arabia brings new opportunities and prospects for enhancing efficiency and growth. However, it also causes new challenges to data protection. As digital environments expand, data spreads across endpoints, cloud storage, and internal environments, escaping oversight by security and compliance teams.

This is shadow data, and it may be one of your organization’s most underestimated risk.

What Is Shadow Data?

Despite all efforts, some business data can be stored and processed outside official IT systems. As a result, a company won’t even know that such datasets exist.

There are a lot of reasons behind the creation of shadow data. Basic examples are:

Files stored in personal accounts. An employee can send important files to personal email or cloud storage “just in case.”
Access to corporate data from personal devices. A person can log in to corporate cloud services from a personal tablet or laptop. As a result, sensitive documents can be downloaded to a personal device. This usually happens when someone is working overtime or wants to keep important files readily available.
Unaccounted copies of sensitive data. An employee can simply copy and paste records from a CRM system or a customer spreadsheet into a file on their workstation. As a result, sensitive data may bypass security controls, increasing the risk of data leakage.
Some business units can adopt SaaS services without oversight. Employees usually do it to boost their productivity or if whitelisted tools are perceived as slow or bulky.
Test datasets and temporary databases. Sometimes confidential data can duplicate during migration from one service to another or if developers use production data for test or development environments.

These examples may seem abstract, but the recent Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) data leak shows that shadow data is a real-world threat.

The leak reportedly originated from a contractor’s GitHub repository, which was being used as a working scratchpad. The repository exposed various sensitive records, including AWS keys and plaintext passwords for internal CISA systems. An individual had simply copied sensitive data to make their work more convenient. To do so, the contractor disabled GitHub’s default security setting that prevents users from publishing secrets in public repositories.

Why Shadow Data Is a Business Risk

Increased Risk of Data Leaks

Consider a common scenario: an employee stores confidential data on a personal laptop or cloud service. As a result:

Sensitive records could be stolen via phishing or malware, as the laptop isn’t protected by enterprise-grade security controls.
An employee could share the laptop with other individuals. Shared devices increase the risk of data exposure.
Unauthorized cloud backups. An employee may configure automatic file backups to a cloud service. As a result, sensitive data can leave the protected perimeter and be duplicated in cloud storage, increasing the risk of unauthorized access or data leakage.

That’s how a small and seemingly irrelevant piece of ungoverned data could lead to a major incident. In fact, in 2024, one in three data breaches involved shadow data, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach 2024 report.

One of the most recent cases of data leaks, involving shadow data, is the Abu Dhabi Finance Week exposure. An independent researcher discovered unsecured cloud storage with ID details.

Event representatives stated that only the researcher accessed the data and that the incident affected a limited number of participants. According to them, the issue was caused by a misconfigured cloud storage system managed by a third-party provider.

The incident is the perfect example of shadow data, as the data was copied outside of secured corporate infrastructure and had been left unmanaged.

Regulatory Pressure

Shadow data also presents compliance risks. When using a cloud service, it is essential to verify the geographic location of the data center where the data is stored. Data could be stored at a data center in a different country if you didn’t specify a server location.

As a result, if shadow data includes confidential records such as customer details or transaction records, it will be transferred and stored abroad. From a legal perspective, such misconfiguration is a cross-border transfer and lead to regulatory fines for violations of data protection regulations.

Saudi Arabia’s Personal Data Protection Law dedicates a lot of attention to data residency and cross-border transfers. Organizations, especially in regulated sectors, such as financial institutions, may be required to store certain categories of data within the Kingdom. Companies may need regulatory approval before transferring data to foreign data centers to avoid penalties.

Emirati businesses have less strict conditions for cross-border data transfers. However, there are limitations for banking, payments, healthcare, and telecom organizations and governmental entities. Companies from these industries must store confidential data, such as health records, payment transactions, and customer data, within the country.

Lack of visibility equals lack of control, and regulators do not accept invisibility as an argument.

How to Bring Shadow Data Under Control

Eliminating shadow data entirely is unrealistic. The goal is to make it visible and manageable without slowing down the business.

A Practical Starting Checklist

Discover regulated data, especially data subject to local PDPLs requirements, cybersecurity frameworks issued by National Cybersecurity Authority in the KSA, and Information Assurance Regulation by TDRA in the UAE. It is essential to identify all information that qualifies as confidential and valuable, incl. unaccounted copies of such data.
Map where this data is actually stored and shared, not just where it should be. Sensitive data can be stored on-prem or in cloud environments. Look for data discovery solutions. Ideally, choose a solution that combines data discovery and data classification, like DCAP software.
Classify files & distribute access rights. Use specialized tools to analyze file content and classify it in accordance with a local classification scheme. The next step is to assign user access rights to sensitive data based on employees’ roles and responsibilities.
Control data transfer channels, including cloud storage, SaaS tools, and USB-devices. Use DLP systems to prevent unauthorized spread of sensitive data. Advanced DLP solutions monitor cloud services, as well as traditional channels, such as email or web browsers.

Conclusion

Data protection is not a one-time initiative. It is an ongoing discipline. Security achieved today must still hold tomorrow — and next year.

Organizations that treat data security as a strategic investment, rather than a compliance obligation, build resilience, regulatory confidence, and long-term business stability.

Shadow data may be invisible. But its consequences are not.

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Welcome the New Year in Style at Orilla Dubai

Published

6 hours ago

November 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

As 2026 draws to a close, Orilla, the chef-led MediterrAsian restaurant by Saradhi Dakara and Stellar Society Group, invites guests to welcome 2027 with an elevated New Year’s Eve celebration on 31 December 2026.

Perched on the 27th floor of Hotel Local Dubai in Jumeirah Village Triangle, Orilla provides a spectacular setting for the final night of the year. Guests can enjoy sweeping views across Dubai, taking in the surrounding golf courses, Jumeirah Beach Residence and the glittering city skyline as the city comes alive in celebration of the New Year.

The evening centres around a specially curated three-course sharing dinner, designed to bring guests together over a relaxed yet elevated dining experience. Guests can choose between two beverage packages, each offering a different selection of drinks alongside the dinner.

The New Year’s Eve packages are priced as follows:

House Package: AED 699 per person
Premium Package: AED 899 per person

At AED 699 per person, the House Package offers excellent value for a New Year’s Eve celebration in Dubai, bringing together a three-course sharing dinner, house beverages and a champagne allocation, all enjoyed against panoramic views of the city. For guests looking to make the evening even more special, the Premium Package is available at AED 899 per person, with an upgraded beverage selection.

Both packages include the three-course sharing dinner, a selection of house or premium beverages, and a champagne bottle allocation according to table size, subject to confirmation.

Combining food, music and a vibrant festive atmosphere, the celebration offers an opportunity to gather with friends and family, raise a glass and welcome the year ahead against the backdrop of Dubai’s skyline.

Event Details

New Year’s Eve at Orilla
Date: 31 December 2026
Venue: Orilla Restaurant, 27th Floor, Hotel Local Dubai, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Dubai
House Package: AED 699 per person
Premium Package: AED 899 per person
To Book: +971 04 575 2986
Instagram: @Orilladxb
Website: orillarestaurant.com

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Discover the StrEATS of Asia with P. F. Chang’s New Limited-Time Menu

Published

7 hours ago

November 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

From the bustling street food stalls of Thailan to the smoky grills of Indonesia, P. F. Chang’s invites guests to taste their way across Asia with StrEATS OF ASIA, a new limited-time offer featuring eight Asian street food-inspired dishes. Available for dine-in across all markets from 4 November to 14 December 2026, the menu brings together some of the region’s most exciting and iconic street food flavors in one inviting dining experience, combining authentic inspiration with the quality and craftsmanship guests expect from P. F. Chang’s signature pan-Asian dining experience. Guests can also enjoy exclusive savings with AURA membership.

The menu opens with Tokyo Korokke, Japanese-style potato croquettes filled with sweet corn and peas, coated in crispy panko and fried until golden, served with tangy katsu sauce. For a taste of Indonesia, Smoky Street Satay brings flame-grilled chicken paired with a creamy, nutty peanut sauce, balancing smoky, sweet and savory notes.

For something comforting, the Coconut Silk Laksa features silky noodles in a rich coconut curry broth, finished with fresh herbs, crunchy toppings, and a burst of citrus. Meanwhile, Thai Basil Kra Pao puts a Thai street food favorite in the spotlight, with savory minced chicken stir-fried with fiery chillies and fragrant Thai basil, topped with a crispy fried egg.

Noodle and rice lovers can also tuck into Korean Japchae, featuring glossy glass noodles wok-tossed with vibrant vegetables, aromatic sesame oil and delicate soy notes, alongside Wok-Smoked Nasi Goreng, a beloved Indonesian classic made with smoked wok-fired rice, rich kecap manis and vibrant chillies, finished with a crispy-edged fried egg.

Rounding out the experience is a selection of sweet and refreshing treats. The Watermelon Bloom (Carafe) combines fresh watermelon with zesty lemon and a hint of sweetness for a bright, refreshing drink. Inspired by the Philippines’ iconic Mais Con Yelo blends sweet corn, creamy ice cream, and crunchy toppings for a nostalgic take on a much-loved dessert. Completing the lineup, Golden Glazed Sweet Potatoes pairs golden caramelized sweet potato with warm cinnamon notes, coconut ice cream, and toasted coconut flakes for a comforting sweet finish.

Throughout the campaign, AURA members can enjoy an exclusive 10% off the StrEATS OF ASIA menu, making it the perfect opportunity to explore the flavors of Asia with an added saving.

With StrEATS OF ASIA, P. F. Chang’s celebrates the diversity of Asian street food, bringing together distinctive flavors, ingredients and culinary traditions in one inviting dining experience. From savory street food favorites to sweet treats, the menu showcases the variety of Asia’s food culture while staying true to the quality and craftsmanship at the heart of P. F. Chang’s pan-Asian dining experience.

StrEATS OF ASIA is available for dine-in from 4 November to 14 December 2026 at P. F. Chang’s restaurants across all markets. AURA members can enjoy an exclusive 10% savings during the campaign.

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Moonrise Welcomes Beihouse for a One-Night Only Collab

Published

8 hours ago

November 10, 2026

Integrator Web-Editor

Dubai’s Moonrise and Beirut’s Beihouse are coming together for a one-night-only collaboration in Dubai. The dinner will take place on Tuesday, 17 November 2026, where Chef Solemann Haddad welcomes Chef Tarek Alameddine and the Beihouse team to Moonrise for an exclusive four-hands dinner.

The collaboration brings together two of the region’s highest-ranked dining destinations. Moonrise holds the No. 10 in MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 and has retained its MICHELIN star since 2023. Beihouse ranks No. 5 on the same list, earning the titles of Best Restaurant in Lebanon and Highest New Entry. Both chefs have also received One Knife recognition at The Best Chef Awards, with Tarek becoming the first Lebanese chef to receive the distinction in 2025.

While their culinary backgrounds differ, both chefs share a deeply personal approach to cooking, shaped by their upbringing, regional food cultures and a constant curiosity for ingredients and techniques.

Born and raised in Dubai, Solemann has developed his own interpretation of “Dubai cuisine”, bringing together regional ingredients, personal experiences and contemporary techniques to reflect the evolving culinary identity of his hometown.

Tarek’s cooking is rooted in the traditions of Aitat, the mountain village outside Beirut where he grew up surrounded by foraging, seasonal produce and the preservation of ingredients. On the night, guests can expect signature dishes from Beihouse, like the “Transparent Batata Harra”, Kibbeh Nayeh Tartare, and Shawarma with flaky steak.

At Beihouse, Tarek draws on those experiences to explore Lebanese cuisine through its ingredients, flavours and culinary traditions. Fermentation and preservation play a central role, supported by the restaurant’s dedicated research and development kitchen, where familiar ingredients are studied and approached in new ways.

Chef Solemann Haddad, Founder and Chef of Moonrise, said: “What I love about Chef Tarek’s cooking is how much of it comes from the food he grew up with, but he’s taken those ideas in a completely different direction through his work with fermentation and preservation. At Moonrise, I’m always exploring new ways to express Dubai through food. We have different starting points, and I think that’s what makes cooking together exciting.”

Chef Tarek Alameddine, Chef and Co-owner of Beihouse, said: “I grew up watching my grandmother ferment kishk on the rooftop in Aitat. Preserving ingredients was simply part of life, and those memories still shape the way I cook today. Chef Solemann has his own relationship with the food of Dubai, and I’m interested in exploring where our approaches meet. ” The dinner will take place at Moonrise, where both chefs and their teams will work side by side to create an experience specifically for the occasion.