Company devices, accounts and software: acceptable use and shadow IT
Everyday rules for using the organization's devices, accounts and software: one person per account, installing software and browser extensions only through approved routes, reading the permissions add-ons ask for, respecting licence terms, keeping security tools on and devices updated, and getting the tools you need without creating shadow IT. Your organization's acceptable use policy governs; this course explains the reasons behind typical rules.
- Level
- Beginner
- Length
- About 40 minutes
- Contents
- 3 lessons · 1 video · final exam
- Status
- Published · updated 1 Oct 2026
Skills you'll practise
- Describe what a typical acceptable use policy covers and find the rules that apply in your own organization
- Explain why accounts must not be shared and what to do instead when a colleague is locked out
- Judge the risk of a browser extension or free tool from the permissions and data access it requests
- Recognize licence terms that don't allow work use and route the need to an approved licence
- Explain what shadow IT is, why it happens and its risks, and request a tool through the approved route
- Report a mistake, such as installing something suspicious, promptly and honestly
Course outline
- 1.Acceptable use and shadow ITVideo · 3 min
- 2.What acceptable use covers, and whyLesson · 13 min
- 3.Software, extensions and licencesLesson · 13 min
- 4.Shadow IT and getting what you needLesson · 14 min
- 5.Company devices, accounts and software: acceptable use and shadow IT: knowledge checkKnowledge check · 19 questions
- 6.The free PDF extensionScenario
- 7.Final exam11 questions · passing it completes the course, so people who already know the material can test out
Sources it draws on
The lessons and questions are written from these references, so learners can go back to the original.
- NCSC (UK): Shadow IT: managing the unknown assets used within your organisation
- Chrome Web Store Help: Install and manage extensions (site access, 'read and change all your data on websites you visit')
- General workplace practice (awareness level; local law and your organization's policies govern)
See it with your own jobs and topics
Tell us about your team and we'll walk you through setup, from choosing jobs to your first skills check.