Bottom line: Uncontrolled code in web applications poses data protection and security risks that can be addressed through CSP, script whitelisting, and continuous monitoring.
Shadow code present in web applications represents a data protection and security risk that is not fully transparent to many organizations. Control measures help minimize exposure.
Shadow code refers to program code in web applications that is executed outside the direct control and visibility of the organization. These code segments typically originate from external scripts, browser extensions, tracking tools, or third-party components and can process data or influence functionality without explicit authorization.
For CISOs, shadow code represents a significant risk because it can access sensitive user data, read authentication tokens, or inject malware. The difficulty lies in the fact that such code fragments are often not part of the regular codebase and may therefore be overlooked in standard code reviews or security audits. This creates blind spots in security architecture.
As risk mitigation measures, the implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers, control and whitelisting of external scripts, regular monitoring of scripts executed in the browser, and conducting scans to detect unknown or unapproved code components are recommended. Additionally, third-party dependencies should be reviewed for security and compliance.
Source: www.computerweekly.com · Published 20 July 2026
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