Shadow IT Index: January 2026
Shadow IT reveals a dual focus: optimizing daily work and developing internal AI capabilities.
Updated October 7, 2026 · ChangelogSource: Torii Research, anonymized and aggregated usage data. Published January 1, 2026. Summary figures computed from the 39 apps in this report.
What kinds of apps
Every edition, by theme →Not in this edition, but in December 2025: AI coding and building (19%).
Share of the 39 apps in this edition, by theme. Each app has one theme, assigned by Torii Research from what the product does; AI marks the AI themes. Select a theme to filter the list below. How themes work.
Top of the index
Ranked by adoption.
All 39 apps
Productivity
Logseq
Agile Project Management · Software Project Management · Project Management
About Logseq
Organizes and captures information efficiently, allowing users to manage tasks, annotate PDFs, and create flashcards while facilitating seamless collaboration and review of notes.
Theme: Personal productivity
Vendor claims: none listed
Human Resource
Juicebox AI
Candidate Management · Talent Management · Recruitment Automation
About Juicebox AI
Enhances recruitment processes by utilizing AI to identify ideal candidates, streamline outreach efforts, and manage talent relationships effectively.
Theme: Ops, HR, and finance · AI-native
Vendor claims: SOC 2, GDPR
Productivity
Zen Browser
Productivity Tools · Browser productivity · Collaborative Workspaces
About Zen Browser
Organizes and simplifies web browsing by offering customizable workspaces, a compact mode for enhanced focus, and split view functionality for efficient multitasking.
Theme: Browsers and search
Vendor claims: none listed
IT & Security
Cloudflare WARP
Cloud Security · Network Management · Internet Service Provider
About Cloudflare WARP
Enhances Internet connection speed and security by optimizing protocol and encrypting traffic, ensuring safer browsing free from data snooping and interruptions.
Theme: Security and IT
Vendor claims: none listed
Productivity
Reverso
Translation and Localization · Translation · Productivity Tools
About Reverso
Provides real-time text and document translation in 25+ languages, along with grammar checking, rephrasing, dictionary lookup, verb conjugation, and pronunciation tools.
Theme: Personal productivity
Vendor claims: none listed
Design
Lovart
Graphic Design Software · Design Community · AI Agent
About Lovart
Automates the design process by generating concepts, images, videos, and 3D models to enhance creativity and efficiency in bringing ideas to life.
Theme: AI content and media · AI-native
Vendor claims: none listed
Developer Tools
Neovim
Debugging · IDEs and Text Editors · Parsing
About Neovim
Enhances text editing through a highly extensible, Vim-based environment that supports various programming languages and integrates seamlessly with GUIs while offering advanced features like built-in LSP for effective code management.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: none listed
Design
Hera Video
AI Platform · Animations · Video Creation
About Hera Video
Generates professional-quality motion graphics in a flash through AI technology, offering numerous templates for quick editing and customization while enhancing creative workflows.
Theme: AI content and media · AI-native
Vendor claims: none listed
Productivity
ChatOn
AI Writer · AI Agent · AI Generated Images and Videos
About ChatOn
Enhances creativity through an all-in-one AI chatbot, offering image generation, document management, and web search while providing customizable response tones for broader use in various contexts.
Theme: AI assistants · AI-native
Vendor claims: none listed
Developer Tools
GitHub
Code Collaboration · Continuous Integration and Delivery · Code Review
About GitHub
GitHub is a web-based Git repository hosting service. It offers all of the distributed version control and source code management (SCM) functionality of Git as well as adding its own features. It provides access control and several collaboration features such as bug tracking, feature requests, task management, and wikis for every project.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Developer Tools
DITTO
Graph Databases · Realtime Backend · Cloud-Native
About DITTO
Manages offline-first databases with integrated peer-to-peer networking to ensure robust mobile synchronization and flexibility in diverse connectivity scenarios.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: SOC 2, GDPR
Design
DeeVid
Video Editors · Video Creation · AI Generated Images and Videos
About DeeVid
Transforms various inputs into professional-quality videos by utilizing AI to animate text, images, and prompts, enhancing content engagement with minimal technical effort involved.
Theme: AI content and media · AI-native
Vendor claims: none listed
Productivity
Wispr Flow
Writing Assistance · Text to Speech · Voice Generator
About Wispr Flow
Offers seamless voice dictation across all applications to enhance writing speed and accuracy while adapting communication style based on context and audience.
Theme: AI notes and voice · AI-native
Vendor claims: GDPR
Analytics & BI
Chatly AI
AI Platform · Conversational AI · AI Agent
About Chatly AI
Integrates various AI models into one cohesive platform to offer users insightful analysis and robust support across multiple tasks.
Theme: AI assistants · AI-native
Vendor claims: none listed
Productivity
Granola
AI Summarizer · Note Taking · Meeting Transcription
About Granola
Granola transcribes your meetings and formats notes automatically, integrates with GPT-4 for post-meeting actions, and works on all platforms.
Theme: AI notes and voice · AI-native
Vendor claims: GDPR
Operations
Dropbox
FTP and File Uploads · Data Management and Storage · File Storage
About Dropbox
Dropbox is a file hosting service that offers cloud storage, file synchronization, personal cloud, and client software.
Theme: Work suites and collaboration
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Productivity
Journal
Knowledge library · Knowledge Base · Internal Knowledgebase
About Journal
Search and remember information across your work apps and beyond. From conversations to files to interesting articles - anything you need, Journal helps you find it.
Theme: Personal productivity
Vendor claims: none listed
IT & Security
Waterfox
Browser Testing · Open Source Management · Browser Security
About Waterfox
Provides robust tracking protection by default and incorporates Oblivious DNS to enhance online privacy, making it difficult for ISPs to monitor browsing activities.
Theme: Browsers and search
Vendor claims: none listed
Project Management
Asana
Task Management · Workflow Management · Agile Project Management
About Asana
Asana is a project management tool. It is the easiest way for teams to track their work and get results. From tasks and projects to conversations and notifications, Asana enables teams to move work from start to finish. It’s simple to get started, but powerful enough to run your entire business.
Theme: Work suites and collaboration
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Developer Tools
ngrok
Network Security · Proxy Servers
About ngrok
ngrok secure introspectable tunnels to localhost webhook development tool and debugging tool. ngrok is a multiplatform tunnelling, reverse proxy software that establishes secure tunnels from a public endpoint such as internet to a locally running network service while capturing all traffic for detailed inspection and replay.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: SOC 2, GDPR
Sales & Marketing
Google Ads
Display Advertising · Advertising Optimization · Mobile Advertising
About Google Ads
Google AdWords is an online advertising service where advertisers pay to display brief advertising copy to web users. Google AdWords' system is partly based on cookies and keywords predefined by the advertisers.
Theme: Sales, marketing, and CX
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Operations
Loom
Screen Recording · Screencast · Knowledge Sharing
About Loom
Loom is a video communication platform helping individuals and teams unlock the power of video in the workplace.
Theme: Work suites and collaboration
Vendor claims: SOC 2, GDPR
Operations
Spotify
Podcasting · Audio Marketing · Media Players and Streaming Platforms
About Spotify
Spotify is a digital music service that gives you access to millions of songs. It is a Swedish music, podcast, and video streaming service that provides digital rights management, protected content from record labels and media companies.
Theme: Personal and consumer apps
Vendor claims: GDPR
Productivity
Floorp
Browser · Data Privacy · Open Source Management
About Floorp
Enhances web browsing through speed, customization, and strong privacy features built on a Firefox foundation, offering users a secure and personalized online experience.
Theme: Browsers and search
Vendor claims: none listed
IT & Security
Firefox
Browser · Web Security · Browser Security
About Firefox
Firefox, developed by Mozilla, is a web browser that prioritizes user privacy and customization. It offers extensive features for blocking trackers and maintaining security, alongside support for numerous extensions and themes.
Theme: Browsers and search
Vendor claims: none listed
Project Management
ClickUp
Task Management · Scrum · Kanban Boards
About ClickUp
ClickUp's productivity software is making more productive projects with a beautifully designed and intuitive platform.
Theme: Work suites and collaboration
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Developer Tools
Bruno
Version Control · API Documentation · API Development
About Bruno
Bruno is a fast and Git-friendly open-source API client. It stores API collections as plain text files in folders on your filesystem, supporting version control tools like Git for collaboration. Bruno operates offline and will not support cloud sync to ensure data privacy.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: none listed
Developer Tools
Visual Studio
Application Development · Cloud IDE · IDEs and Text Editors
About Visual Studio
Visual Studio dev tools & services make app development easy for any platform & language.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Developer Tools
pgAdmin
DBA tools · Database Client · Database Management
About pgAdmin
pgAdmin is a tool for managing PostgreSQL databases.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: none listed
Productivity
Rectangle
Window Management
About Rectangle
Window management on macOS. Move and resize windows in macOS using keyboard shortcuts or snap areas.
Theme: Personal productivity
Vendor claims: none listed
Operations
UPS
Business Operations · Shipment Tracking · Operational Services
About UPS
UPS is a transportation and logistic company that offers a broad range of solutions including the transportation of packages and freight.
Theme: Ops, HR, and finance
Vendor claims: none listed
Developer Tools
DBeaver
Database Management
About DBeaver
Universal database client.
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Productivity
Slides
Presentations · Online Presentation · Presentation Design
About Slides
Slides is a place for creating, presenting and sharing slide decks
Theme: Personal productivity
Vendor claims: GDPR
IT & Security
MacPaw
Mac Management · Virtual Private Network (VPN) · Device Management
About MacPaw
Confirms user authenticity by requiring JavaScript and cookie activation, ensuring secure access to the platform while preventing unauthorized entry.
Theme: Security and IT
Vendor claims: SOC 2, GDPR
Design
Artlist
Royalty Free Music
About Artlist
Music licensing. Library of high-quality royalty free music for video, YouTube, advertising and film. From inspiring indie artists around the world
Theme: Design and video
Vendor claims: none listed
IT & Security
Bitwarden
Data Security and DLP · Password Management · Cryptographic Key Management
About Bitwarden
Bitwarden is a free and open source password management solution for individuals, teams, and business organizations
Theme: Security and IT
Vendor claims: SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR
Developer Tools
FileZilla
FTP and File Uploads · File Storage · Cloud Storage
About FileZilla
Transfer files using FTP, SFTP, FTPS, and Cloud Services including Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, Google Drive, and Microsoft Azure
Theme: Developer and data tools
Vendor claims: GDPR
IT & Security
uBlock Origin
Cybersecurity Solutions · Open Source Management · Ad Blocker
About uBlock Origin
Blocks unwanted content efficiently while conserving CPU and memory resources, delivering a robust solution for users seeking a cleaner web browsing experience.
Theme: Security and IT
Vendor claims: none listed
IT & Security
Citrix
Remote Management · Remote Support · Remote Monitoring
Source: Torii Research, anonymized and aggregated usage data. Published January 1, 2026. Summary figures computed from the 39 apps in this report.
What the data says
Teams are doubling down on core efficiency, with Productivity (10) leading the most frequent app categories, followed by Developer Tools (9) and IT & Security (7). The most common tags point the same way, led by AI Platform and Open Source Management, each on 4 apps.
There is also a clear push toward building with AI: AI Agent and AI Generated Images and Videos each appear on 3 apps, and Developer Tools is the second-largest category.
In terms of adoption, the high use of apps like Logseq (20% Adoption Rate) and Juicebox AI (16% Adoption Rate) suggests employees are actively seeking high-powered tools for information capture and specialized AI assistance.
The data
Show the full data table (39 rows)
| Rank | App | Category | Theme | AI-native | Adoption (%) | Shadow IT index | SOC 2 claimed | ISO 27001 claimed | GDPR claimed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Logseq | Productivity | Personal productivity | No | 20 | 93 | No | No | No |
| 2 | Juicebox AI | Human Resource | Ops, HR, and finance | Yes | 16 | 86 | Yes | No | Yes |
| 3 | Zen Browser | Productivity | Browsers and search | No | 14 | 96 | No | No | No |
| 4 | Cloudflare WARP | IT & Security | Security and IT | No | 11 | 90 | No | No | No |
| 5 | Reverso | Productivity | Personal productivity | No | 10 | 90 | No | No | No |
| 6 | Lovart | Design | AI content and media | Yes | 9 | 85 | No | No | No |
| 7 | Neovim | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 7 | 92 | No | No | No |
| 8 | Hera Video | Design | AI content and media | Yes | 5 | 82 | No | No | No |
| 9 | ChatOn | Productivity | AI assistants | Yes | 5 | 85 | No | No | No |
| 10 | GitHub | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 5 | 81 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 11 | DITTO | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 5 | 100 | Yes | No | Yes |
| 12 | DeeVid | Design | AI content and media | Yes | 5 | 94 | No | No | No |
| 13 | Wispr Flow | Productivity | AI notes and voice | Yes | 4 | 94 | No | No | Yes |
| 14 | Chatly AI | Analytics & BI | AI assistants | Yes | 4 | 88 | No | No | No |
| 15 | Granola | Productivity | AI notes and voice | Yes | 4 | 83 | No | No | Yes |
| 16 | Dropbox | Operations | Work suites and collaboration | No | 4 | 88 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 17 | Journal | Productivity | Personal productivity | No | 4 | 88 | No | No | No |
| 18 | Waterfox | IT & Security | Browsers and search | No | 4 | 82 | No | No | No |
| 19 | Asana | Project Management | Work suites and collaboration | No | 4 | 87 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 20 | ngrok | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 4 | 81 | Yes | No | Yes |
| 21 | Google Ads | Sales & Marketing | Sales, marketing, and CX | No | 4 | 81 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 22 | Loom | Operations | Work suites and collaboration | No | 4 | 81 | Yes | No | Yes |
| 23 | Spotify | Operations | Personal and consumer apps | No | 4 | 81 | No | No | Yes |
| 24 | Floorp | Productivity | Browsers and search | No | 4 | 100 | No | No | No |
| 25 | Firefox | IT & Security | Browsers and search | No | 4 | 100 | No | No | No |
| 26 | ClickUp | Project Management | Work suites and collaboration | No | 4 | 92 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 27 | Bruno | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 4 | 92 | No | No | No |
| 28 | Visual Studio | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 4 | 86 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 29 | pgAdmin | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 4 | 86 | No | No | No |
| 30 | Rectangle | Productivity | Personal productivity | No | 3 | 92 | No | No | No |
| 31 | UPS | Operations | Ops, HR, and finance | No | 3 | 92 | No | No | No |
| 32 | DBeaver | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 3 | 92 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 33 | Slides | Productivity | Personal productivity | No | 3 | 92 | No | No | Yes |
| 34 | MacPaw | IT & Security | Security and IT | No | 3 | 85 | Yes | No | Yes |
| 35 | Artlist | Design | Design and video | No | 3 | 85 | No | No | No |
| 36 | Bitwarden | IT & Security | Security and IT | No | 3 | 85 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 37 | FileZilla | Developer Tools | Developer and data tools | No | 3 | 85 | No | No | Yes |
| 38 | uBlock Origin | IT & Security | Security and IT | No | 3 | 100 | No | No | No |
| 39 | Citrix | IT & Security | Security and IT | No | 3 | 91 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Free to quote with attribution to Torii Research and a link to this page. A plain-text version is at shadow-it-index-january-2026.md.
How to read this index
- Adoption
- The percentage of monitored organizations where the app was adopted during that month: a monthly figure, not a running total. The list is ranked on this number where it is available.
- Shadow IT index
- How often the app is left as "discovered" rather than sanctioned through SSO or procurement, normalized to 0 to 100.
- Why it surfaced
- The app's top functional tags. Open an app for its full profile across every edition.
Definitions in the glossary; formulas and limitations on the Methodology page.
Changelog
- CorrectionCorrected two takeaways to match the table.
- UpdateMoved from toriiresearch.com; title standardized.
