The Aloofness of Apparent Advantages
It is almost a default setting for modern day workplaces to endorse the functionality of public chat tools for both internal and external communication. The convenience, ease of use and apparent cost savings that these tools offer make them an attractive option for companies looking to streamline their collaboration mechanisms. However, these apparent benefits often obscure the risks that they pose to your business, particularly concerning security and data privacy.
Perils of Privacy
Public chat tools were not built with your company’s privacy in mind. These platforms exist to monetize data, meaning that your company’s confidential information could potentially be used to fuel their revenue model. As a direct consequence, confidential work conversations and shared documents are at a heightened risk of being compromised. Here, we dive into the particulars of these privacy dangers:
Susceptibility to Data Breaches
Public chat tools are hot targets for hackers and cybercriminals. With the potential to access vast amounts of potentially profitable information, these platforms are constantly under the crosshairs of malicious intent. A successful breach could expose sensitive information including financial data, employee personal details, strategic plans, and client information.
Archival Policies & Data Ownership
Most public chat tools have stringent data archival policies. The fact that these platforms are free comes with certain conditions. One of these conditions is that your company no longer owns the data once it is shared on these platforms. In essence, the shared data usually resides on a third-party server which can be accessed, analyzed or shared according to the whims of the chat tool’s privacy policy.
The Taint of Non-compliance
Adopting public chat tools often means letting go of control on data handling, which puts companies at risk of non-compliance with a host of regulatory requirements and standards. This issue is especially pertinent for organizations dealing with healthcare, finance or government businesses.
Vulnerability to Legal Consequences
As a company, if your data is mishandled or misused in accordance with a chat tool’s policy, you might find yourself powerless against it. This risk is massively increased if any mishandling or misuse leads to a lawsuit. Even unintentional violations can lead – and have led – to heavy fines and irreparable damage to a company’s reputation.
Non-compliance with GDPR, CCPA and Other Regulations
Regulations like GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the EU, and CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act) in the US, demand businesses to maintain strict control over personal data. If the chat tool’s privacy policy or data handling mechanism is not in line with these regulations, your company could face severe penalties.
Imperfections in Productivity
While public chat tools promise to enhance team collaboration and productivity, they come with their own set of pain-points. These include incessant notifications, blending of professional and personal conversations, and information overload, which can potentially harm the overall productivity rather than enhancing it.
Security as a Salvation
The solution lies not in shunning all forms of chat tools, but in resorting to professional communication tools that are designed with business needs in mind. These platforms not only offer improved features for collaboration, but also ensure robust security, control and compliance to safeguard your company’s interest.
Wrapping Up
In this digital era, overlooking the security aspect can lead your company into a debacle of misuse or mishandling of sensitive data. To maintain propriety, it is critical to opt for professional communication tools that are designed to prioritize privacy, compliance, and security. The goal is to strike a balance between easy communication and stringent data protection regulations. Always remember: what seems convenient may not always be safe.