Navigating the Security Challenges of Collaboration and Communication Tools
Jonathan Boyle
Sales Manager Cybersecurity UK & I
Collaboration tools have revolutionised the way we work, connecting colleagues across time zones and streamlining communication for enhanced efficiency and productivity. The convenience of these tools has even had a positive impact on ESG initiatives: reducing the need for travel associated with in-person meetings and replacing them with online alternatives is a positive step for firms looking to adopt more sustainable practices.
However, with the increased reliance on novel business tools like Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Workspace to share data, files, and sensitive information, the potential for mistakes and threats looms large. As a result, it's essential for businesses to understand what they can do to protect these tools effectively.
Minimising the risks of data loss
The biggest risk to businesses when their employees use collaboration tools to share important information and files or conduct critical business activities is a data breach.
Data loss is sometimes accidental, but often malicious. Cybercriminals know that collaboration tools are used widely by enterprises, and see this as an opportunity to broaden their potential attack vectors. With many more attack vectors available for cybercriminals to exploit, the risk that any business could fall victim to a phishing or other malicious cyber attack is high.
It’s not just SMEs that need to be worried – large corporations aren’t immune from these risks, either. In 2021 Electronic Arts (EA) was hit by a sophisticated phishing attack that compromised its internal Slack channel. The attackers gained access to the channel using stolen employee credentials and proceeded to send messages to other employees, tricking them into providing additional login credentials. This attack had severe consequences for the company, as it was not only a data breach but also a potential security threat for its customers.
The lesson from high-profile cyber attacks like these is that no business or individual user is completely protected all the time. Regardless, businesses should strive for the very best protection they can. For many businesses this could mean adopting more advanced cybersecurity tools and technologies to protect the data shared in their collaboration apps, software, and tools.
Some businesses may look to implement more regular security audits, review their access controls, update software and firmware, or conduct penetration testing. Security awareness training could become necessary, with employees educated on best practices for password management and data and credential protection.
Monitoring and visibility will remain critical for businesses looking to secure their collaboration tools. It’s only by having complete visibility over the apps, software, tools and devices used by employees can businesses know where their exploitable vulnerabilities are. Continuous monitoring should examine login activity, data and file access and transfers, and any unusual or suspicious patterns and behaviour.
DataSolutions have the technology to support
DataSolutions is committed to delivering the best technologies to you, our partners, because we understand the challenges faced by the businesses and end-users you support. We work closely with Check Point Software to deliver next-generation security tools and technologies. Check Point Harmony Email and Collaboration (formerly Avanan) is traditionally known as the leading product for email security with its anti-phishing, URL protection, and account takeover protection capabilities. However, the platform has additional security capabilities that offer increased protection, especially for businesses using collaboration tools. For example, access control and malicious file and link detection is available for apps such as OneDrive, Microsoft Teams, Slack, Dropbox, Sharepoint and more.
With the boundaries of work now extending beyond the traditional office, and with employees having the flexibility to work from anywhere, businesses are relying on collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace more than ever. These collaboration tools are crucial for maintaining productivity and keeping the flow of business communication open.
But with the introduction of any new tool or technology, a raft of security concerns with it. Collaboration tools are no different. Businesses must stay aware of the potential security risks, and develop comprehensive and holistic cybersecurity strategies to ensure the safety and protection of their employees at all times. In doing so, their employees will be able to leverage the operational benefits of collaboration tools, while keeping business critical data secure.
If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with to find out more about how our technologies and solutions – including Check Point Harmony Email and Collaboration (formerly Avanan) – can provide unparalleled protection against threats from collaboration and communication tools you can contact Jonathan Boyle directly via email on jboyle@datasolutions.ie or reach out to him by connecting on LinkedIn
You can also check out some of our recent articles on our blog below.
