It can be difficult to imagine the number of messages a business receives and sends daily, but the sheer number of conversations is enough to worry about security. While most instant messages do not particularly contain sensitive information, business owners do not want anyone outside the company to see them.
Securing enterprise instant messaging must be a top priority for businesses. It all starts with using secure platforms like Signal Messenger, but what are some other steps to ensure data privacy and protection?
- Use End-to-End Encryption
Competent hackers can intercept instant messages (IMs), and this could happen at any time. Enable end-to-end encryption to keep messages safe and ensure only the designated senders and recipients see them.
End-to-end encryption is a function that scrambles data during transit to protect calls and messages between two people. This prevents third parties, like service providers, from accessing the message’s information.
- Utilize Disappearing Messages
IM platforms commonly have a security feature called disappearing messages. As the name suggests, disappearing messages are conversations that delete themselves after a certain period. Apps like WhatsApp allow users to set a timer before the message is erased.
Disappearing messages are useful when sending critical information via instant messaging, as they prevent unauthorized people from seeing it.
- Verify All Senders and Recipients
Businesses must make it a common practice to verify all recipients before hitting send. This is especially important when a contact is asking for money transactions. Having a list of verified contacts can help employees sift through legitimate and suspicious conversations.
Additionally, scan any files with anti-malware scanners before opening. All links must be verified as well to avoid phishing.
- Use an Archiver
Mobile achivers are essential tools for monitoring and recording instant messages. Archivers are software that instantly captures, records, and collects all messages and stores them in a protected database for documentation.
Archivers are legally required for all businesses, especially in the finance, healthcare, and public service sectors. Having an archive not only protects messages but also ensures regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
By following these key steps, businesses can keep their instant messages secure for regular interactions. Being diligent and vigilant of information received and sent can save companies from potential damages brought by digital threats.
