Page 144 - Cyber Defense eMagazine January 2023

There's no way you're still using Consumer Messaging

Apps for Business

By Nicole Allen, Senior Marketing Executive, Salt Communications

Consumer messaging apps are routinely utilised for business purposes even if they were intended for
personal usage. However, because of the legal requirements that apply to enterprises regarding data
protection, corporate governance, privacy, and record-keeping, this type of messaging app is not safe for
business use.

The emergence of messaging apps has been one of the most significant changes in the way we connect
with one another. Over 41 million messages are transmitted using messaging apps per minute, and 3 out
of every 4 smartphones today include messaging apps. So ensuring you're messaging your professional
contacts in a safe and appropriate manner is essential.

What is the problem?

Some collaboration and communication platforms are more suited for organisations than others, and not
all of them are developed for the same use case. The difference between consumer and enterprise
messaging apps in terms of data protection, security, and compliance makes this more apparent in some
cases much riskier.

Consider two instances of modern consumer communications apps - WhatsApp and Zoom. These
technologies are frequently taken into account for organisations, but they have a history of putting data
at risk, falling short of the security requirements needed to guard against significant security risks, and
let's not forget their murky privacy policies.

Cyber Defense eMagazine – January 2023 Edition 144
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