Are you or your employees relying on WhatsApp for business conversations? A casual ‘hey, how are you’ might seem innocent but businesses of even a small size could leave you vulnerable if you rely on this tool.
How popular is Whatsapp use in business?
You’re probably familiar with WhatsApp as a manager or owner of a small to medium-sized business. It is widely available, free, and simple to use. This makes it an alluring tool for quick client or team communication. However, despite being seemingly convenient, using it could put your company in serious danger in terms of operations, security, and the law.
The convenience of WhatsApp is overshadowed by its failure to meet stringent UK business communication regulations. A critical flaw is its non-compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). WhatsApp does not adequately address data storage, consent management, or data transfers outside the EU, posing a high risk of severe penalties and reputational damage. Furthermore, regulatory bodies like the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) have promised to penalise firms for using WhatsApp, where the inability to monitor and archive messages resulted in compliance failures. Additionally, without control over data storage and security measures on the servers, your sensitive business information remains vulnerable.
Security risks on platforms not built for business use
Despite its end-to-end encryption claim, WhatsApp is not inherently secure for business purposes. The encryption only protects data as it travels between devices; if a device is compromised, the encryption offers no protection.
Although Telegram is celebrated for its fast and private communication capabilities, it shares many of WhatsApp’s pitfalls for business use. It lacks comprehensive end-to-end encryption in standard chats and does not meet the business requirements for GDPR compliance or robust administrative control. These gaps render it similarly unsuitable for professional use.
Why Microsoft Communication and Collaboration Tools Are the Optimal Choice
For businesses seeking a reliable communication platform, Microsoft offers a robust suite of tools designed for professional use. Microsoft Teams, at the core of this suite, provides not only end-to-end encryption but also comprehensive compliance with GDPR and other regulations. It is engineered with advanced security features like multi-factor authentication and sophisticated administrative controls to safeguard your business communications.
Microsoft Teams enhances productivity by integrating seamlessly with the Microsoft 365 suite, facilitating a cohesive workflow with easy access to documents and schedules. This integration, coupled with automatic archiving and compliance management tools, ensures that Microsoft Teams is not only a communication tool but a comprehensive business solution.
While WhatsApp and Telegram might seem appealing for their ease of use and cost-effectiveness, the risks they pose far outweigh these benefits. Legal issues, security vulnerabilities, and operational inefficiencies can translate into significant costs for your business.
Crosstek recommends, first of all, evaluating your current communication tools and considering a switch to a more secure, compliant platform like Microsoft Teams. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation to develop a tailored communication strategy that aligns with your business needs, ensuring secure and effective communication.
You may also be interested in: Teams update boost collaborative working