Business success increases when organizations foster employee communication and collaboration. Simultaneously, they must maintain secure communication to protect their assets and valuable information.
Unfortunately, security is a common issue in corporate spaces. Many have experienced data breaches and they must continue to find ways to mitigate these risks. Here is how secure each communication method is and how companies can take steps to enhance security.
1. Video Conferencing
Video conferencing is an effective way to connect people from any remote location during a meeting. Since working from home has become the norm, various businesses have used video conferencing tools to communicate with staff members.
While video conference tools are considered relatively safe, one security vulnerability has recently made headlines. Uninvited attendees are gaining access by clicking on an invitation link. That way, they can interrupt important calls by sharing inappropriate images. This situation typically occurs when users share these links online and on social media sites.
To prevent unauthorized users from getting into a vital call, ensure the video conferencing tool has end-to-end encryption. This feature will protect video conferences and guarantee those conversations are secure.
2. Email
In most organizations, email is the preferred way to communicate with others. It allows users to send and receive complex information to an extensive list of recipients with the click of a button.
Unfortunately, email has a track record of breaches. From phishing to spam and breached email servers, it has been one of the most prominent security issues for companies. When using email, it’s best to look for a platform that verifies users’ identities and sends a warning if someone is outside of the network.
Businesses must train employees to use strong passwords and change them as often as possible. They should also use two-factor authentication to prevent hackers from gaining email access. In addition, they should avoid opening email attachments without scanning them with an anti-malware or anti-viral tool.
3. Text Messaging
Close to 81% of people own a smartphone in the U.S. Chances are, people use their smartphones to conduct business and use text messaging to communicate. Direct messaging is typically a secure communication method.
However, texting others through another platform isn’t always secure. More particularly, messaging apps are vulnerable to hackers.
The key is ensuring workers use a solution that provides enhanced security. For instance, Whatsapp is a text messaging platform that provides enhanced security for users. Always ensure these tools are using end-to-end encryption to protect individual text messages.
4. Voice Calls
While voice calls are an older technology, it remains one of the top ways of communication. Employees can quickly gather the necessary information with a quick phone call without setting up a video conference.
It is an important tool many companies use today. However, landlines and cellular calls have significant security risks. Unwanted third parties can intercept a private conversation by tapping into the call.
Voice calls are one of the least secure communication methods. However, they have less risk when businesses carry the conversation on a secure communications platform. Various platforms use the same end-to-end encryption video call technologies use. Ensure they have this feature to sustain more peace of mind during an important business call.
5. File Sharing
Staff must have access to essential data, especially remote workers. This may require sharing files in real-time. Whether it’s a video or a word document, employees need to guarantee confidentiality and security when transferring and storing files.
The key is end-to-end encryption. This feature will protect files for each user sending and sharing documents. A straightforward way to share files securely is by using cloud services.
A cloud file-sharing service allows users to upload their data to a central location. Then, users can download these files to their devices. The third-party provider hosts all of the data and users can specify who has access to files and their permission level.
For example, many enterprises adopt Google Drive, allowing users to share, collaborate and download files. While this requires a Google account, it’s a great way to keep information secure.
Keep Your Business’s End-to-End Communication Secure
Communication is essential to conducting business effectively. However, different communication methods can be vulnerable and are easy for hackers to breach.
Ensure these methods are up-to-date in security by implementing these tips. Doing so helps the company to move forward without disruption. Therefore, everyone can keep communications running smoothly and retain productivity.