WhatsApp is a widely used communications app, but using it for business purposes can come with risks. Nicole Allen, Senior Marketing Executive at Salt Communications, highlights the potential concerns associated with using WhatsApp for corporate communications and provides four reasons why businesses should consider a WhatsApp replacement.
One major concern is a breach of compliance. Recent news shows that many financial institutions have been fined for using “pervasive off-channel communications” and failing to preserve records of those communications. Executives who violated federal security laws faced consequences for their actions. In September 2022, eight companies and five affiliates agreed to pay $125 million each for compliance violations. These fines emphasize the importance of using tools that ensure secure and compliant communications.
Another issue with using WhatsApp for corporate communications is the lack of corporate admin controls. While WhatsApp does offer some admin controls for groups, it does not provide a wide variety of options to restrict user access to an organization’s data. This lack of control can lead to unauthorized groups being created and sensitive information being shared with external parties. In the event that a mobile device used for business purposes is lost or stolen, all official data on WhatsApp should be considered compromised. Without proper security measures, organizations are vulnerable to attacks and data leaks.
Productivity can also be impacted when using WhatsApp for business purposes. The app is not designed for continuous office operations, and its interface is reminiscent of personal messaging. This can influence employees to engage in non-work-related conversations, leading to decreased productivity. Many businesses discourage the use of personal messengers for confidential information and instead rely on secure communication systems designed for efficient work schedules.
Furthermore, using WhatsApp means giving up control over your data. Message exchanges on WhatsApp lack organization and channeling, making them non-compliant and insecure. This lack of control is a significant concern for organizations that need to manage their data properly, whether it’s a police force that requires complete control over communications for sensitive disclosure obligations or financial organizations that need to remain compliant. Popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp do not provide the option for organizations to retain control and visibility over their data.
Lastly, the prevalence of WhatsApp attacks is a cause for concern. While WhatsApp and similar messaging apps offer end-to-end encryption, this alone does not guarantee security. A well-known example is the Pegasus spyware, which has been used by various governments to hack phones. This spyware has been in the news frequently, with allegations of phone hacks utilizing it appearing every few months. Companies need to ensure they have control and management capabilities over their technology solutions to protect against such attacks.
Considering all these concerns, it becomes evident why businesses should seek a secure WhatsApp replacement. While WhatsApp was created for consumers, it has grown into a powerful platform that profits from profiling users and targeting content to them. Businesses should turn to secure communication systems like Salt Communications, who offer a comprehensive solution for encrypted communications. Their product provides centralized control for administrators, secure voice and video calls, messaging, file transfers, and acts as a replacement for WhatsApp. This enables organizations to keep all their communications in one secure place, promoting efficiency and data security.
In conclusion, using WhatsApp for business communications opens the door to various risks, including compliance breaches, decreased productivity, lack of control over data, and vulnerability to attacks. To mitigate these risks, businesses should consider adopting a secure WhatsApp replacement like Salt Communications. By prioritizing security and compliance, organizations can communicate with confidence and take control of their communications.