5 Purpose-Built Collaboration Apps To Secure Enterprise Communications

Are you looking for a more secure alternative to traditional unified communications and collaboration (UC&C) applications? In this article, we discuss a new software segment and how it can address secure collaboration requirements across governments and enterprises. We also share our top five recommendations in the secure collaboration app space. 

Security is among the key concerns that emerged amid a worldwide shift to remote work. 2020 was marked by numerous data breaches and a rise in cybersecurity risks, even as distributed teams scrambled to stay predictive and connected. StudiesOpens a new window suggest that there might have been a significant security trade-off during this shift. According to 36% of employees, the emphasis on convenient file sharing made them more complacent about data security. 37% use unauthorized collaboration apps every day to share files, and 26% regularly turn to personal email. 

In an even more worrying trend, it appears that data access controls aren’t being properly governed. 3 in 4 employees can access data they did not create, and 59% can view data from other departments. 

Clearly, the enterprise landscape is rife with vulnerabilities arising from the unplanned, unprecedented adoption of distributed work – without the proper checks and balances in place. That’s why in the last year, a dedicated category of secure collaboration apps have shot into prominence, challenging market leaders in a way and turning the focus squarely back on security. 

What Is a Secure Collaboration App and Why Do You Need One?

Secure collaboration apps can be defined as a subset of collaboration, messaging, and file-sharing technology that prioritizes security as a key functional aspect and follows the principles of security by default as well as by design. While leading, more mainstream collaboration tools need to be specifically configured and set up for secure exchanges, this category is purpose-built to plug the common gaps and vulnerabilities in remote data exchange. 

Secure collaboration apps are particularly useful in sectors like healthcare, academic research, military/defense, banking, and government services. 

That’s why the U.S. government was quick to lay down guidelinesOpens a new window for secure collaboration after the onset of the pandemic, ensuring that vitaL operational data, national secrets, and sensitive information do not get into the wrong hands. Similarly, Canada’s Department of Justice published guidanceOpens a new window on secure collaboration and the degree to which popular collaboration apps like Microsoft Teams or Cisco Webex might be compliant. 

To address these concerns, secure collaboration apps typically include one or more of the following features: 

• • End-to-end encryption – Not even the platform provider can read your data. 
  • Restricted external access – Collaboration with external organizations is available by default but is carefully monitored and moderated.
  • Security keys – The user gets a software and/or hardware key for decrypting data. 
  • Secure file transfers – File transfers are convenient (e.g., through in-line chat), but compliant with data security and compliance standards. 
  • Certifications – Apps are verified and certified by government agencies with the sole intent of supporting sensitive data exchange. 
  • On-premise deployment – Secure collaboration apps allow you to keep your data restricted to an on-premise location. 

Now, it can be argued that mainstream collaboration apps like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack, etc. also come with robust collaboration features. However, there are two challenges – first, setting up a fully secure implementation takes time and IT skills, which isn’t always possible for small organizations/government agencies. Second, most collaboration apps continue to prioritize functional value adds and usability over security, preferring to patch any vulnerabilities through retrofitting instead. It’s for this reason that Teams has a separate edition called Teams Government Community Cloud (GCC) that caters to government standard regulations in security. 

Secure collaboration apps (like the ones we’ll discuss shortly) bring the same level of protection and compliance to your data in any commercial environment, at any scale. 

Learn More: StrikeForce Takes a Swipe at Zoom, Launches Secure Videoconferencing Platform

5 Secure Collaboration Apps To Explore in 2021 

Here are 5 applications that are purpose-built for security, keeping you connected with your remote workforce while containing risks: 

1. Element Opens a new window

A messenger app that brings the privacy of personal face-to-face conversations to an organizational setting, Element targets teams, governments, and developers. It has an open architecture, which means there is easy federation across third-party apps, and messages are encrypted end-to-end. Chat participants are validated cross-signed device verification, and Element is rigorously audited for government implementations. 

2. HuddleOpens a new window  

Huddle is a secure collaboration solution meant for governance and the legal services industry. In addition to communication, it also features a FedRAMP-approved file storage system as well as task flows and approvals. Huddle has a host of additional security features, such as a  mobile pin, document version controls, detailed audit trails, and secure sharing outside the organization. Huddle is ideal for professional service providers like accountants or law firms that regularly work with external clients. 

3. Secured2Opens a new window

As a decentralized collaboration platform, Secured2 uses blockchain-like distributed networks to enable communications while maintaining security. It gives you a “digital safety deposit box” where you can drag-and-drop personal files into a secure storage array, and it brings together multiple collaboration apps in one place, for unified and secure collaboration. The app even offers a $1 million cyber indemnification warranty, promising your emails will never be hacked. 

4. Symphony Opens a new window

Symphony is an end-to-end encrypted communication and collaboration platform, heavily used by the financial services sector. It has a dedicated solution called Markets, for secure trade flow automation, and it integrates with SaaS apps like Salesforce, Jira, Box, etc. symphony uses data loss prevention (DLP) techniques, content archiving, and user entitlements to keep data access in check, even as you connect team members through chat and video calls. 

5. Wire Opens a new window

Messaging Layer Security (MLS), a new protocol for messaging encryption, is at the heart of Wire’s value proposition. It comes in three versions – Pro for secure collaboration, Enterprise for large-scale deployments, and Red for communication during a crisis. Interestingly, Wire uses 100% open-source code for full transparency, and it is compliant with ISO, GDPR, and SOX, along with other standards. 

All of these apps follow a zero advertising, zero sponsorship model so that your data is never at risk of being exposed to a third-party organization, even with your willing or unwilling consent. 

Learn More: 4 Key Elements of a Secure Video Conferencing Infrastructure

Adapting Enterprise UC&C for Greater Security 

In response to customers’ growing security concerns, companies like Microsoft and Zoom have started doubling down on their security measures. However, it should be kept in mind that security is not their core value proposition, which is why organizations who cannot afford a data compromise at any level should start considering secure collaboration apps. 

With time, the two worlds – unified communications and collaboration or UC&C and secure collaboration apps – will converge. Already, there are apps like AccellionOpens a new window , which add on a secure and compliant overlay to your collaboration tech stack. You can consolidate your chat and file-sharing tools in one place, gaining from end-to-end encryption, auto-malware quarantine, and default audit trails, while ensuring the convenience of traditional UC&C. But until such solutions become more widespread in adoption, you might have to pick your battles as they say and switch to an enterprise-grade secure collaboration app to achieve truly military-grade data security. 

Do you agree that the future of UC&C will be shaped by secure collaboration apps? Comment below or let us know on LinkedInOpens a new window , TwitterOpens a new window , or FacebookOpens a new window . We would love to hear from you!