Key points

• Proper classification of sensitive data is crucial to maintain security within Slack.
• Slack's collaboration features make it vulnerable to accidental or malicious data exposure.
• Data classification policies ensure sensitive information is protected and compliant with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.
• Metomic's data classification software automates the discovery and classification of sensitive data in Slack, helping organisations enforce access control.

​​Slack is great for team collaboration, but its dynamic, real-time environment can lead to sensitive information slipping through the cracks.

Platforms like Slack have transformed the way teams collaborate, making it easy to communicate and share information in real time. From project discussions to sharing sensitive files, everything happens in one place, effortlessly.

But with that convenience comes risk. Sensitive data can be shared accidentally or accessed by the wrong people. That’s where data classification comes in—it helps organise and safeguard information based on its sensitivity.

In open environments like communications platforms, having specialised data classification strategies is crucial. Without clear policies, sensitive data can easily spread across channels, so balancing seamless collaboration with strong data security is essential.

Challenges with managing data in Slack

Slack’s open sharing features are fantastic for teamwork, but they come with some risks:

• Accidental Sharing: With so many conversations happening, it’s easy to accidentally or intentionally share sensitive info—like passwords or financial details.
• Public Channels: Anything shared in public channels is visible to everyone, which can lead to unintended exposure of sensitive data.

As more businesses rely on Slack and other SaaS platforms (with 77% of the Fortune 100 using it), the risk of data leaks increases. High-profile breaches at companies like Disney, Uber, and EA Games show just how crucial it is to manage your data carefully.

What data classification and labelling features are in Slack?

Slack, and in particular Slack for Enterprise, provides basic security features, including:

• Permissions and controls: Admins can set access levels for channels and direct messages to limit who sees what.
• Enterprise Key Management (EKM): Available on Enterprise Grid plans, allowing organisations to manage their own encryption keys.
• Third-Party integrations: Slack supports connections with external Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools for enhanced security.

However, Slack’s native features have limitations:

• No Advanced Data Classification: Slack doesn’t offer tools for tagging or labelling data by sensitivity, making detailed classification challenging.
• Retention Policies: Data is retained indefinitely by default, with basic retention settings that aren’t automated or detailed.
• Exposure Risks: Slack’s integration with third-party apps and recent findings of over 17,000 Slack credentials for sale on cybercrime markets highlight risks of data exposure.
• Limited Visibility: Without additional tools, monitoring and controlling sensitive data flow within Slack is difficult.

In essence, while Slack provides foundational security features, organisations often need third-party solutions for comprehensive data classification and protection.

What are the benefits of data classification in Slack?

Effective data classification in Slack brings a host of benefits, making it easier to keep your information safe and compliant:

• Enhancing data security: By categorising your data, you can ensure that sensitive information is properly protected. This means that even if data is accidentally shared or exposed, it’s classified and controlled to minimise potential harm.
• Managing and controlling access: Classification helps you control who can see and access different types of information. For instance, you can set up permissions so only authorised team members can view sensitive details, reducing the risk of internal leaks.
• Improving compliance: With data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA becoming more stringent, classification helps ensure that you’re meeting these requirements. By properly labelling and controlling access to data, you can demonstrate that you’re handling information responsibly and in line with legal standards.

Key strategies for data classification in Slack

To really get the most out of Slack, it's important to have a plan for managing your data securely. Let’s dive into some practical strategies that can help you stay on top of things:

Building a human firewall

A strong defence starts with your team. Getting employees involved in understanding data classification is essential for creating a "human firewall" that protects your sensitive information.

Real-time feedback in Slack can go a long way in improving data-sharing habits. Shockingly, 23% of organisations don’t even have formal compliance training, so keeping everyone informed is key.

Defining data classification policies

Setting up a clear data classification policy makes everything easier. By categorising your data based on its sensitivity—like public, internal, or confidential—you can reduce risks and improve how your team handles it. The benefits are huge. Companies with good classification systems detect security issues faster, with 24% spotting incidents within minutes and 43% within days.

Monitoring and auditing classified data

Once your data is classified, keeping an eye on it is vital. Regularly auditing your Slack channels helps catch any unauthorised access. Automating these checks can save you time and ensure sensitive data is flagged as soon as it appears, keeping your Slack environment secure and compliant.

How Metomic can help

Managing sensitive data in Slack can be a breeze with Metomic. Here’s how it makes life easier:

• Automatic data classification solution: Metomic’s smart technology automatically finds and classifies sensitive data in your Slack channels and files. Whether it's personal details, health info, or financial data, it’s got you covered.
• Real-time scanning: As you share files and messages, Metomic scans them in real time. This means it spots sensitive information instantly, so you can address potential issues before they escalate.
• Custom rules and alerts: You can tailor Metomic’s rules to fit your organisation’s needs. It’ll alert you if any sensitive data pops up, and can even redact it automatically, if needed.
• Comprehensive reporting: Metomic provides detailed reports and analytics, so you always know what's happening with your data. It helps ensure you stay compliant with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

With these features, Metomic helps keep your Slack data secure and compliant, giving you peace of mind.

Getting started with Metomic

Getting started with Metomic is simple and can significantly improve your data security within Slack. Here’s how to begin:

Free risk assessment

We offer free risk assessments to help you understand potential data security risks within your Slack environment. You can kick things off with a Slack-specific risk assessment here.

Book a personalised demo

Prefer a more hands-on approach? Book a personalised demo with our security experts to see how Metomic can be customised to suit your organisation's unique data classification needs in Slack.

Taking these steps will set you up for success in securing your Slack environment quickly and easily.