Security and backup deficiencies in Microsoft Teams
A survey by an IT security service provider has revealed that more than half of users share business-critical information via Teams platform. To make matters worse, most backup and security vendors overlook Teams as an important communication channel.
Cybersecurity software provider Hornetsecurity is making a strong case that there is a need for better protection for Microsoft Teams data in many organizations. A survey commissioned by Hornetsecurity highlights the often overlooked need for Teams backup and security. For example, the survey found that nearly half of users (45 %) frequently send confidential and critical information over the platform. Internal corporate communication via chat has now become established in many companies and is thus almost at the same level as communication via e-mail. The study was conducted by techconsult, an established German IT research and analyst firm.
Data loss in Microsoft Teams: loss of corporate information
The analysis found that 90% of respondents prefer user chats (direct messages) over group conversations (in a Teams channel). Overall, more than 41% of employees also send at least 10 user chat messages per day. Personal preference creates an uneven distribution of communication within the platform. Only slightly more than a quarter of all messages (26%) are sent in Teams channel conversations.
Almost half (45 %) of respondents also frequently share confidential and sensitive information via teams, of which 51 % frequently send business-related documents and data. 51% of users tend to send such information from privately used devices. Only 29% of users use a work device to send restricted or confidential data.
It is easy to make mistakes
The survey also showed that 48 % of all respondents sent messages about teams that they should not have sent. Notably, of this group, 88 % had already been trained in the use of collaboration solutions. In addition to improved backup, this highlights the need for better training on the use of teams as well as the risks of sending sensitive data.
Companies should consider Teams Backup for user chats as well
More than half of respondents (56 %) see employee training and awareness as the most important approach to reducing cybersecurity risks. However, with 89 % of respondents more likely to use direct user chat for communication, it is important to use a backup solution that protects all collaborative team functions.
Daniel Hofmann, CEO of Hornetsecurity, comments.: "The increasing use of chat services has changed the way people work. Unfortunately, with this change has come an increased risk of data breaches. Companies need to take appropriate security measures to protect business data. Otherwise, they risk data loss, lost productivity and financial damage. Microsoft does not provide robust protection for data shared through Teams. So businesses need to ensure that information and files shared through the platform are secured in a responsible manner."
Source: Hornetsecurity
