FROM THE BLOG

Top Features to Look for in a Secure Messaging Tool

June 14, 2023

When selecting a secure communication solution for your business, it’s important to know what features to look for in order to ensure that your data and messages remain secure. Because technology can be overwhelming, we’ve put together a simple but comprehensive list of the top features that every secure communication tool should have in order to protect your data. Read on to discover the essential features you should look for when selecting a secure communication tool for your business.

What to look for

When it comes to secure communication tools, there are more than a few options out there. However, not all tools are created equal. Knowing what to look for is essential when making a decision as to which secure communication tool is right for your business.

Secure Encryption and Protocols

The first feature to look for in a secure messaging tool is robust encryption and protocols. A secure void is essential for protecting communication. Look for tools that utilize strong encryption algorithms like AES-256 or RSA, which provide an additional layer of protection. Additionally, ensure that the tool supports secure protocols such as TLS, SSH, or IPSec, guaranteeing a secure connection between devices.

Reputable Certifications and Reviews

Verifying the security credentials of a messaging tool is crucial. Look for providers with industry certifications like FCoP or FIPS 140-2, as these certifications validate their commitment to secure communication. Furthermore, read up on the latest reviews from reputable third-party organizations to gain insights into the tool’s security performance and reputation.

A Comprehensive Toolset

Consider the tools included in the secure messaging package. Look for providers that offer a comprehensive suite of features, covering essentials such as secure file transfers, but also integration with email clients, digital rights management, and any must-have’s in your organization. Ensure these tools are reliable and user-friendly, allowing your organization to communicate securely across various channels seamlessly.

Reliability and User-Friendliness

A secure messaging tool must be reliable and easy to use, or it just won’t be used. Look for providers that offer a secure network accessible across multiple devices, enabling seamless communication regardless of the platform used. 

Additionally, consider the deployment process—opt for tools that are easy to deploy and integrate into your existing infrastructure, allowing your organization to quickly adopt and utilize the communication tool. 

Ideally, your tool shouldn’t require complex key management procedures or overly complicated setup processes (which, managed poorly, could serve to jeopardize your data!). 

True end-to-end encryption

When it comes to secure messaging tools, one crucial feature that must be present is true end-to-end encryption: the data transmitted must be encrypted throughout its entire journey from user to user.  Here’s why true end-to-end encryption is essential for ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of your communication:
 
  1. Protection against Eavesdropping: end-to-end encryption is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the contents of your messages. With true end-to-end encryption, the encryption and decryption of messages occur exclusively on the sender and recipient’s devices. This means that even if a third party intercepts the communication, they cannot decipher the content without the encryption keys held only by the intended recipients. True end-to-end encryption ensures that your messages are protected from eavesdropping and unauthorized surveillance.
  2. Security from Intermediaries: traditional communication systems often rely on intermediaries, such as service providers or servers, to facilitate message transmission. These intermediaries can potentially access and store your messages, creating vulnerabilities to data breaches or unauthorized access. With true end-to-end encryption, the message contents remain encrypted throughout the entire communication process, rendering intermediaries unable to decrypt or access the information. This ensures that your messages are protected from any compromise at the intermediary level.
  3. Mitigation of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks. A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack occurs when an attacker intercepts and alters the communication between two parties. This type of attack can be used to eavesdrop on conversations, modify messages, or inject malicious content. True end-to-end encryption prevents MITM attacks by ensuring that the encryption keys are securely exchanged only between the sender and the intended recipient. This way, any attempts to intercept or tamper with the communication are detected, as the encryption keys won’t match, maintaining the integrity and security of your messages.

Don’t settle for less

When it comes to secure communication, using the best tools available is essential. Knowing what features to look for in a secure communication tool will help ensure that your organization is secure no matter the platform or device being used. With the right features, your organization can safeguard its confidential information and stay in control of its communications.

Secure communication tools are more important than ever. Companies must have secure communication tools to protect their data, and they must have features like end-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication for increased security, and audit logging to ensure data is properly monitored and maintained. With secure communication tools, companies can increase their security and protect their data. 

With the appropriate security measures in place, companies can rely on secure communication tools to keep their data safe and secure, allowing them to continue conducting business without any fear of data breaches or other security risks. 

Secure communication tools are essential to protect companies from data loss and cyber attacks. Investing in the right secure communication tool provides organizations the peace of mind and security they need to stay safe

WRITTEN BY
EverythingBlockchain
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