Mayo Wynne Baxter’s Post

📵NatWest has restricted staff from using messaging apps like WhatsApp for work, citing security concerns. In finance - and likely other regulated sectors soon - it's critical to keep data secure and communication auditable. But could restrictions like this stifle efficiency? 🤔 Quick messaging tools help teams stay agile, but they’re hard to monitor, posing compliance risks. It’s a tough balance between security 🔒 and productivity ⚙️. This shift might encourage all businesses to set clearer guidelines for work communication channels. How does your organisation handle this balance? 📲 Let’s discuss - do you think banning certain apps is the way forward, or is there a better approach? Share your thoughts! 👇 #WhatsAppAtWork #HROutsourcing #HRServices #DataProtection #Compliance #HRPathUK

Companies should be paying attention to communication methods used by staff, whether or not those staff are using their own devices or company provided. If they are using company supplied devices, then what restrictions have they imposed to ensure the safety and security of any information flowing through that device. A very interesting move. #natwest #watsappban #safercommunication #datasecurity

Natwest confirm a ban on the use of WhatsApp and other messaging apps on work devices ✉️ In an age of hybrid working and with increased duties being placed on employers regarding harassment, it is becoming increasingly important for employers to lay boundaries. Being clear with employees on what is and isn’t acceptable when it comes to forms of communication is key. Messaging platforms are very difficult for employers to police, due to the lack of visibility 👀 Clear policies around the use of mobile phones and IT/communications can help, but often these lie dusty on an office shelf and are outdated 📒 It will be interesting to see how successful this step is and any case law which may follow. https://lnkd.in/eh55ZD8n #HR #EmploymentLaw #HM3Legal #EmploymentLawyersChester

Do you use WhatsApp for business communications? This is an important read as to why it might not be the best solution, and why Natwest has banned staff from using WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger on company devices. https://lnkd.in/eAF4AD28

Struggling to monitor WhatsApp and other digital platforms? You’re not alone. The SEC continues to issue record-breaking fines to financial services firms for record keeping violations related to electronic communications. As platforms like Teams, Slack, Bloomberg, and WhatsApp become standard in the workplace, capturing and archiving these conversations is more critical than ever. At ACA, we help firms navigate the complexities of capturing and monitoring communications across multiple platforms. Don’t wait for a regulatory crackdown—take a proactive approach to your digital communications governance today. Explore more here: https://hubs.ly/Q02R6Bcy0 #surveillance #booksandrecords #recordkeeping #digigalcompliance #eComms #RegTech

NatWest Group Restricts Messaging Services NatWest Group has blocked WhatsApp , Meta Messenger, and Skype on company devices in the UK to ensure employees use approved communication channels for business discussions. Key Points 1. Restriction applies to work phones and computers. 2. Aimed at maintaining data security and compliance. 3. Employees are already instructed to us approved channels. Reasoning: 1. Enhanced security measures. 2. Compliance with regulatory requirements. 3. Prevention of data breaches. Implications: 1. Increased control over business communications. 2. Reduced risk of sensitive information leaks. 3. Standardization of communication platforms. https://lnkd.in/ggQpzDnB

NatWest’s move to block staff from using WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger has made headlines - I am surprised it’s taken this long for a corporate to make these headlines- many companies use consumer tech to communicate and much of the time they will be in breach of both GDPR and ISO27001 - but banning apps like WhatsApp to keep information secure simply isn’t enough. Companies can invest in a proper engagement platforms that pair enterprise-grade security with the consumer-grade technology (like messaging) colleagues expect. Leading engagement platforms also provide a single front door for all the tools employees need, delivering secure, instant access to resources — anytime, anywhere Read about NatWest’s ban 📲 https://lnkd.in/eV2TSv5w

The #WhatsApp dilemma takes a new turn as #NatWest bans its use, fearing the rising risks of non-compliance and data security in off-channel messaging. But clever tech is here to help and is much easier to implement than you might think. We seamlessly integrate WhatsApp and WeChat with business email and internal systems so firms can offer convenient messaging to clients without the compliance concerns. https://lnkd.in/euf5ghzE

𝗜𝘀 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀? 𝘌𝘷𝘢𝘭𝘶𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘪𝘴𝘬𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈𝘭𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘴 WhatsApp for YOUR business? Are YOU sure? I've written about this a few times, and it depends on your business needs and whether you're handling sensitive data. NatWest has banned WhatsApp on work devices to better control data sharing, opting for tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack for greater oversight and security. WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption is great for privacy, but it may not offer comprehensive security for business data. Managing sensitive information can be challenging without central control, increasing the risk of data breaches. Even backups on cloud services lack end-to-end encryption, exposing data to potential unauthorised access. Another concern is compliance with data protection laws like GDPR or CCPA. WhatsApp might lead to non-compliance, risking fines and reputational damage. Professional tools like Microsoft Teams and Slack provide better security features, centralised data management, and compliance certifications, ensuring data integrity and security. They integrate seamlessly with other business applications, enhancing productivity and collaboration. WhatsApp, designed primarily for personal communication, lacks the necessary security and compliance features to handle sensitive business data. The metadata collected can also be a concern, potentially revealing business operations and relationships. In conclusion, while WhatsApp is convenient, businesses handling sensitive data should consider more secure tools like Microsoft Teams or Slack. Choose wisely to ensure data security and regulatory compliance. Give us a shout, and we'll happily discuss it with you. #DataSecurity #WhatsApp #BusinessCommunication #MicrosoftTeams #Slack #DataPrivacy https://lnkd.in/eQT-jUTp

I find it quite ironic when companies emphasize the importance of storing their POSH data and employee information securely, especially during discussions about using technology for safe storage and record management. Especially when these companies themselves have not put any internal standards or secured any certs - and also even those who claim to have, still have no idea where all their POSH case files are floating. Currently, POSH case data is scattered across various personal devices—on laptops belonging to both internal and external members, shared over WhatsApp, with evidence being saved on personal systems. Laptops and phones with sensitive data often have shared passwords, and there’s no established process to verify if internal or external IC members have deleted case files. There’s also no tracking of how many times files have been downloaded or forwarded. Given this casual approach to handling POSH case data, it’s almost amusing when concerns are raised about trusting a single secure platform—while, in reality, the same sensitive information is already floating across countless unprotected platforms. Just another amusing conversation that made me laugh today.