Microsoft bans applications like Slack for security concerns

More than 100,000 employees in Microsoft will no longer be able to use Slack. The list also includes the Grammarly application; along with Google Docs and Amazon Web Services, which are “discouraged for use” inside the company. The reason to ban Slack is related to security issues. An internal memo states that: “Slack Free, Slack Standard and Slack Plus versions do not provide required controls to properly protect Microsoft Intellectual Property (IP).”

Microsoft is also pushing cybersecurity with its ‘Team’ product internally. “Existing users of these solutions [Slack] should migrate chat history and files related to Microsoft business to Microsoft Teams, which offers the same features and integrated Office 365 apps, calling and meeting functionality.”

However, the memo also gives special permission for Slack Enterprise Grid version. Microsoft says that the Slack Enterprise Grid “complies with Microsoft security requirements; however, we encourage use of Microsoft Teams rather than a competitive software.” On the other hand, considering the costs involved, employees would prefer to use the Microsoft Teams option.

On the other hand, Microsoft is also discouraging its people to use AWS and Google Docs. If the employees wish to use it, a ‘business justification’ will have to be submitted. What’s more- even GitHub (that’s owned by Microsoft) is also being pushed out, especially for “Highly Confidential types of information, specs or code.”