WhatsApp at work

The rise in the business world of instant messaging applications such as WhatsApp, to communicate with other people, can cause risks to the security of the information that is shared.

It is common knowledge the repercussions caused to WhatsApp by the change in its privacy policy and the number of users around the world who have stopped using this application.

Safety measures

WhatsApp is an application for private use and should not be used for sharing information in the work/business environment (documents, photos, etc.) with employees, clients, suppliers, etc.

Only in those cases where its use is essential, the business version will be used. WhatsApp Business and the following security measures should be applied:

— Request express consent from users to use WhatsApp as a means of communication.

— Use WhatsApp for informational purposes only.

— Never exchange personal or confidential data, whether in texts, documents, photos or video attachments, etc.

— Preserve the confidentiality of the users (identity or data that can identify the person), in case of creation of groups.

— Always have the latest version of the application used.

— Use secure devices for the use of these applications.

Benefits of WhatsApp Business

WhatsApp Business works in exactly the same way as the private version, but it has “Company Settings” where all corporate data must be included to identify the company and show how to contact in a clear and simple way, something essential in the data protection regulations.

In addition to being free of charge, it can be downloaded to the PC and also offers additional functionalities to the private version. For example:

Welcome messages: immediate greeting when a customer writes to you.
No-show messages: automatic reply when a customer writes to you outside your available hours.
Quick responses: set up keyboard shortcuts to send frequently typed responses.
Statistics: shows the number of messages sent, delivered, received and read.

Digital rights

The following must also be taken into account Digital RightsPaying special attention to the times used to send communications and send messages exclusively during working hours. We remind that there are sanctions regarding the use of digital tools to communicate with employees that have been sanctioned, see the Prosegur case.

Risk and Impact Assessment

In addition, companies that make use of instant messaging, must carry out a Risk Assessment and if necessary an Impact Assessment(EIPD), to determine if extraordinary security measures need to be implemented.

Count on experts

Therefore, it is recommended to rely on expert data protection consultants, as is the case of Business Adapter® data protection in Valencia, which will analyze your case and will elaborate the rules of use of instant messaging integrated into your security policy, rules for employees, clauses to obtain consent, as well as a Risk Assessment and if necessary an Impact Assessment.

[su_button url=”https://businessadapter.es/contacto” target=”blank” background=”#f6f903″ color=”#181818″ size=”7″ center=”yes” icon_color=”#000000″]WE HELP YOU[/su_button]