5 Questions to ask Before Choosing a Secure Collaboration Platform

Secure collaboration and communication tools are essential for modern businesses. But with cyberattacks on the rise, choosing the wrong platform can put sensitive data at risk. To help businesses make an informed decision, we’ve compiled the five most important questions to ask before selecting a secure collaboration platform. 

1. Does the Platform Enforce End-to-End Encryption?

Industries that frequently deal with sensitive data security is a must-have feature, and security starts with encryption. End-to-end encryption (E2EE) ensures that only authorized users can access shared messages, files, and conversations. Unlike standard encryption methods that protect data only during transmission or optionally at rest and expose data in the clear in transition points at servers, E2EE safeguards information from the moment it’s sent until the intended recipient decrypts it. Remember that when E2EE is optional, it means that users will commonly opt for non-encrypted mode, so platforms must enforce E2EE by default and make it non-optional. Look for platforms that use strong encryption protocols like Messaging Layer Security (MLS) and a Zero Trust Architecture to enhance security.

2. How Does the Platform Handle Compliance and Data Sovereignty?

Different industries have strict regulatory requirements regarding data storage and access. In Europe, a secure collaboration platform must comply with regulations such as GDPR, DORA, NIS2, or ISO 27001. For EU businesses, the matter of compliance is especially relevant now that the legal framework for compliance of U.S. cloud solutions with EU data privacy laws is in serious question. Additionally, businesses must consider whether the tool allows for data sovereignty, ensuring that data is stored in specific geographical locations to meet compliance needs. If an organization operates in government or critical national infrastructure sectors, regulatory alignment is even more critical.

3. How Does the Platform Ensure Post-Login Identity Verification?

While login security is a given for applications, it is clear that hackers can find ways to compromise user credentials and even get past some forms of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). The ability to use a separate, independently secured system to verify identities and device authorization post-login is a necessity for deeper security. This identity verification must be automated and based on certificates rather than requiring manual intervention.

4. Can the Platform Support Secure External Collaboration?

Many organizations need to collaborate with external partners, vendors, or customers. However, external collaboration introduces new security challenges. The best secure collaboration platforms allow controlled access for external users while maintaining full security compliance. Features like guest access policies, encrypted file sharing, and limited data retention settings help ensure that external users only have access to what they need.

5. Is the Platform Easy to Use Without Compromising Security?

A platform can have the best security in the world, but if it’s difficult to use, employees will find workarounds (shadow IT), potentially exposing sensitive data. The best collaboration tools balance security with usability, offering features like intuitive, modern interfaces and frictionless onboarding. A user-friendly experience ensures security protocols are followed without frustration. Security should be powerful yet invisible. 

Final Thoughts

Selecting a secure enterprise collaboration platform is not just about ticking security boxes, it’s about enabling safe, efficient, and compliant communication that gets adopted, where the highest security is delightfully invisible. By asking these five questions, businesses can make an informed decision that safeguards sensitive information while supporting seamless collaboration.

If you're looking for a platform that meets these criteria, explore how Wire can help.