Slack
Slack is a cloud-based collaboration platform designed for workplace communication. It offers features like instant messaging, file sharing, and integrations with various third-party applications. Many organizations use Slack to facilitate communication and project management within their teams.
Why Track External Slack Implementations?
While Slack offers significant communication benefits, organizations must identify and track all externally identifiable Slack implementations connected to their operations. It includes not just their own company Slack workspace but also those used by:
Subsidiaries and Affiliates: There might be separate Slack workspaces for different branches or connected companies, potentially creating data-sharing points.
Third-Party Vendors and Suppliers: Many vendors might use Slack to communicate internally within their teams when collaborating with your organization. It creates potential data exchange points.
Shadow IT: Employees might use unauthorized personal Slack accounts for work purposes, introducing security risks.
Understanding the entire Slack ecosystem is critical for cybersecurity reasons:
Attack Surface Expansion: Every connected Slack workspace represents a potential entry point for attackers. Vulnerabilities in a third-party's Slack setup could be exploited to access your organization's shared data within Slack.
Data Leakage: Slack is often used to share sensitive information like project details, documents, and credentials. A compromised workspace can expose this data and lead to breaches.
Misconfigured Integrations: Third-party integrations with Slack can introduce security risks if misconfigured. Malicious actors could exploit these integrations to gain unauthorized access.
Compliance Issues: Regulations like GDPR and HIPAA have strict data security requirements. Organizations must know where their data resides and how it flows through connected Slack workspaces to ensure compliance.
By comprehensively mapping their Slack ecosystem, organizations can proactively manage security risks and protect their data from unauthorized access within their network and those of their partners.
ThreatNG fortifying your Slack Ecosystem
ThreatNG, with its combined EASM, DRP, and security ratings capabilities, can be a valuable asset in securing your organization's third-party and supply chain ecosystem, particularly concerning Slack implementations. Here's how:
1. External Slack Identification:
ThreatNG can scan the public internet to identify all externally facing Slack workspaces connected to the organization, its subsidiaries, and its known vendors (third-party connections).
It includes uncovering shadow IT situations where suppliers or employees might use unauthorized personal Slack accounts.
2. Risk Assessment of Slack Workspaces:
ThreatNG can analyze the security posture of identified Slack workspaces. It includes looking for:
Public or Unrestricted Workspaces: Public or poorly configured workspaces accessible by anyone could expose sensitive data.
Misconfigured Integrations: Insecure integrations with third-party apps can create vulnerabilities.
Weak Password Policies: Lax password requirements can make it easier for attackers to gain access.
3. Continuous Monitoring:
ThreatNG can continuously monitor the external attack surface for changes, including new Slack workspaces or newly discovered vulnerabilities in existing ones.
4. Integration with Security solutions:
ThreatNG integrates with various security solutions to create a holistic security posture:
GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance): Identified risks are fed into the GRC platform, triggering pre-defined workflows for third-party risk management.
Risk Management Platforms: ThreatNG shares risk data to help prioritize remediation efforts based on potential impact.
SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM) solutions: ThreatNG can share details about the Slack workspace with the SSPM solution, which then assesses the supplier's overall security posture.
Workflow Example:
ThreatNG identifies an external Slack workspace: The organization receives an alert from ThreatNG about a public Slack workspace used by a supplier that contains sensitive project information.
Risk Management & GRC Integration: The risk is fed into the risk management platform and triggers a workflow in the GRC system for third-party risk management.
Communication and Remediation: The organization contacts the supplier, notifying them of the insecure workspace and requesting to make it private or remove sensitive data. The risk management platform tracks progress and ensures closure.
Desired Business Outcomes:
Reduced Third-Party Risk: Organizations can hold suppliers accountable for maintaining secure communication practices by proactively identifying and assessing external Slack workspaces.
Improved Security Posture: Continuous monitoring helps identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited, preventing data breaches and unauthorized access.
Streamlined Workflow: Integration with existing security solutions allows for a centralized view of security risks and facilitates a more efficient response process.
Enhanced Compliance: Improved visibility into third-party security posture helps organizations meet compliance requirements related to data protection.
ThreatNG is the initial line of defense, uncovering external Slack workspaces and potential security risks. It then integrates with existing security solutions to streamline the risk management process and achieve a more secure third-party and supply chain ecosystem, specifically with Slack communication.
