Data leak issues push firms to WorkApps

‘Privacy is high priority; WhatsApp substitute fits the bill’

Information conveyed through publicly available tools can compromise client data, says a CIO.

With messaging software WhatsApp becoming the quintessential mode of communication for official chats in companies, concerns related to data leaks are making organisations adopt new applications that have higher privacy standards and still offer the ease of instant messaging.

Companies such as Hero Motors, Edelweiss, HDFC, Piramal Swasthya, Essel Forex and Vega Helmets have implemented an Indian application called WorkApps Chat that is similar to the popular social messaging service but one which comes with restrictions in copying and forwarding the messages and even bars taking screenshots.

Incidentally, recent orders by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) against Axis Bank and HDFC Bank also highlighted the issue of unpublished price sensitive information being allegedly leaked to outsiders over WhatsApp.

“WorkApps Chat allows the company to secure the whole fort in terms of data security and privacy,” said MVS Murthy, co-founder and COO, WorkApps Product Solutions.

Restricted features

“Users on our app cannot forward any file or attachment nor can copy-paste any content to any external app,” he added.

The company was started in August 2016 and went live with WorkApps Chat in November. The application allows user companies to house the server in their premises and have complete control on the data and the group. Other than the ease of use, WorkApps Chat has many security features such asadmin approved access, disabling file download, deleting data when a particular employee exits.

Salil Datar, CEO, Essel Forex switched to WorkApps Chat about six months ago when he was looking for a secure mode of communication with his sales team while dealing with sensitive data on money exchange rates and foreign currency.

‘No access to ex-staff’

“Chat groups are the most common mode of communicating nowadays but when a person leaves, he still has access to all the information that has been shared in the group before he left,” said Mr. Datar adding he needed a secure communication application that offered complete control of the data and also ownership of the trail.

While six companies currently use WorkApps Chat, another five are in talks to implement the tool. One of the largest private sector banks, along with a ‘Big Four’ consultancy firm, is also in discussions. “Given that we deal with sensitive information related to our clients, finances, etc., a secured communication channel/application is the need of the hour,” said the chief information officer of one of the large consultancy firms that is using WorkApps Chat on a pilot basis.

“If such information is intentionally or unintentionally passed on publicly available chat messengers, it can compromise the company or client’s data. Hence, we are evaluating a solution that is relatively safe and secure from a data perspective. The server will be on our premises so we have better control on the data,” he added.

The application also allows companies to know the location of their employees, which helps in mobile workforce management.

Rajiv Rai, chief digital officer, Edelweiss Group, which started using WorkApps about a year ago, said while currently niche teams within the organisation are using the app, they plan to extend the use to not only all the employees but also the distributors who deal with customer KYC (Know Your Customer) documents.