Keep confidential information secure through encrypted text messaging, courtesy of Botdoc.
Texting is popular for communicating with friends, family, and even directly with businesses. A recent study highlighted that well over half (63%) of consumers actually prefer texting with businesses. This is highly convenient for both parties, but, when it comes to sending secure or confidential information through text messaging, think twice.
Traditional SMS and MMS texting are highly insecure for transmitting sensitive information due to their outdated security protocols and the ability for third parties to intercept them easily over cellular networks. Any personal information you send through SMS and MMS, whether to a co-worker or customer, could be exposed to eager cybercriminals if sent over an unencrypted connection.
So, how do you send private information through text?
Use End-to-End Encrypted Text Messaging
The best way to ensure the security of sensitive data sent through text messaging is to use an end-to-end encrypted messaging app. Though all communication is vulnerable to some degree, using end-to-end encrypted text messaging removes the probability of data interception over cellular networks. Choose your provider carefully, as some apps have security loopholes.
WhatsApp, for example, claims to use E2EE, allowing conversations to be securely stored on their servers and only accessible to the intended recipient. However, that claim to fame may not be 100% true, as a user can flag WhatsApp messages that get sent to Facebook for review. Unwanted spam messages have also increased on WhatsApp in recent years, making one wonder how secure their platform is in the first place.
Consider using a paid-for E2EE service that has the incentive to protect your texts.
Other Best Practices for Sending Sensitive Information
Always use a secure messaging platform, like Botdoc, coupled with data security best practices to share private information safely.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication
Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and added security protocols (e.g., biometrics) when setting up any online account. Using two-factor authentication ensures that even if someone tries to gain access to your messages, they still can’t view the contents without your authorization.
Financial, healthcare, and auto industries should especially take heed of this practice for their employees and customers. Most banks nowadays require customers to set up 2FA, following suit in the healthcare field paves the way for HIPAA compliance, and implementing both 2FA and E2EE at auto dealerships ensures compliance with the Safeguards Rule.
Update Your Device
Many people assume their smartphones are secure, but that’s not always the case. Clever hackers can easily tap into older devices with outdated software, allowing access to data stored on the device. Signs that your phone may have been hacked or infected with malware can include sudden, bright, or flashing pop-ups, unsent text messages or calls made from your phone, a rapid decrease in battery life, and unexplained or abnormal application behavior.
Update your phone or device to the latest software version as soon as it comes out. Software updates address existing issues, such as bugs and crashes. Additionally, antivirus updates are regularly released to maintain the highest level of protection from new viruses and malware.
Confidential File Share with a Business-Oriented Approach
Overall, text messaging can be a convenient way to exchange basic information, but it is not suitable for sharing confidential or sensitive data in a business-minded environment. Botdoc’s business-oriented file sharing app allows healthcare, automotive, and financial services to seamlessly share information between employees and to customers via text messaging, and you get to dictate the type, number, and size of files to send.
Close transactions faster, minimize compliance violations, limit data touchpoints, and automatically purge documents in no time– all with Botdoc. Schedule a free 15-minute demo today.