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COMPLIANCE6 BLOG

In today’s interconnected business landscape, ensuring secure and compliant communication within and outside your organization is paramount. Microsoft Teams Information Barriers has emerged as a valuable tool for managing internal communication and preventing conflicts of interest. However, its limitations in controlling external user communication pose a significant challenge for many companies. AGAT’s Ethical Wall/Information Barriers solution – the missing piece to complete your communication security puzzle. 

Understanding Microsoft Teams Information Barriers 

Microsoft Teams Information Barriers is a feature designed to regulate communication within an organization. It allows administrators to establish barriers between groups of users, preventing them from communicating with each other under certain circumstances. For instance, it can limit interactions between employees in different departments to maintain confidentiality or prevent conflicts of interest. 

The Limitation: Internal Focus Only 

While Microsoft Teams Information Barriers effectively manages internal communication, it falls short when it comes to controlling interactions with external users. This limitation poses a challenge for organizations that frequently collaborate with external partners, clients, or vendors. Without the ability to regulate these external communications, companies risk exposing sensitive information or violating compliance regulations. 

The Need and Benefits of Information Barriers for External User Communication Control: 

Imagine a large multinational corporation, Company X, with multiple departments spread across different regions. Company X frequently collaborates with external partners, including suppliers, contractors, and consultants, to drive innovation and business growth. However, due to the sensitive nature of their projects and the proprietary information involved, Company X needs to maintain strict control over communication with these external entities. 

Protecting Intellectual Property: Company X wants to safeguard its intellectual property and trade secrets. They need to restrict access to detailed project specifications, design plans, and proprietary algorithms to only essential team members within the organization, while still allowing collaboration with external consultants on specific aspects of the project. 

Compliance Requirements: Company X operates in regulated industries where compliance with data privacy and security standards is paramount. They need to ensure that their collaboration with external partners adheres to industry regulations and internal policies. Information Barriers for external user communication control enable them to maintain compliance by restricting access to sensitive data and ensuring proper oversight of communication channels. 

Maintaining Competitive Advantage: Company X understands that maintaining a competitive edge in the market requires discretion and confidentiality. By implementing Information Barriers for external user communication control, they can prevent the inadvertent sharing of sensitive information with competitors or unauthorized parties, preserving their competitive advantage in the industry. 

In this scenario, Information Barriers for external user communication control would allow Company X to maintain secure and compliant collaboration with external partners while safeguarding their proprietary information and maintaining their competitive advantage in the market. By implementing granular control over external communication channels, Company X can mitigate the risk of data breaches, protect their intellectual property, and foster trust and confidence among stakeholders. 

AGAT’s Ethical Wall/Information Barriers: Bridging the Gap 

AGAT’s Ethical Wall/Information Barriers solution fills the void left by Microsoft Teams Information Barriers’ inability to control external user communication. With AGAT, organizations gain granular control over all communication interactions, both internal and external. Here’s how AGAT’s solution addresses the shortcomings: 

Granular Control 

AGAT’s Ethical Wall empowers administrators with granular control over communication policies. Whether it’s restricting access to specific external users or managing communication channels with partners, AGAT ensures that every interaction is governed by predefined rules and guidelines. 

External Communication Management 

Unlike Microsoft Teams Information Barriers, AGAT’s solution extends its reach beyond internal communication. It allows organizations to manage and control communication with external users, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected and compliance requirements are met. 

Comprehensive Compliance 

AGAT’s Ethical Wall provides comprehensive auditing and reporting capabilities, enabling organizations to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements. By maintaining a detailed record of communication activities, companies can ensure accountability and transparency in their operations. 

Conclusion: Closing the Gap for Complete Communication Security 

In the era of remote work and digital collaboration, securing communication channels is non-negotiable. While Microsoft Teams Information Barriers offer valuable internal communication controls, its limitation in managing external user interactions leaves a crucial gap in communication security. AGAT’s Ethical Wall/Information Barriers solution bridges this gap, providing organizations with the tools they need to safeguard sensitive information, maintain compliance, and foster secure collaboration – both internally and externally. Don’t let limitations hinder your communication security efforts. Embrace AGAT’s solution and unlock the full potential of your communication platform. 

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