Unified Communications (UC) covers workplace messaging, meetings, voice and collaboration, for example Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack and Webex. These platforms speed up work, but they also create new routes for attackers, especially through shared links, external guests, and account takeover.
Guidance from the U.S. National Security Agency highlighted that phishing (messages designed to trick people into clicking malicious links or handing over credentials) increasingly shows up in chat platforms, including Slack and Teams.
If you are comparing UC security tools, ignore buzzwords and focus on four things that consistently reduce risk:
"Identity, SSE, DLP and Threat Detection."
1) Identity and Zero Trust UC
Identity is how systems verify who someone is and what they can access. It is the foundation of the Zero Trust security model, which assumes no user or device is trusted by default. NIST describes Zero Trust as shifting defenses away from a static network perimeter, focusing instead on users, assets and resources. CISA’s Zero Trust model also emphasizes identity and context as core pillars.
Compare vendors on how they strengthen:
- MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication): a second check beyond a password.
- SSO (Single Sign-On): one central login via an IdP (Identity Provider).
- Conditional access: block risky sign-ins based on context (device, location, risk).
- Least privilege: users and apps get only the access they need.
In demos, ask what happens when a compromised account tries to join sensitive meetings or message executives.
2) SSE for collaboration
SSE (Security Service Edge) is a cloud-delivered set of security controls that sits between users and cloud services. It is often positioned as the security-focused part of SASE (Secure Access Service Edge), a model for delivering network and security as a cloud service.
SSE offerings typically bundle capabilities such as:
- SWG (Secure Web Gateway): blocks risky web destinations.
- CASB (Cloud Access Security Broker): enforces policy in cloud apps.
- ZTNA (Zero Trust Network Access): secure access without broad network exposure. Some vendors also include FWaaS (Firewall as a Service).
For SSE for collaboration, prioritize outcomes: consistent policy across UC apps, strong controls on unmanaged devices, and safer external collaboration.
