How to Secure Your Slack for ISO 27001 and Get the Compliance Badge/Seal

 

Securing Slack for ISO 27001 means making sure your Slack setup protects information and meets the international standard for information security management. Getting the ISO 27001 badge/seal involves not only securing your environment, but also showing auditors you have effective policies, controls, and processes in place. Here’s how to do both clearly and simply.

• Access Control: Make sure only the right people have access to your Slack workspace. Use single sign-on (SSO) if possible, and always turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) for all users. Remove ex-employees and monitor guest accounts regularly.
• Data Protection: Set workspace policies so sensitive information is never shared in public or open channels. Configure Slack Enterprise Grid for data loss prevention (DLP). Regularly delete old messages and files you no longer need.
• Audit Logs and Monitoring: Enable ‘Audit Logs’ in Slack. Review these logs for unauthorized actions, changes in permissions, or suspicious activity. This is a key ISO 27001 requirement for tracking and proving control of your data.
• App Management: Limit which third-party apps and integrations are allowed. Approve only those that meet your security requirements, and review app permissions often. Disable apps no longer used.
• Encryption: Slack encrypts messages and files by default, but you must check their documentation for any advanced encryption options, especially if you hold highly sensitive data.
• Backup and Retention: Define your business’s data retention policies. Slack Enterprise Grid offers granular controls over data retention and export, which helps align with ISO 27001 requirements.
• Incident Response: Have a documented process covering what your team should do if a Slack security issue is detected. Train your users on how to spot and report incidents (such as phishing attempts).
• Policies and Training: Document all the above steps in your security policies. Conduct regular user training to keep employees aware of safe Slack usage and company rules.
• Regular Assessments: Audit your Slack settings often. Use readiness assessments by outside firms like OCD Tech to identify compliance gaps and get advice tailored to your environment.

 

What’s Required for ISO 27001 Compliance and Passing the Audit on Slack

 

To get the ISO 27001 badge/seal, auditors look for evidence that you have a comprehensive set of security controls, processes, and documentation. The most important items for Slack users are:

• Risk Assessments: Document risks linked to using Slack (e.g., unauthorized access, data leaks) and show how each one is controlled.
• Evidence: Be ready to prove everything—from access logs, security configurations, and employee training records, to policies and incident reports.
• Leadership Approval: Senior management must approve your Slack-specific policies and support ongoing reviews and improvements.
• Continuous Improvement: Keep your security controls up to date as Slack, your users, and ISO 27001 rules evolve. Document all changes and lessons learned.

Getting ISO 27001 compliance for your Slack workspace is much more than IT security—it’s about holistic management and ongoing discipline. A third-party consultant like OCD Tech can help you do a robust readiness assessment, close identified gaps, and guide you through the audit to earn your ISO 27001 badge/compliance seal.